Tracy McGrath: 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: LindenhurstWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Lindenhurst Village boardAge: 49Family: Married 25 years to Bill McGrath. Three children, Meghan (graduated Antioch High School 2006) Billy (Lakes High School 2008) Danny (will graduate Lakes 2011).Occupation: Former Teacher Aide and Substitute Teacher at Millburn School.Education: Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, in Marketing with Minor in Spanish, Ball State University 1983Civic involvement: Currently serving as School Board Member and Secretary for District 117 (Lakes Antioch High Schools). Co-founder and currently Director of Lakes Eagles Booster Club.Elected offices held: Board of Education, District 117Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I would like to be involved in the continued process of bringing Lake Michigan Water to our community.Key Issue 2 Candidate did not respond.Key Issue 3 Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I am running on an unopposed slate, so the point may seem moot, however I would like to tell you some some of my qualifications. I have served in this community for the past 4 years as a member of the Board of Education. I have been a conscientious member, learning from those who had more experience while bringing my own perspective to the group. I have successfully worked with a variety of board members in that capacity and believe that I will continue to do so with this board.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.I did not feel that the present level of sales tax was too high, however, given the changes that continue to occur in Springfield, I am worried about the impact of increased business tax to our local businesses. Our surrounding communities have all seen businesses lost in this economy and that impacts all of our revenues. It will remain to be seen what happens in the next few years.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.I have not heard of any public safety concerns other than a desire for more sidewalks to make our village more pedestrian friendly. I would personally support additional sidewalks if we were able to find funding from an outside source.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?I believe that our budget is currently well-balanced. The previous stewards of our village have been very conservative in their spending and budget processes and will continue to be fiscally responsible.What#146;s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I would like to see if our community could support a Youth Center. Our students have few choices for social interaction outside of school other than hanging out at Gurnee Mills. I have seen the youth center in Grayslake and been very impressed with both the quality of the programs, and the attendance at concert events. I am not sure if Lindenhurst youth would support a similar venue but it would be interesting to survey and find out.