Linda Lucassen: 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: Round Lake ParkWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Round Lake Park Mayor Age: 68Family: Two Sons Brian and Todd and Three grandchildren, Todd, Cheyenne and AllisonOccupation: Retired Administrative AssistantEducation: Attended CLCCivic involvement: Village Clerk 14 YearsVillage Trustee 2 YearsMayor 4 yearsServe on Cen Com and Jets BoardServe on Jawa committeeElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?My loyalty and commitment to my community that I am proud to call my home for more than three decades combined with my experience for the past nineteen years. My record these past four years has proven I know how to get things done.How would you describe the condition of your community's budget, and what are the most important specific actions the town should take to assure providing the level of services that people want?We have successfully approved and implemented a strong fiscal budget for the past three years. We have improved our Village Hall and Police Department in order for us more quickly and efficiently serve our residents. At our current revenue levels, we will be able to continue to maintain our high level of customer service.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?Our budget is very close to the actual amounts we both receive and spend in a fiscal year. I sit down with the department heads and treasurer annually to review every expenditure line item while preparing the budget. We look at where we can cut costs as well as which line items will see increases for the future fiscal year. In the last 3 years, with strong fiscal responsibility, we have seen a surplus exceeding $652,224. We were then able to use this surplus to upgrade computer equipment, purchase body cameras for the Police Department and purchase vehicles that were outdated for both Public Works and Police Department.Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.Communication is key with staff and board members, always keeping them informed of issues and making sure everything is well documentated. Working as a team with staff and always willing to listen to ideas and changes. I never come to a meeting without all the information available when we are trying to make a decision. This allows both I and the Board to make the best determination for the majority of our residents. I always get information from various outlets before pursuing an action. I like to keep my Board informed to all the options available to the village.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?In order to increase property values we have implemented a new program to purchase run down or abandoned buildings. We will either tear them down and make a park or renovate them for resale.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Continue restoration revitalization of Round Lake Park's downtown business area.No cuts to our police departmentFocus on: School safety, Drug Awareness Programs, Gang Drug EnforcementPlease name one current leader who most inspires you.Queen Elizabeth II, she is a strong leader, well respected and liked.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Being the oldest of four siblings, I learned leadership at a young age and how to lead by example.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. I found I always love learning new things and sharing my talents with others.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Psychology, to learn how to deal with people.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Treat others as you would want to be treated.