Lincoln Knight: 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: WaucondaWebsite: www.waucondaforward.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Lincoln Knight, Village of Wauconda TrusteeOffice sought: Wauconda Mayor Age: 54Family: 6 Children (grown)15 grandchildrenOccupation: SalesEducation: Some CollegeCivic involvement: Wauconda Lions Club - DirectorWaucondaFest Committee MemberWauconda Triathlon Committee MemberWauconda Moose Lodge - MemberWauconda Area Youth Soccer Club - Past President, VP, Coach, RefereeElected offices held: Wauconda Park District Commissioner 2001-2005(President 2004-2005)Village of Wauconda Trustee 2005- PresentVillage of Wauconda President (Mayor) Pro-Tem 2011- PresentVillage of Wauconda - CLCJAWA Board MemberQuestions Answers If elected, what will you do to prevent the type of animosity between the mayor, the board and the public that plagued Mayor Bart's term? How will you run the mayor's office differently than your predecessor?I listen to everyone with an open-mind, and take into account all sides before making a decision. That being said, just like life, some issues can become very emotional. I do not let emotions control my thoughts; I weigh the best options for our residents and business owners with the input from many. A village is a collaboration of elected officials, staff, residents and business owners. I certainly do not claim to have all the answers, but do know how the process works and surround myself with people who will work to have the best interests of the entire village in mind.What was village hall's biggest failure of the last four years, and how would you have solved the issue or acted differently? What was the village's biggest success of the last four years?This may be a two-part question, but is really a one-part answer: Lake Michigan Water.Our voters approved a referendum to obtain Lake Michigan Water by a 2-1 vote back in 2012. After several years of studies, meetings and negotiations Wauconda was very close to being admitted into CLCJAWA as a member to deliver a clean, sustainable, potable source of water for our community.Unfortunately, when it came down to the vote, which required a unanimous 9-0 vote, we were denied admittance with a 1-8 vote.This was more than disappointing to the Trustees and residents. Many people worked very hard to bring LMW to our town that sorely needs it, to let this valuable resource fade away.I worked (with Trustee Starkey), behind the scenes with the Mayors of eight villages/towns and County Board Members of CLCJAWA, for almost a year to bring it forward one last time.With this concerted effort, we were given one final opportunity and as most know, were successful with a 9-0 vote in favor of Wauconda's admittance.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?We have consistently operated on a very lean budget. Currently, we have a balanced budget and our core-services are being handled effectively. Also, the Trustees have put into place a monthly report to track our finances. In addition, we have a sufficient fund balance to get through most unforeseen emergencies. This past year our only increase in the levy was approximately 1%, and this was due to the police pension fund, which is mandated by the state.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 am goal-oriented with high levels of collaboration, and lead in a very light and open style. Part of my belief is to have projects assigned and to have follow-up meetings with reviews. Obviously, this goes along with working with people who are professionals in their field. This also means that our decisions coincide with the boards strategic goals.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I will bring back resident involvement on our committees. A few years ago we re-structured our committees. This has been beneficial for the most part, however I believe as times have changed, there are areas for improvement. I would bring interested (and committed) residents to working on these committees in an advisory role, with our board members and staff. We can all benefit from each others knowledge and experiences, which will inevitably make for smoother and easier transitions.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Economic Development; always seems to be a "buzz-word" in government, but may need to be looked at in a different light in these ever-changing times. With the economy turning around, investors have become more interested and we need to capture that "interest". I would like to re-vitalize a version of two programs we used to have here in Wauconda. First, organize a Economic Advisory group comprised of local business owners and professionals that will offer their insight as to upcoming changes and strategies to help in retaining and attracting business.Along with that, is our Industrial Park. We have strong businesses there that could also work with the village and vice-versa. With more collaboration we could really make a difference that would resonate throughout our entire community.Finally, we have a Strategic Plan that needs to be reviewed and updated. This should happen more frequently than has the past few years. With the proper leadership, resident and stakeholder involvement this will keep us moving in the right direction which will help reduce our homeowners tax burden.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Joe Maddon; lives life to full extent and walks to a different beat. While doing this he delivers a winning team!What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Always do your best and don't let others bring you down.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?It's never too late in life; I would like to go back and finish my college degree.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math, it's helped not only in my career in sales, but has been an asset in local government as well.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be yourself and treat others better than you want to be treated.