Katherine Basham: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: HampshireWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Katherine-Basham-409842476027080/?view_public_for=409842476027080Office sought: Hampshire Village President Age: 25Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Construction Industry, Finance Industry, Marketing, Sales, Small Business OwnerEducation: High School- Hampshire High School Associate Of Arts- Elgin Community College Associate of Science- Elgin Community CollegeB.S. in Finance- OngoingCivic involvement: NoneElected offices held: NoneQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I am the best candidate for Village President because I a Hampshire High School graduate and intend to be a life long resident of this community. I have a background in Finance and Business. I have a passion for this town and a commitment to it's success! Furthermore, I seek to release the shackles on our community imposed by the sanctimonious lack luster leadership of the incumbent. I intend to get back to basics to rebuild this community by encouraging small businesses to open, creating jobs within our community and decreasing taxes by exercising fiscal responsibility. Bottom line is that this town is my home, the residents my family and I am stepping forward with intention of making the community ours again!How would you describe the condition of your community's budget, and what are the most important specific actions the town should take to assure providing the level of services that people want?Our budget is pregnant with an inordinate amount of tax dollars going out to third party consultants and service providers meanwhile our taxes are baring the brunt of this assault with a 7.5% increase in property taxes.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?We can trim the budget by canceling the outsourced third party service providers and bringing the jobs back to Hampshire, meanwhile creating jobs within the community and putting Hampshire residents first.Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.I have an open door leadership style. I intend to listen to the needs of the residents of Hampshire and I will be encouraging them all to step forward and take an active role in the re-building of our community. I intend to foster an environment where this mindset will not only be welcomed, but encouraged, this will be critical to ensuring that I meet the needs of our community during my 4 yeas. In addition I will be putting together concise agendas for the board as part of a collaborative effort to ensure the needs of the community are met.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Candidate did not respond.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I want to make this a community for families. I want more activities for the children and also more activities that parents can participate in with their children. Another important issue is the substandard housing that seems to be cropping up in the original section of Hampshire. I would like to work with the owners of these properties to find ways to repair and upgrade the depressed homes and strengthen property values. Lastly, I am appalled by the lack of business growth in our town. We have more small businesses offering vital services closing their doors than opening anew.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Candidate did not respond.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?You have to fight for what you believe in.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Candidate did not respond.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?My favorite subject in school was Math. It helped me to understand the principles of good business and also financial responsibility.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Never give up. No matter how hard something is. If it is important to you never stop and never loose hope.