Sandra Hernandez-Aguirre: 2023 Candidate for Vernon Hills Village Board
Bio
Town: Vernon Hills
Age on Election Day: 29
Occupation: Sales Support Manager
Employer: Baird & Warner
Previous offices held: School Board Member, District 6
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: Government agencies have an obligation to be as open and honest as possible with residents about certain services, practices, procedures, laws, and more. There are a variety of different ways this can be achieved - proactive communication with residents, promoting town hall meetings, making public meeting documents easily accessible, soliciting citizen feedback, and more. While government transparency is mainly about making pertinent information publicly available, that information should also be easily understood. The goal is for residents to engage with local governments more meaningfully.
Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?
A: The village board needs to focus on securing a strong tax base to support our community resources.
Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?
A: 1) Vernon Hills has a vibrant and growing business district, but we need to increase investment in our infrastructure by improving our roads, sidewalks, and bus paths.
2) Support our first responders. We need more funds for fire and police services to keep our community safe.
3) Sustainability. Our village needs to truly focus on environmental sustainability by exploring opportunities for renewable energy for our residents. We should restore wetlands for flood protection and improve the habitat for wildlife.
Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?
A: n/a
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: Vernon Hills will have to keep a very close eye on the redevelopment of Hawthorne Mall to make sure that is a vibrant asset to our village for many years to come.
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: n/a
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: My reason for running is simple: I love Vernon Hills and I want to give back. I think it's time that somebody brings a fresh perspective to the board.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: n/a