Carol Calabresa: 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: LibertyvilleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Lake County board District 15Age: 68Family: Married to William for 44 years Elizabeth-son and daughter Kathryn-son and daughter VincentOccupation: Lake County Board Member 1986 to present Lake County Forest Preserve Commissioner 1986 to present Republican Commetteemen 1990 to presentEducation: B.S. Political Science U of Wisconsin-MadisonCivic involvement: Libertyville Junior Woman's Club Libertyville Civic Center Conserve Lake County and Elawa Farm Board Member A Safe Place Advisory Board Member Initiated First Drug Curriculum in District 70 Republicans for Environmental Protection Board of DirectorsElected offices held: Libertyville Township Trustee-1984-86 Founding Member Libertyville Open Space District-1985-86 Lake County Board Member 1986-present Lake County Forest Preserve Commissioner-1986-present Republican Precinct Committeemen-1990 to presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: I have never been arrested.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Fiscal Responsibility Our 2012 budget is almost $20 million less than the 2009 budget as a direct result of county board budget guidelines. Personnel cost is the biggest expense for government; however, the county has reduced our headcount for the last three years. During 2009-2011, we saved nearly $50 million in salary expenses. Unlike many other government units, we have a balanced budget, strong cash reserves, and contribute the full annual fund pension requirement which enables us to maintain a AAA bond rating. We are one of only 38 counties in the entire U.S. having such an exceptional rating. I voted against the 2012 budget as I wanted deeper cuts and funding for only core and mandated business operations. I will continue to advocate for the same this year. Our 2013 budget will be presented for joint committee review and approval on October 16-17.Key Issue 2 Transportation Improvements Lake County businesses and residents rely on our five year transportation program for a healthy, local economy. Infrastructure improvements create jobs and provide for efficient movement of goods and people. At the 2006 transportation summit, I worked with mayors, county board members, and state legislators to identify the Route 21 expansion project as the highest priority for congestion relief. Construction at this notorious bottle neck began in the fall of 2011 and is expected to be completed in 2013. The project will include an underpass for trail connections from the west to the Des Plaines River Trail. I will continue to support road projects which relieve congestion and enhance our quality of life.Key Issue 3 Resource Preservation I have a long history of vigilantly protecting land, air, and water quality for the last 28 years. As a founding member of the Libertyville Township Open Space District and as a Forest Preserve Commissioner, I have voted for over 17,000 acres of land preservation and created over 36 new forest preserves for our residents to enjoy. I helped plan and develop award winning projects such as Independence Grove, Middle Fork Savanna, and Rollins Savanna. I was an early advocate and leader in land preservation, restoration, trail planning and development. I will continue this long standing legacy.Questions Answers Now that golf at Fort Sheridan is a dead issue, what types of amenities should be added to the site?Our main priority should be to restore and enhance our natural resources, to create the habitat needed for threatened and endangered species, and to protect the flyway for migratory birds. Improvements should be made to enable the public better access to the beach and lake. For historic preservation and protection of the parade ground vistas and landscape views, I would prefer to leave them as open space honoring the veterans and medical personnel who worked on these grounds over the centuries.What, if any, new ethics-related rules are needed for the county board and county staff?Our county board appointed an ethics committee to review the state mandated ethics ordinance. A major decision was made to prohibit county board member inquiries about constituent's job applications and hiring. I fully support this measure. .Government transparency has been an important issue in recent years. Name one thing the county government or forest preserve district should do to improve transparency.The county has won many "sunshine" awards. Another major transparency effort is to post on our website the salaries, overtime, and benefits of all employees. This will be posted on our website on November 20th, as mandated by the state.Should the forest district use eminent domain to acquire the land needed for the final link in the Des Plaines River Trail? Why or why not? If your answer is no, how should officials go about acquiring that land sooner than later?The county board should not use eminent domain to acquire the link to the Des Plaines River Trail. We need to continue to work collaboratively with the property owner and community to assure the trail connection. Our staff will continue our regular meeting schedule with the owner.What will be the biggest issue facing the county over the next decade, and how do you propose dealing with it?The biggest issue is the state's huge debt. We are forced to abide by new state mandates that are ultimately pushed to the county tax payer via increased taxes. To address this issue, we need to elect fiscally conservative and responsible leaders.