Michael Blum: 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 LakeWebsite: http://www.communitycommitment.orgOffice sought: Round Lake Village Board (4-year Terms)Age: 39Family: Married to Jennifer Blum for 12 years. We have 2 daughters; Madison (14) and Mikayla (10)Occupation: Benefits Service Manager at Aon HewittEducation: Attended Western Illinois University with a major in Political Science.Civic involvement: Michael had been on the Board of Directors for the Madrona Village Homeowners Subdivision in various roles (President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director) since its inception in 2005 through 2011. Was appointed to the Village of Round Lake Planning Commission Also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.Elected offices held: Was Trustee for the Village of Round Lake from November 2006 until May 2011Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Fiscal Responsibility - Over the last five years, the village has been focused on all expenditures, revenues and management through this tough financial environment without reducing services to the community and keeping tax levy's at or below the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The village is at a point in time that we need to focus on the next level of fiscal responsibility and planning for the future. 1) A full in-depth study of what critical Capital/Infrastructure expenditures will be coming up over the next 10 years and ensure there is a "smart" capital plan fund in place to pay for those repairs/updates. 2) Develop a long term staffing plan for the village to ensure no interruption in services maintaining high quality and customer service. 3) Establish a procurement policy for all village third party service contracts (vehicle maintenance, IT support, Telephone plans, etc.)Key Issue 2 Being Proud of our Past and Creating a Path for the Future - Whether in tough economic times, or those of great prosperity, it is always important that we continue moving the village forward. Round Lake has a rich past of community pride and small town heritage. We need to embrace our past and set a clear vision and action plan for our future. Our plan entails; 1)Implementation and focus on the actual implementation of a downtown Round Lake revitalization plan. 2)Focus on economic growth. While over the past several years the village has benefited by not depending on sales tax revenues, it is essential that the it continue to look at expanding this revenue opportunity. In order to reduce the residents property tax burden and diversify the tax base, the village needs to take an aggressive role in "selling our village" to economic developers. 3)We need to find other "out of the box" ideas to connect with residents.Key Issue 3 Building a Sense of Community - Creating a Sense of Community - Over the course of the last 12 years the village has gone from a community of 5,000 to 18,300, an increase of over 360% in residents, and over 5,000 homes. People have moved to the community from all over the Chicagoland area and we need to help drive diverse cultures and traditions to define Round Lake without sacrificing it's rich history. We have outlined the following action plan; 1)Encourage residents to be more involved in the community by joining one of the many village committees, forming community volunteer groups, and offering more and mixed community events in the same context as Hometown Fest throughout the year. 2)Embrace the concept of community. Today most people identify themselves with the neighborhood they reside, however, residents need to understand they belong to a vastly diversified community and be proud of living in Round Lake as a Village. 3)Tap into the success some of our HOA's have accomplished withing there own smaller communities to build a broader pride in the village as a whole.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I bring to the table 14 years of working in corporate america and dealing with fortune 500 organizations with a focus on implementing a plan and project management. While in the office of trustee for 4.5 years I have a proven track records of being a trustee that brought ideas to the table, worked on policy decision that benefited all residents of the village not just small influential segments, implemented cost saving ideas. Was the HR/Finance chair responsible for overseeing a $16 million annual budget. I firmly believe civic service is a responsibility and have proven that by being involved in the community for all 9.5 years I have lived here.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.Our sales tax and overall economic exposure is very untapped within the village. In order the help reduce the property tax burden that the resident face the village needs to work on diversifying the tax base. The biggest area the village can make in impact is looking to expand it sale tax base. Over the past 2 years specific elected officials have stripped all moneys and focus on bringing business to the village. A village of 18,000 with a high average annual income should have more offering then we have today. By focusing on economic development we have a 2 fold benefit. We bring much needed services and shops that the residents are asking for. And we help diversify the tax base so the village is less dependent on property tax revenues to maintain essential services like Police and Public works.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.Round Lake has the fortune to have a very safe community. Our overall crime statistics are very low. Our concern is that if we keep with the finical plans that my opposition want to continue to implement the village will have no choice but need to cut Police in order to meet the financial pressures of the village.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?Over the past 4 years the villages focus has been to slash any and all non essential expenses. At this point in time without effective daily services to residents there are no "pockets" of money that will make any significant dent in the overall financial picture of the village. Not enough focus has been placed in the long term financial needs of the village around capital expenditures or expanding the tax base. Certain members of the current board are very short sited in the financial strength of the village. The village should be operating on a rotating 10 year plan to make sure we are not deferring much need capital expenses or reducing services. Deferring work only make it more costly down the line.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Finding new ways to engage residents in the workings of the village or getting their voice heard. Offering a virtual Town Hall forum we would be taking this connection to the next level. Twice a year we would hold this virtual forum where the board can deliver key messages to residents, and allow QA sessions for residents to ask questions and have direct interactions with the board from the convenience of their home. Today people are less likely to attend a village hall meeting due to time restraints or children, but they may be more interested in participating through a Web Ex meeting or something virtual from their home. The village needs to take advantage of that.