Dan Wilbrandt: 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: West DundeeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: West Dundee Village Board Age: 32Family: Nadia Wilbrandt - WifeLarry Wilbrandt - FatherVicki Wilbrandt - MotherEmily Wilbrandt - SisterOccupation: Assistant State's Attorney - McHenry CountyEducation: 2012 - JD - The John Marshall Law School2009 - MA - University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (Communication)2006 - BA - University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (Speech Communication)Civic involvement: (1999-present) Dundee Township Peer JuryElected offices held: (2013-present) West Dundee Village TrusteeQuestions Answers Many municipalities are met with the challenge of maintaining steady revenue streams while trying to lower the tax burden on businesses and property owners. How has the village handled that balancing act so far, and how would you improve/maintain that situation?For the last four years, the Village has made the Spring Hill Mall and the downtown business district a priority. I want to continue to engage in projects that will bring in future revenue, but will vote against overextending the Village financially. With the new $40 million dollar theater, Mall improvements, LifeZone 360, downtown renovations, and other new businesses, we hope to bring in new revenue and keep the costs down to the residents. The Village must wait and realize the fruits and revenues of these projects before borrowing even more money. When the Village has too many projects, debt payments, and capital needs, the residents are forced to pay more and more in taxes.The village in recent years has taken some significant steps in terms of economic activity. What, if anything, is currently lacking in the village's economic portfolio, and how do you envision your community developing economically over the next four years?The Village has focused on the Mall and the downtown business district for new revenue generation through sales tax revenues. This was a great first step. However, over the last four years, the Board has also been working on bringing in new residents and housing projects. With new rooftops planned for the south end of the Village and a new senior living development moving forward across from the Mall, the Village is looking to gain taxpayers and retail customers. In order for our new retail projects to be successful, there must be patrons. Over the next few years, I hope that the Village will continue to look to diversify the economic portfolio not just with new retail, but adding rooftops and multi-family housing (where appropriate within the Village boundaries).Describe your ideas for improving or developing the downtown. What steps can the village take to support the downtown businesses and bring more people to the area?Over the last four years, the Board, with the help of the community, has developed, approved, and begun to implement the downtown plan. Over the next two years, residents will see an emphasis on creating an inviting destination as well as an accessible local hub for walkers, bikers, and river-goers. I want the Village to continue with the downtown plan, but focus on the needs of residents and visitors. Increased parking and a functional design will allow everyone easy access and ability to enjoy the final downtown product. After the downtown renovations are finished, I hope the Village will be having weekly events (utilizing the new community space) to bring people to West Dundee and promote our businesses.Where in the village's budget, if anywhere, could expenses be trimmed? And on the other hand, should the budget allot more money toward any particular area, service or village department?There are always places for the budget to be trimmed or directed to help allot more money to a different area. Over the next few years, the Board will be working to direct more budgeted money to capital investments (infrastructure maintenance and equipment for Village departments). The Village must continue to look for ways to be more efficient (fire consolidation and public works projects) because efficiency saves taxpayer dollars. Hopefully increased revenues from new developments and projects will allow the Village to meet these needs without overextending the costs back on the taxpayers. The Village cannot afford to take on any more debt service or bonds and we must wait for our returns on the many investments we have made.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I would like to see the downtown business district (south side) become a bigger community space. Now that the Ace Hardware building has come down, the Village can keep working to renovate this area pursuant to the downtown plan. I would like to see the Riverwalk extended to the south side as well as canoe and kayak rental along the river. West Dundee has a great opportunity to make this area a great usable space.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Village finances and keeping taxes low are always important issues to me. I want to keep West Dundee a great place to live, but at a price residents can afford.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.My mother, Vicki Wilbrandt.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Have a good work ethic.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?There are lessons to be learned from everything.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. It is always good to know what has happened in the past because it may happen in the future.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Always work hard, even if success does not come quickly.