Linda M. Lucassen: 2025 candidate for Round Lake Park mayor
Bio
Office Sought: Round Lake Park mayor
City: Round Lake Park
Age: 76
Occupation: Retired administrative assistant
Previous offices held: Mayor since 2013; formerly village trustee and village clerk
Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? Also, what makes you the best candidate for the position?
My dedication and experience to continue to support the residents helping with programs such as health, food pantry, educational classes to meet their needs. I implemented a facade program for our small businesses to improve their store fronts and bring in new customers which also promotes our Main Street Beautification Program.
What is the most serious issue your community will face in coming years and how should leaders respond to it?
Educating our diverse community where to go for help if they are in need. Many outside agencies closing due to lack of funding. I will need to partner with many of the outside agencies that will be still open in order to assist my residents.
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?
Fund balances have been carefully maintained and are at a strong level. This level is for unforeseen contingencies and considered responsible stewardship. The village will continue to offer the same services without increases. Some of our special events will be reviewed and may have to be trimmed while continue working with partners to host our special events.
What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you 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?
Completion of updating the old sewer lines in our old part of town (grant applied and received); Street Renovation Program in 2021 completely renewed over 30 streets (paid for by motor fuel tax funds). Back burner item — repainting the water tower.
Describe your leadership style and explain how you think it will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board.
My leadership style is to continue to work closely with my department heads and village trustees keeping them well-informed and working as a team to promote effective action and decisions by the board members. Department heads attend board meetings coming prepared with updates from their respective departments.
What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
My good idea is partnering with local landscapers to maintain our Main Street (Route 134), increase plants and flower beds in our beautification program. Also we continue to look for property to build a new police station.