Jeff Nielsen, 4 years: 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: Lake VillaWebsite: Office sought: Lake Villa Village Board Trustee, 4 yearsAge: 42Family: Married with childrenOccupation: Retail management/salesEducation: Bachelor's Degree #8211; Drake University #8216;91Civic involvement: Coach for Lake Villa Baseball, Coach for Lake Villa Timberwolves Football, Member of Lake Villa Economic Advisory Board, former member of the Lake Villa Parks and Recreation Committee, Former member of the Lake Villa Planning Commission. I am also involved in philanthropic projects such as raising money for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Elected offices held: Member of Lake Villa Economic Advisory Board, former member of the Lake Villa Parks and Recreation Committee, Former member of the Lake Villa Planning Commission, Village Trustee for 2 Yrs.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 No new Village Taxes on our residents. We need to find a way to make our budget work in these tough economic times.Key Issue 2 Bring more viable business to the village, through controlled responsible growth which could generate more sales tax revenue.Key Issue 3 Village infrastructure #8211; We need to look at our streets, old sewer, water main pipes and wells.Questions AnswersWhat makes you the best candidate for the job? My great grandparents were from Lake Villa, my grandparents were from Lake Villa, my parents are from Lake Villa, I was raised in Lake Villa along with my sister who lives in LakeVilla, I married Susan who is from Lake Villa and was Miss Lake Villa ('87), I'm raising my family in Lake Villa and I work in Lake Villa. I have seen the community evolve and change, some good and some bad, but with all I have invested in Lake Villa, I truly care about what happens to this town.I have been a trustee for 2 yrs and been active on committees and commissions since 2004. I have a good understanding of what is going on and the challenges Lake Villa is facing right now.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. NO NEW TAXES!!!!!!!!!! All levels of Government from local to national need to clean up their house. We can't lean on local business anymore than we do, otherwise we won't have any business in town or this state. Local business employs local people.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. Economic issues seem to top the list right now, but public safety is equally important. Even though we live in a rural community the Village Police, Fire and Rescue Departments are second to none.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 think we as a board have been very fiscally responsible. We have managed to cut enough to balance the budget the last 2 years without any interruption of essential Village services. Unfortunately, if the economic situation worsens we may have to cut Village services or personnel. All areas of the budget could use more funding especially infrastructure.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet? We needs to be preparing our community and the way we operate so we can compete when the economy turns around. Businesses and Developers are going to be looking for communities that are going to be easy to do business with. We need to get our message about Lake Villa out, right now.