Craig Taylor: Candidate profile
Bio
Name: Craig Taylor
City: Lake Zurich
Website: http://craigtaylorlakecounty.com/
Twitter:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cwtlz
Party: Republican
Office sought: Lake County Board District 19
Age: 73
Family: Married to wife Pam since 1976. Three children, Matt, Kim & Laura, each graduated from Lake Zurich High School
Occupation: Retired after 40 years with United Airlines
Education: Attended Colorado State University and the University of Colorado
Civic involvement: Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Lake Zurich, Lake Zurich Sister Cities Committee
Elected offices held: Lake Zurich Village Trustee, Lake County Board Member, Chairman of the Operations Committee for the Lake County Forest Preserve District and Chairman of the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission
Questions & Answers
If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions.
I've been instrumental in bringing many needed road improvements to our area. For example, Route 12 and Ela Road turn lanes and crosswalks. Improved turn lanes at Route 12 and Old McHenry Road and the Quentin Road widening project, with sound walls, to name a few. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. Recently, as chairman of SMC we passed a resolution calling for the Foxconn development in Wisconsin to take into consideration possible stormwater issues caused by their project. I'm asking for a seat at the table with the developers and local governments so we have a better idea of any potential impact on our area and to make sure our concerns are addressed.
What is the single biggest need in your district?
Without question, tax relief. However, roadway improvements such as working with IDOT to widen Route 22 between Quentin Road and Route 83, improving the intersection of Miller Road and Route 12 and seeing the Quentin Road widening project through to completion are all important needs.
Should the county government eliminate procurement cards, or p-cards, for county board members?
No. Although I don't use one, I believe there are reasons for continuing their use as long as there are strict guidelines and oversight in place.
Should county board members even have expense accounts? Yes, again with strict guidelines and oversight. County board members in some other counties don't, their salaries cover work expenses. For the most part, that's how I chose to do it.
Should employees' p-cards be eliminated, too? It's my understanding the use of p-cards by certain county employees actually saves money (less paperwork and staff time involved), but again I want stricter guidelines and oversight for their use.
Is the county doing enough to control expenses? Records show we have been fiscally responsible during the last decade. We have cut staff and reduced expenses while maintaining a AAA bond rating, all while keeping a high level of services throughout the county.
What additional, specific steps do you recommend?
Continue tightening control on expenses and adding additional oversight. Continue not spending money we don't have (minimize borrowing). Ask constituents for input on what services they feel should be cut to save tax dollars.
Historically, county board meetings have been free of partisanship and political antics - but party-line fighting has become more noticeable in recent years. How do you feel about that?
While there appears to be more tension in the board room (it disappoints me) at the end of the day I feel we continue to respect each other, weigh each other's points of view/opinions and remain committed to doing the best we can to maintain Lake County's great reputation as an outstanding place to work and live. I'm confident the atmosphere will return to normal after November 6th.