Terry Waddell-Moenter: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: GurneeWebsite: www.terryfortrustee.comOffice sought: Gurnee Village Board Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Married to John and have one adult son assigned to Beale AFB, CAOccupation: Self-employedEducation: BA in Journalism MPA Human ResourcesCivic involvement: Member of Gurnee Days Committee Serves on Gurnee Economic Development Commission Member of Gurnee American Legion Post 771 Military Officers Association of AmericaElected offices held: noneQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I think what makes me the best candidate is my strong commitment to work hard as an ambassador for the residents of Gurnee. To maintain a sense of integrity at all times and utilize sound judgement based upon what is in the best interest of all residents.What is your opinion of your community's present level of local sales and property taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.The word "taxes" is a sore topic with most residents, however they are a necessary evil and we really can't get around not having to pay taxes. As a trustee it is imperative to be vigilant and to always look for ways to avoid tax increases and keep the hard earned dollars in the pockets of the people. I am not an advocate for raising taxes but finding innovative and creative solutions for generating revenues without burdening residents with unnecessary tax increases.Rate the efficiency of your town's police and fire coverage. Are the departments well prepared for the next decade? What, if anything, should be changed? Do you have specific public safety concerns?Our police and fire departments do an exceptional job of keeping the Village of Gurnee safe and the men and women who serve our community are very committed to answering the call of duty in protecting the residents of Gurnee. I don't see a need to fix anything that isn't broken within our local police or fire department as far as what it is they do, however I would like to see more diversity that is representative of our community. Public Safety should always be a concern in any community but I am confident that our men and women in uniform are committed to ensuring the safety of all Gurnee residents as well as those individuals who visit the Village of Gurnee.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?At this time I am confident that budgets are looked at and gone over with a fine tooth comb and that the current administration under Mayor Kovarik's leadership are dedicated to ensuring there is no waste or abuse of dollars and cents. However, we can always "trim the fat" and be extremely conscious of budgets and staying well within our means.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I would like to see residents become more involved in their local government and by the same token elected officials making themselves more accessible and visible to residents. Residents should know who their elected officials are. The Mayor has programs in place, "Coffee with the Mayor" and the Mayor's Luncheon. She does a great job of making herself visible and accessible to the people on a regular and consistent basis.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Economic Development is a must! I am committed to seeing our economic climate continue to grow stronger while at the same time creating more employment opportunities for the residents within the Village of Gurnee. I would like to see those individuals who choose to serve our community do so with integrity, commitment and dedication and to do his or her best for the overall betterment of that organization as well as for our community as a whole.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis. He is humble, non self serving and for the people. Very open to new ideas and his progressive thinking about global issuesWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Biggest lesson learned growing up was to "never give up when I believe in something!"If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I don't believe in do-overs, I believe in all things happen in life and in turn we evolve into who we are meant to be.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?English because it has been instrumental in the development of my writing skills which writing is a passion of mineIf you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?one piece of advice to my children and to all children is "to always do your very best in all that you do."