Adam Schlick: 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: WaucondaWebsite: www.waucondaf.com/Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Wauconda Village Board Age: 34Family: Wife Kristen and 5 year old son HunterOccupation: Lieutenant Wauconda Fire DistrictEducation: Bachelor Degree Fire Service Business Management - Southern Illinois UniversityCivic involvement: Wauconda Fest CommitteeElected offices held: Wauconda Park DistrictQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?The position of Trustee requires an individual who brings with them a skill set that has a foundation in their ability to communicate. I pride myself on using communication, both written and spoken, to work with my fellow trustees and the citizens of Wauconda to help move our community in the right direction. Communication has to be a two-way street where we can explain our thoughts and ideas to the residents, but also be attentive listeners so we can reach the best possible outcome. I also bring a great deal of critical, hit-the-ground-running experience to the position. I don't think the taxpayers should have to pay for on the job training for their leaders. I've worked inside a local government entity, Wauconda Fire District, for almost 15 years and have spent the last four years as a Wauconda Park District Commissioner serving as President for the last two years. I've gained an incredible amount of knowledge from some of the best public servants in our community and will bring that knowledge to the Village Board.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.Unquestionably the real estate tax burden on residents in not only Wauconda but the State is extremely high. For far too long the residents have seen their taxes climb with no relief in sight. I think it's the responsibility of the Village of Wauconda Board of Trustees to keep our levy and tax impact to a minimum and focus on ways to generate revenue for our village through sales tax monies over property tax.With that said, we as a village need to put all our energy into our economic development efforts that will widen our sales tax base. This will not only prove beneficial to our budget but hopefully, it will add much-needed property tax relief to our residents.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?Public safety entities in Wauconda, in my opinion, are one of our greatest assets. The Wauconda Police department and Chief Dave Wermes have done a great job moving the department forward with new policies and procedures. Our police officers also have a great deal of community involvement that hasn't been seen in Wauconda for quite some time. The police officers truly have a feel for their community and it shows when they're out speaking to our residents. The same could be said about the Wauconda Fire District. The fire district has shown great professionalism with their emergency response preparedness and social interaction. I would also like to commend Chief Mike Wahl for his work with the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The folks at CERT are a true asset to the Village of Wauconda not only with helping in community events but in times of emergencies that our village has seen over the last few years. There is no doubt that the departments operationally are well set up for the next decade, and the Village of Wauconda couldn't be any more fortunate.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?The Village of Wauconda has done a pretty good job navigating some tough economic times. I credit village administrator Doug Maxeiner for his strong leadership in making tough decisions for the village that has saved us money. With that said, there is always areas for improvement and ways to build towards the future. The number one area that our village needs to make an investment is in economic development. The position of the economic developer has been vacant for years, and I believe that has cost the village a number of opportunities to draw new businesses to town and grow our sales tax base. The time has come to stop trying to find areas to always cut money, and look to areas where if money is invested strategically, the village will gain tremendously.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?The Village of Wauconda has in recent years shown a great resurgence in community involvement, especially in local politics. This passion needs to be harnessed and brought into the fold at Village Hall. I propose that the Village needs to make a priority, and I will if elected, to start having citizen advisory committees. These committees are going to be filled with residents who really want to be part of growing Wauconda and making it an even better place to raise our families. This could also be a good springboard to find our trustees of the future, who become involved early and when they're elected trustee can hit the ground running.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The number one project coming to Wauconda that I really want to see flourish is the resurrection of Phil's Beach. As a member of the Park District Board of Commissioners, it was truly exciting to have a historic site like Phil's Beach even be a consideration. When the Wauconda Park District finalizes the purchase for Phil's and starts down the planning phase, I hope that they have a willing partner with the Village of Wauconda. If elected I hope to work very closely with my counterparts over at the Wauconda Park District to make Phil's a historic addition to our Main Street.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis because of the incredibly powerful position he holds, but the great deal of humility and dignity he displays.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Never allow failure and naysayers to stop you from obtaining your goals. The only hindrance on your ambition is your own self-doubt.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I try not to live my life in retrospect. I think every event in my life, good or bad, has grown me as a person.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?World Affairs/Government; most of the time was a debate class. I saw arguments from both sides which allowed me to become a more critical thinker.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?You're never too good to work any job. No matter the pay or task, put your full effort into it and good things will happen.