Jake Cramond: 2023 candidate for Lake Villa Village Board
Bio
Town: Lake Villa
Age on Election Day: 41
Occupation: Strategic Sourcing Analyst
Employer: HRS
Previous offices held: Trustee, Zona Board of Appeals
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: The most serious issue Lake Villa will face is the increase of property taxes. Lake Villa needs to further broaden the tax base so they can increase spending on infrastructure and community activities to heighten quality of life for their residents. This can be achieved by attracting a diverse range of retail and commercial businesses that will bring revenue into the village while avoiding the burden of raising taxes on the local property owners. The village is currently working with a business recruitment firm and developing incentives to organically expand business in town.
Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?
A: Lake Villa has historically been financially stable. Making responsible decisions, balancing budgets with available revenue, and planning long range finances has allowed Lake Villa to find suitable financial sustainability.
Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?
A: One priority should be infrastructure improvements. The villages existing infrastructure, which includes roads and sewers, needs to be on a more frequent maintenance schedule before they fall into sever disrepair costing the village more money. Lake Villa also needs to expand on new infrastructure to address gaps in our current system that doesn't allow for safe walking and cycling throughout town. The second priority should be to improve the villages resources and activities that'll enhance resident overall enjoyment living in Lake Villa. Some of these enhancements can include festivals, concerts, enrichment programs, community beautification and upgrading parks to include more child and pet friendly resources. The third priority should be promoting smart growth that fits with the village's character. The village can attract this growth not only by actively recruiting new businesses but also by working with existing businesses to expand or renovate.
Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?
A: Lake Villa has been financially responsible during my tenure. Nonetheless, there is always room for improvement in areas like automation of certain functions, group bidding, and process standardization.
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: The most important infrastructure project is to make our roads and sidewalks safer for all residents. Many of the roads don't have adequate crosswalks, paint, lighting, or signage. Walking or biking across town safely is almost impossible due to gaps in sidewalks and paths. The village is actively working to address those issues where they can afford it and seeking grant funding where they cannot. Pushing the water and sewer infrastructure to the village outskirts in hopes of attracting business can wait as the return on that large investment is not clear, at best.
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 have experience in setting policy both professionally and in a municipal setting. I was previously on the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals and currently serving a 4-year term as a Trustee on the Village Board. I've found it best to first define what the policy goals are, then listen to the parties involved, and work towards a solution that achieves those goals while considering the relevant concerns for both the village and it's residents.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: My Planning, Zoning and Village Board experience, my professional knowledge, my higher education and my passion to make my hometown better for future generations including my own children all make me the best candidate for the Trustee position.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: The village needs to more actively leverage our local sports organizations and other local entities to host more events in town. This will drive people to our community that not only will boost immediate sales tax revenue but make it more likely for those people to return and purchase a home, start a business, or just to enjoy what Lake Villa has to offer. This creates a virtuous cycle that drives excitement and dynamic growth to our town. It will also build recognition for our local sports organizations and other local entities.