Jon Kunkel: 2023 candidate for Hanover Park Village Board trustee
Bio
Town: Hanover Park
Age on Election Day: 62
Occupation: Semiretired
Employer: Self
Previous offices held: Village trustee
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 (streets/water and sewer) the village is currently investing in infrastructure and they need to keep it up as the weather and normal wear and tear have wreaked havoc over the years, creating some roads that are quite hazardous to drive on.
Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?
A: The village has a healthy financial outlook with almost a 50% reserve. The village is fiscally responsible for the residents in their spending practices according to their last several years of the budget that I have reviewed.
Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?
A: Infrastructure, IT, be more attractive to businesses.
Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?
A: Maybe extend the life cycle of village vehicles to a longer term than is currently used.
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: In talking with residents, the most important are streets and water/sewer. Currently there are no capital projects happening in the future that I am aware of.
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: I've been in leadership roles for over 20+ years and keep an open mind. Everyone has differing opinions whether you are right or they are, I welcome differing opinions to come to a good solution. I prefer to listen to all options of opinions before I make a decision. I research what is on the upcoming agendas and not afraid to voice my opinion. I understand finances and thoroughly vet line items I have a question on, whether it is on P card or warrant. I also network locally and nationally to help with finding the best advice and solutions.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I feel my past experience and rapport on the village board for eight years is a good indication I can lead. I have been, and still am, a leader on numerous other boards through the years, whether in town or nationally and internationally.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: Need a true clear village identity, we are currently in four townships, have five school districts. Currently you can live on one side of the street and go to a high school in another town several miles apart from each other. We should find a solution to solve this by having a high school in town.