Scott Bartlett: 2023 candidate for Lake Villa Village Board

Bio

Town: Lake Villa

Age on Election Day: 62

Occupation: Executive Director of Facilities and Real Estate

Employer: Trustmark Insurance Companies

Previous offices held: Trustee - Village of Lake Villa 2011-2019

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: Attracting and retaining business in and to the village is the most serious issue facing Lake Villa. Commercial properties help offset the residential tax burden. Not only does a business provide some tax relief, is provides jobs for the area. Business brings people into our community who spend money in our village on products and services. The previously passed TIF should be an attractive carrot to business owners and commercial developers looking to create, build or expand their business. The village needs to market opportunities and options to the business community. The Village Board and Senior Staff need to be aligned and welcoming to new proposals. I would love to see the downtown district become a destination.

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

A: I feel the village finances are stable and in good shape. Annual audit reports provide during my previous tenure on the board, along with the most recent report, note the village is in a good place financially. I feel village staff and administration are very fiscally responsible with budgeted moneys. During my previous tenure on the board, we successfully passed the TIF district. This provides money to assist with development within the defined boundary so budgeted general funds do not need to be use.

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

A: 1. Marketing for commercial business development.

2. Maintenance of Village Infrastructure (roads, water, sewer)

3. Public Safety - Lake Villa is a very safe community and we need to maintain that.

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

A: Funds are limited and budgets are tight. During my previous tenure on the board, we outsourced certain functions that were not core competencies of a Village. This provided savings which were then reallocated to other areas of need. I believe the Village should continue to analyze non-core competency functions and consider outsourcing when it makes sense.

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: Maintenance and repair of streets are the most important infrastructure projects to be addressed. Roads are critical to everyday life and maintaining property values. Street projects are mainly funded by Motor Fuel Tax monies received from the state. Securing grant for other projects and reallocating funds would provide additional funding for streets.

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 current and experience sitting on and leading various boards setting policy and procedure. Though I walk into a meeting prepared with a thought on direction, I actively listen to other diverse opinions and thoughts which could possibly change my thinking. That is not to say that I don't vigorously bring forward my thoughts and points in an effort to gain support. I realize that, in government, it is majority rule on passing items and I may not win on all my points. I can agree to disagree without prejudice. As long as I've made a concerted effort on my thoughts representing the residents of the village to the best of my ability, I've done my job.

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

A: In believe my previous tenure as a Village of Lake Villa Trustee, in addition to my extensive and diverse background qualifies me best for the trustee position. I previously had the honor of serving the residents of Lake Villa as Village Trustee for 8 years. It was my decision to not run for a 3rd term. In addition to Trustee experience, I have worked in for-profit, not-for-profit and municipal arenas. I currently lead a department for a corporation with a sizable budget and team. This provides me in-depth understanding of financial planning and execution along with personnel management. My time in the not for profit arena provided me with experience exercising financial restraint and prudent budget practices stretching existing dollars as far as they can go. My time in the municipal field provided me extensive knowledge of infrastructure construction, maintenance and repair. All these experiences, in my opinion, 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: Increase social media presence and expand content. Social media isn't only used by teens and twenty year olds. Mature residents log on daily to multiple platforms to get news, information and entertainment. The Village currently uses social media for announcements and such, but I'd like to see platforms used to spotlight positives in the village. Highlight a Business of the Month highlighting local small businesses, Get to know your Neighbor spotlighting accomplishments of residents, Dine local spotlighting local restaurants, What New in Lake Villa, etc. Put it out to the world how great the Village, it's residents and businesses are!