Kara Lambert: candidate for Mundelein trustee

Bio

Town: Mundelein

Age on Election Day: 37

Occupation: Stay at home parent

Employer: n/a

Previous offices held: Trustee: Village of Mundelein

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: Growing pains. The village is growing rapidly and keeping up with that growth is vital. Growing infrastructure such as streets sewers water, hiring and attracting new public servants (police fire and public works). As well as communicating what this rapid growth means for current residents.

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

A: Improving in the last 4 years our bond rating has improved, reserves have increased, last budget year produced a surplus. I am optimistic this budget year we will continue to spend wisely. We need to make sure we continue to spend wisely and put money in our reserves for any tough economic climates that may occur.

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

A: Top priorities: street maintenance and repair. As the village grows and expands making sure we don't forget existing portions of the community and continue to maintain those areas. Continue to look for grants and opportunities to partner with the county on road improvements for East Million. Investing in technology that could potentially create efficiencies in government as well as optimize service to the public.

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

A: Since I have been on the board we have made it a policy to sell off land at market value and not purchase any additional real estate. The village runs an extremely lean organization I think we need to continue to look for ways to partner with other taxing bodies and even other municipalities to create efficiencies.

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: Streets are the most important project that need to be maintained. There are miles and miles of streets that need repair and although there is a plan we need to make sure it is stuck to. Also the last 4 years we have tried hard to build our reserves in order to sustain tough economic times.

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: My favorite word when dealing with affairs in Mundelein is collaboration. I really pride myself in making sure all voices are heard before a decision can be made, I want to make sure that the decision that made incorporates everyone's ideas and opinions.

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

A: I am not afraid of a challenge as well being the lone dissenting vote on issues. I always vote with the community's best intention in mind. With 4 years under my belt I have garnered a little more experience and knowledge this experience allows me to come up with creative solutions to issues.

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

A: Mundelein recently started a Beautification cmte which was a result of the adhoc America in bloom cmte. This cmte has now secured two American in Bloom grants the first went to beautify the souther viaduct on route 45. The second will go towards a butterfly garden to encourage monarchs and other pollinators at courtland park. The beautification cmte is also responsible for launching the Mayors Monarch pledge this was a way to unite the community to plant butterfly gardens. There are numerous plans in the works for the coming years for this budding cmte.