Kevin D. Waldenstrom: 2023 Candidate for Grayslake Village Board

Bio

Town: Grayslake

Age on Election Day: 49

Occupation: Small Business Owner/ Real Estate Broker

Employer: Mold Seekers/ Century 21

Previous offices held: Village Trustee

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: Serious issues can be hard to predict (floods, pandemics, etc.) But there are steps you can take to prepare for them. Historically, the Village government has engaged in substantial long-range planning and execution on those plans. This allows the Village to address serious issues. For example, the Village has two salt domes, and uses sound conservation principles in applying salt. The Village did not face a salt shortage in 2013 like other towns and is unlikely to in the future due to conservation practices, this allows us to ensure our roads are safely maintained in the winter. Another example: The Village receives its water from CLCJAWA. However, the Village has maintained its wells so that if the supply from CLCJAWA is ever interrupted, our residents will not be without water. Final example: The Village actively works to diversify its revenue streams; we were not impacted by the economic downturn and in fact were able to assist businesses during the pandemic.

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

A: The Village has been debt free since 2008. We maintain a balanced budget. Through active cost control and management, Village costs have risen at less than the price of inflation. Increasing by approximately 32% since 1992.

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

A: Ensuring that the Village is able to deliver on its services, such as providing police services, clean drinking water, management of the roadways, etc.

In addition to these Economic Development is a priority. Development benefits all taxing bodies in the Village as well as all residents, and the business community as a whole. As a local, small-business owner I know what businesses need to thrive and what it takes to bring a business to town. As a real estate broker, I have helped bring many businesses to Grayslake and helped many others expand their Grayslake locations. As the only small businessperson on the Village Board, I provide my experience and unique perspective on maintaining a business-friendly government, attracting businesses and retaining businesses.

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

A: We have a balanced budget and are debt free. We have this status because of careful money management. There are no major areas that need to be curtailed, but sound management principles mean that we always look for opportunities to reduce costs.

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 Village has taken several steps to ensure that our water supply is not interrupted. We receive our water from CLCJAWA. However, we have maintained all of our wells in case that supply is interrupted. Additionally, we are installing back-up generators to ensure pumps continue to run if there is a substantial power outage. Continuing this work ensures that the town will have clean drinking water. We are paying for this through the capital budget.

Any project that does not serve the Village's core missions: Road maintenance; Water/Sewer; Garbage/Recycling; Police Department; Storm Water management and open space preservation; Economic Development - would be eligible for delay. These are considered on a case-by-case basis as part of the annual budget cycle.

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 always completed my own research and used the information provided in our packets on projects presented to the Board. I typically allow the other members to voice their opinions and then I use the information and the discussion of the other board members to help formulate my decision.

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

A: I have a diverse background, including experience in zoning and land usage, finance, construction (industrial, commercial and residential), environmental issues (air quality and building science), management, and even snowplowing. This extensive background enables me to understand the issues that come before the board in depth.

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

A: The Central Range is a 641 acre parcel of land and with Medline being the first catalyst over there, I want make sure we expand our trail system in the southern end of the village. This will provide recreation and health benefits to give more access to connect to other communities.