Kathleen Conlon Wasik: 2023 Candidate for Grayslake Village Board

Bio

Town: Grayslake

Age on Election Day: 59

Occupation: Editor

Employer: Self

Previous offices held: Grayslake Community High School District 127 Board of Education; Elected to two, 4-year terms in 2015 and 2019; Elected twice as Board President in 2019 and 2021

Q&A

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

A: There are several issues facing the Village: fiscal and environmental. With Waste Management closing its landfill within the next few years, revenue will drop significantly. The Village's efforts to replace that revenue have come up short, and new perspectives are needed to address the shortfall. The Village and County can work together to consider other income generating options for the facility, including working with Waste Management and SWALCO to establish a Green Recycling Center for the County. The Village should consider installing income generating solar panels as we did at Grayslake High School. Many local schools and the Grayslake Library followed our lead on this.

While the Village has responded to the 2017 floods by working with Lake County stormwater Management Commission, there is more they could do to mitigate future flood events. I would support the development of a comprehensive flood mitigation plan.

Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?

A: The Village manages day to day finances well and maintains a balanced budget. However, the Village needs to do a much better job of developing a cohesive post COVID vision for the Village.

Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?

A: • Investing in sustainable infrastructure that has a strong return on investment like solar panels while reducing the Village's energy consumption.

• Investing in a comprehensive flood mitigation plan with community engagement.

• Improving roads and reducing congestion along with better attention to the conditions of our bike paths, walkways, crosswalks, and signage.

Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?

A: I would need to evaluate the budget with staff prior to making any recommendations.

Q: 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?

A: I will work to gain support for completing a Village-wide flood mitigation plan, along with updating zoning. It would allow the Village to better understand future financial obligations. The plan could be funded through the Villages regular budget process. Again, putting projects on the backburner would have to occur in conversation with staff.

Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.

A: When first elected to Grayslake District 127 High School Board in 2015, I worked with a colleague to start an ongoing policy review. We're one of the few districts in the state to do this. We have a policy committee that meets monthly to review existing policy and new ones from Springfield. It's a highly collaborative process between board members and the administration, with lots of give and take.

As I prepare to step down from the board, I am working with my colleagues to update our Curriculum and Resource Management policies to reflect a push toward energy conservation and waste reduction.

As school board president, I have led policy initiatives that have gone before the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) Resolutions Committee and received approval. I also sit on the ED RED executive board and have the privilege of working with a highly skilled group of policy leaders.

These experiences put me in a unique position to contribute at the Village.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: There are many challenges facing the Village and new perspectives are necessary to strengthen board and community level conversations. As Grayslake 127 High School Board President for the past four years, I have demonstrated the importance of being a collaborative leader who brings all stakeholders into the conversation. I engage in authentic conversations that result in people feeling heard and strong effective policies.

At the Village level, I would support slowing down board action to make sure the community is fully informed. I hope to avoid unfortunate situations like Casey's gas station, where the Village board did not listen to the community. We want families to feel like they belong, that they have a stake and that means listening and building trust.

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

A: As a new school board member, I led a board discussion on 21st century skills and jobs. Students entering the job market right out of school needed marketable skills. Reports we read anticipated the manufacturing sector would need skilled workers and with Lake County having a large manufacturing base, we took a leap of faith.

The school district developed programs, hired an incredible director, and purchased 3D printers and design software. Community members donated equipment to get us started. Our students are now getting paid internships and job offers.

In, The Illinois Manufacturer, first quarter 2023 edition, an article on How To Build The Workforce of Tomorrow, Today, Grayslake High School is showcased as a pioneer in workforce ecosystem development, an approach that connects skilled workers with manufacturing businesses. I think Grayslake needs to tell this story. As Village Trustee, I would amplify our message that Grayslake is a great place to live and do business.