Linda Lucassen: Candidate Profile

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:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: Round Lake ParkWebsite: http://vte2013.comOffice sought: Round Lake Park Mayor (4-year Term)Age: 64Family: Two sons, Brian and Todd, proud grandmother of Todd, Cheyenne, and Allison.Occupation: College of Lake County for 20 years as an Administrative Secretary for the Adult Education Department. Adjunct faculty member for the Personal Enrichment Department for 16 years.Education: Earned certification as a Registered Municipal Clerk and Certified Master Clerk.Civic involvement: Shop With a Cop Program (Fundraiser), Neighborhood Watch (Treasurer), Meals on Wheels, Village of Round Lake Park, Chairman of Special Events, Human Resources, Finance, and Public Safety Committees.Elected offices held: Elected - Village of Round Lake Park Clerk, 1997-2011 Elected - Village of Round Lake Park Trustee, 2011 - PresentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 No cuts in police services, because I would like to see an increase in gang and drug awareness programs to keep our residents safe.Key Issue 2 Continue restoration and revitalization of the Round Lake Park's downtown business district.Key Issue 3 Encourage an Open Door Policy between our residents and elected officials to improve communication.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have been a resident of Round Lake Park since 1985 and have held many positions within the Round Lake Park area ranging from Welcome Wagon President to Registered Municipal Clerk and most currently was elected in 2011 as Village Trustee. While in public office I've worked closely with the residents in order to build community involvement. All of which has been driven by my dedication and commitment to our village which over the years has and will continue to grow. My goal is to revitalize Round Lake Park into a community where families and businesses will thrive.Given the delicate balance between the need for revenue and over-taxing local businesses, what is your opinion of your community's present level of local sales taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.Local sales tax is set by the state and passed on by our local businesses to their consumers. The Village of Round Lake Park does not add on additional taxes and I think we are just right.Talking with your friends and neighbors, what seems to be their biggest public safety concern? Explain the concern as you see it, and discuss how you think it should be addressed.Talking with my friends and neighbors they are concerned with gang activities and keeping our schools safe. I would like a stronger police presence on our streets and in our schools. Encourage community education on gangs and drugs. Encourage surrounding communities to partner with each other.In these tight economic times, municipal budgets have to be prioritized. Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?We have trimmed our budget in all of our departments. The Department heads, finance committee, and Mayor reviewed the budget and starting making cuts several years ago. For example in the record department, and the clerks office two full-time people left. After reviewing our needs it was decided to hire part-timers.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Create partnerships with our local school districts to utilize our empty meeting rooms that could be used for classroom space.