Anna Newell: 2023 candidate for Hoffman Estates Village Board
Bio
Town: Hoffman Estates
Age on Election Day: 67
Occupation: Retired from senior services
Employer: Retired
Previous offices held: Hoffman Estates trustee since 2007
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: Infrastructure/ roads and funding along with issues of supply and demand that is affecting everything.
Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?
A: Very good.
Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?
A: Services/equipment, computer/cyber security and roads.
Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?
A: We are very conservative about spending but yet meet the needs of the community.
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: Sewer and streets are important. A lot of the structures are aging and need to be replaced or repaired. Grants and funding from other sources are always being explored. Back burner projects would be anything that isn't critical to the nature of our community.
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: We all agree to disagree. Everyone has a right to an opinion and is treated with respect but in the end it is what is best for the residents of our community.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: Experience.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: As empty buildings are being filled possibly look toward affordable housing/housing for homeless.