Steve Deasey: 2025 candidate for Island Lake village board

Bio

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

City: Island Lake

Age: 64

Occupation: Retired purchasing category manager

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?

We need to continue our focus on new business/economic growth to increase village revenue. Continue to encourage and support establishing new business by projecting a positive and proactive image of Island Lake and its great 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?

Due to the current level of village revenue, our finances are tight but the budget is balanced. Our top priorities for spending should be the safety of our residents as well as state, county and village roadways and walking/bicycle pathways so our residents can safely get to our many parks and support our local businesses.

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?

We need to continue our current project to replace faulty/leaking water valves/meters to qualify for hook up to Lake Michigan water in the next few years. All possible state and county grants should be pursued and applied for to help pay for this significant project.

We also need to address and resolve the significant cost increases for new wastewater hookups that are discouraging new business growth.

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 previous experience working on volunteer committees and boards and it is critical to listen, consider and discuss all ideas and possible solutions, including short- and long-term impacts, before a final decision is made. Transparency and communication with residents are required steps in the decision making process in our village.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

As a 34-year resident, I have seen many positive and negative actions affect our village. I want to continue the current positive work that is being done to grow and improve our village for our great residents who are proud to live here.

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

Improving the safety and flow of state and county roadways are critical as our village continues to grow and the volume of cars going through the village increases.