Maggie Auger: 2023 candidate for Algonquin Village Board
Bio
Town: Algonquin
Age on Election Day: 66
Occupation: Retired Attorney
Employer: N/A
Previous offices held: Algonquin Village Trustee, Algonquin Village Clerk & Kane County Commissioner and Kane County Forest
Preserve District Commissioner
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 in upcoming years would be maintaining our infrastructure and continuing to make Algonquin a great place to live, work & play. We had major growth in residential and commercial development from the 1980's through 2008. Since that growth, our infrastructure has aged. We need to reinvest in that infrastructure, which includes our roads, parks, and our water and sewer systems.
Also, a well-maintained infrastructure makes it easier to retain and add to our commercial base. With a healthy commercial tax base, we can keep our residential taxes as low as possible. The board and staff are currently working to bring in new commercial development to revitalize the commercial area on Randall Road on the west side and Algonquin Road on the east side. It is more cost effective to maintain our infrastructure than to rebuild it in an emergency.
Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?
A:The Village of Algonquin has a strong bond rating (AAA) and cash reserves, while maintaining low debt obligations. The Village of Algonquin has been awarded the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate Of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the past eighteen years.
The Village Board and staff of Algonquin maintain the highest standards of professionalism in managing the Village finances. The annual budget is balanced and serves as the basis for yearly revenues and expenditures. The Village of Algonquin's financial philosophy is pay as you go with minimal debt. Sources of revenue include sales taxes, home rule tax, property taxes, income taxes as well as utility taxes, user fees, and grants. Major expenses include personnel, contractual services, maintenance, and capital improvements.
Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?
A: My top three priorities for spending are 1) Infrastructure, 2) Personnel, and 3) A new Comprehensive Plan
Our infrastructure needs to be maintained and, in some cases rebuilt. We have upcoming road and bridge projects. Our water and sewer systems need to be updated. Our Parks Master plan prioritizes parks that need updates and improvements.
Personnel is a key factor in the day to day village operations, from village staff to our Police Department and Public Works Department. We need to keep their compensation packages competitive, so our village retains talented staff and minimizes the cost of staff turnover.
The new Comprehensive Plan will be a fluid and working document for the Village of Algonquin. This Plan will provide direction for the future of the village. This document will include a review and incorporation of existing plans, overview of our land use, housing stock, economic development, transportation, parks and open space, and environmental aspects of Algonquin.
Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?
A: The Algonquin Village Board and staff are frugal with how they spend tax dollars. However, we always need to look for ways to avoid cost over runs in the various projects. In the past few years, we have had to spend extra money due to supply chain issues and the higher costs in goods and services. We have had additional expenses due to the labor shortage and higher labor costs. We need to find ways to avoid cost overruns caused by utility company delays in local projects as well.
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: As the village grows with development further west, our water and sewer systems need to be extended and connected for these projects. These costs should be paid for by the projects' developer. The Village of Algonquin has required new development to pay for this type of infrastructure with water and sewer "tap on" fees. Once the property is developed, the users pay their share of the water and sewer fees.
Other infrastructure projects that need to be addressed are our aging roads and parks. Over the past 20 years, our roads and parks have deteriorated and need to be repaired or replaced. Funds for these projects typically come from the taxes, and federal and state grants. The village routinely reviews priority of projects to make sure we are addressing the most important and urgent needs of the Village.
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 served on the Village of Algonquin Board for the last two years. We work well together, discussing ideas and collaborating for a solution. I listen to all sides and research each issue so I can make informed decisions. I ask questions to get additional information so that I have the information I need to make the best decisions possible. I do my homework and come prepared to the meetings. I have previously served on the Kane County Board and the Kane County Forest Preserve District Board. I have learned to work with different people who have different perspectives. I also bring my experience and leadership skills from serving on Algonquin's Planning and Zoning Commission and Economic Development Commission. Along with my legal career, these rolls have equipped me to be an effective leader and produce effective results.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I am the best candidate for the job because of my commitment and my history with the Village of Algonquin. Most recently I have served as Village Trustee (2021-current) and as Village Clerk (2020-2021). I served as Chairperson for the Village of Algonquin's Planning and Zoning Commission for over a decade in the early 2000's. And prior to that, I served on the Plan Commission and Economic Development Commission back in the 1990's. I am committed to public service in the Village of Algonquin.
Also, I previously served on the Kane County Board of Commissioners and Kane County Forest Preserve District. I am a retired Attorney, with legal skills that assist me to understand legal documents in our packets as well as the ability to see all sides of an issue and collaborate with others.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: Public safety is an issue that is in the news daily. The Village of Algonquin did a Community Survey in 2022 and 96% of the respondents indicated that they felt safe during the day and 93% of the respondents stated they felt safe at night. The Survey indicated that the quality of life in Algonquin was positive and rated with an excellent or good rating. Over 95% of the responses indicated that their neighborhood was an excellent or good place to live. However, as a nation, different communities are experiencing violence and safety concerns for their residents. We need to continue with our public safety efforts to keep Algonquin safe, and a great place to live, work and play.