Monica Lee Lundeen: 2025 candidate for Vernon Hills village board

Bio

Office sought: Vernon Hills village board (Vote for 3)

City: Vernon Hills

Age: 68

Occupation: Retired

Previous offices held: None

What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the village board respond to it?

I know our staff and village board have done an amazing job serving our community. Our residents and business owners are our first priority and their dedication helps keep our village ranked among the top five in Lake County as one of the best places to raise a family and run a business. Should there be serious issues for our community our staff and board will address them.

How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?

Our finance department in Vernon Hills is second to none. Former Financial Director Larry Nakrin did an outstanding job in establishing a strong framework to keep our village solvent. Our current staff has built on that foundation, ensuring Vernon Hills remains in excellent financial shape.

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?

I am not an expert but willing to learn from our current staff and board that have kept up with anything serious that need to be accomplished. Our public works department and building department have always been on top of keeping our buildings, streets, and sidewalks safe.

I am in support of the current capital plan which in includes the village hall improvements, Harvey Lake master plan, the drainage ditch restoration, and more.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board.

I have deep roots in this community and have dedicated 25 years of service to the Village of Vernon Hills before retiring three years ago, working in the building department, clerk’s office, and licensing department. My experience, along with years of involvement in community committees and events, has reinforced the importance of teamwork in achieving successful results.

As a 45-year resident who raised my family here, I am committed to ensuring Vernon Hills remains one of the top villages in Lake County for both families and businesses. I believe in supporting the continued success of the current board and staff, building on their achievements. Strong communities thrive when people care about where they live and work together toward a common goal.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I’m a strong candidate for village trustee because of my deep roots in Vernon Hills and extensive experience working for the village.

With 25 years of service in Vernon Hills’ government and 45 years as a resident, I have a deep understanding of our village’s operations and needs. I care about this community because it’s my home — I’ve lived, worked, and raised my family here. I want to be part of the team that keeps Vernon Hills thriving by building on the successes of our current board and staff. Strong leadership starts with people who truly care about where they live.

My combination of experience, local knowledge, and commitment to teamwork makes me a strong candidate who understands both the past and future needs of the village.

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

I don’t have all the answers, but I am committed to learning, listening, and working together to strengthen our community. As a 45-year resident and with 25 years of experience serving Vernon Hills, I understand the importance of communication, transparency, and teamwork.

As village trustee, I will continue to support our residents, businesses, staff and board to keep our village thriving. I’m ready to serve and would be honored to be the next village trustee. It doesn’t take one idea or one person it takes a great team working together!