Bill Dustin: 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 In The HillsWebsite: http://www.dustin4lith.comOffice sought: Lake In The Hills Village President (4-year Term)Age: 66Family: Married to Dot Dustin, three Daughters, three Sons and five Grandchildren.Occupation: Owner, partner and manager of Dustin Company LLC Lake In The Hills. Sales broker for Baird Warner Real Estate, Crystal Lake. Owner, partner, CEO-COO of FSG Crest LLC in South Holland, IL. Owner, CEO-COO of GY Industries LLC in South Holland, IL.Education: Maine East Township High School; General Studies Roosevelt University; Accounting and Business Law.Civic involvement: Lake in the Hills Planning Zoning Commissioner; American Legion Post 1231, LITH; Baird Warner Goodwill Network, Crystal Lake; Lake in the Hills Rotary Club Volunteer; Coach: Women's 11" Softball League, Elgin; Created and managed fundraisers that benefited The Wounded Warrior Project?, The Ecker Center for Mental Health-Elgin and local food pantries. Former Jaycee, Schaumburg, Former YMCA,various committees, Schaumburg.Elected offices held: President; Greeting Card Association - Washington, District of Columbia [1995 to 1996],Chairman of the Board; Giftco Inc - Vernon Hills, Illinois [1989 to 1997], Board of Directors; Greeting Card Association - Washington, District of Columbia [1986 to 2003], Board of Directors; Giftco Inc - Vernon Hills, Illinois [1986 to 1997]Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Increase economic growth. This is not only in new locations but to work attracting business to all the vacant business locations currently in Lake in the Hills. This will keep our tax base stable.Key Issue 2 Encouraging the citizens of Lake in the Hills to participate in the community, the community activities, its parks and its government.Key Issue 3 Sidewalks and street lights in several areas where they do not exist.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?40+ Years Management Experience, 20+ Years Corporate Board Experience. Practical everyday business experience. Managing employees, setting budgets, and achieving goals. Experience dealing with acquisitions and mergers. Real estate experience. The ability to maintain the professionalism this community deserves.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'm sorry to say local government has very little control on the amount of sales tax collected. Most of it goes to the state and county. All that being said I am always optimistic that taxes can be reduced. The reality based on current news is the state of Illinois is in financial crisis at this time and at best we can hope for sales tax to remain the same.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.Sidewalks and street lights in several areas where they do not exist.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 recently sat at the open village board budget meetings and think the village does a pretty good job in budgeting. Lake in the Hills is in pretty good financial shape. The balance of funds allocated seems to be fair to the departments. This is thanks the the administration and staff.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I am passionate about supporting fundraising events. I believe everyone should be involved, no matter how little or how much they can do. There is a food pantry or organization either in our community or close by that can use help. Giving service kindles the human spirit and is a great way to bring the community closer together. Promoting community opportunities for citizens to serve will be high on my agenda.