Duane Swiggum: 2025 candidate for Island Lake village board

Bio

Office Sought: Island Lake village trustee (Vote for 3)

City: Island Lake

Age: 83

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?

Economic development. We need to look at the available land within the village that could be developed and seek expert consultation.

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 finances appear to be okay but we need to increase our tax base to compete with the surrounding villages. A priority is maintenance of the lake so it can continue to be a recreational lake.

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 Lake. We need to be smart in applying for grants.

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 haven't worked in government so I haven't developed a “style.“ Bringing common sense rather than nonsense to the table is a winner.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

My age.

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

Developing an area for pickle ball, the fastest growing sport in the country.