Roger Byrne: 2025 candidate for Vernon Hills board

Bio

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

City: Vernon Hills

Age: 75

Occupation: Insurance agent

Previous offices held: Vernon Hills Village President since 1993

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

The most serious issue we will face is finishing the Hawthorn Mall project. This project is pushing $400,000,000 at completion. The funding is coming from the developer. We will continue to work with the developer, paying close attention to changes in the economy and changes to the marketplace.

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?

Vernon Hills’ finances are very strong with triple AAA bond rating. There is a strong operating and capital reserve fund which would allow multiple years of operating and capital expenditures.

The top priorities is to allocate funds to village capital improvements plan which includes funding roads, stormwater management, and other community amenities.

We are in a position where we wouldn’t cut back on spending because we planned appropriately.

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?

The village continues to focus on the water quality and stormwater management throughout the village, specifically will be focusing on the Seavey drainage creek, Lake Charles and Harvey Lake. This is a $2 million project.

The village has secured grant funding and also secured future capital funding to support this project. We are able to fund all projects that are planned for the future.

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 32 years of government experience. I’m the current president of Vernon Hills. I was first elected in 1993. Our town is in a very strong financial position with the above-mentioned AAA bond rating.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

My experience and track record.

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

Bring additional senior affordable housing to town.