Matthew J. Brown: 2025 candidate for Wauconda village board

Bio

Office Sought: Wauconda village board (Vote for 3)

City: Wauconda

Age: 71

Occupation: No answer given

Previous offices held: Wauconda Services Committee member

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

While attending board meetings and talking with current board members, I've heard about the need to stretch every dollar received from allocated funds to the village. We must have a strong business platform and economic growth to attract residents, owners and businesses to invest in Wauconda. I also know the pursuit of grants from all entities is a must.

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?

The Wauconda reserves are at the boards target levels. The village has received many awards for financial accounting and has their books audited yearly with excellent results. The main spending will be for the police, fire, water and sewer projects, along with road improvements, which are the main community concerns. Some priorities will change from time to time which will present challenges for the board.

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 most challenging infrastructure to date is the aging wastewater treatment plant. Wauconda’s plant must be addressed soon and will take many resources to improve its condition. The board is looking for options to help this matter, including low interest loans, or grants to fund this project. Some projects could possibly take a back seat for the treatment plant funding for a short time.

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.

After my 45-year career in construction, with 30 years of being in a leadership role, the construction company has retained my services to help train the new members of their supervision in leadership and cost management. When elected, I will be the newest trustee on the board and will need to listen to all board members before voicing my opinion on many subjects and obligations of the village.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I believe I can share my views in a political spectrum with the current board members. Being ethical and open minded in this setting is crucial to learning the values and directions of the board. Flexibility and a positive attitude will be my determination while supporting the residents of Wauconda.

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

After attending past and present board meetings, as a new board member, my goal is to be proactive about future economic development plans already in place to help the village sustain long term growth and reflect on good relationships with current and future business owners.