David J. Oppenheim: 2023 Candidate for Vernon Hills Village Board

Bio

Town: Vernon Hills

Age on Election Day: 54

Occupation: Pediatrician

Employer: Premier Pediatrics- Pediatrust

Previous offices held: Trustee, village of Vernon Hills

Q&A

Q: What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council or village board respond to it?

A: Despite the village's very sound financial status, tax generation from retail sales always remains a concern as it is our primary source of revenue. Specifically, Hawthorn Mall is undergoing significant changes to maintain its status as the retaIl hub of Lake County. The village staff and village board continue to work closely with the mall owner, Centennial, to make sure that this multi-phase $250 million re-development project reaches its full potential.

Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?

A: Vernon Hills continues to have a strong bottom line with significant sales tax revenues, a AAA bond rating, and well funded pensions. Our TIF districts are performing well and are self-sustaining. The village doesn't assess a property tax and doesn't intend to. We also have significant reserves which allow for the stellar bond rating but also could be drawn from in case of unforeseen downturn.

Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?

A: The village's primary expenses include salaries/contractual services, pension obligations, and insurance premiums. Ongoing road improvements and capital equipment replacement are completed according to a long term schedule.

Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?

A: Our expenses are well aligned with revenues. Employee salaries, our greatest expense, remain competitive within the larger community, neither too high nor too low. We regularly evaluate these to make sure they remain so. We are constantly looking for efficiencies in other areas that will allow for cost savings. As an example, the upcoming consolidation of emergency telecommunications into a centralized county-wide center will help us realize substantial annual savings.

Q: What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

A: Widening of Route 45 has been a priority of the village for many years. The project has been stalled at the state level despite the preliminary work having been completed. We will continue to push for state funding and approval of this project.

Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.

A: I feel that I have been a very effective trustee since elected to office nearly six years ago. There has been an excellent working environment among board members and village staff, allowing us to reach consensus in a very collegial way and promoting the free flow of ideas.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: I am a hard working, detail oriented, research and data driven individual. I make a great effort to research topics of discussion and am very thoughtful about my decisions. I communicate well with others and am always eager to help out in any way I can. I have enjoyed serving on the village board for the past nearly six years and look forward to the opportunity to continue my service.

Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

A: I have had many ideas that have been implemented so far during my tenure. Most recently the Military Honors Banner Program was created in the village based on my suggestion. I regularly ask developers about their plans to maximize solar electricity as well as ensuring infrastructure is built to support future increased demand for electric vehicle charging stations.