Gurnee trustee candidates list their top issues
Gurnee's trustee candidates have different opinions on what they see as the top issues in town, ranging from keeping residents safe to fiscal responsibility.
Four candidates are competing for three, 4-year village board seats up in Tuesday's election. In the race are Trustee Jeanne Balmes, Don Wilson, Thomas Hood and Terry Waddell-Moenter.
All of the candidates appeared at a joint Daily Herald editorial board endorsement interview.
They also provided responses in candidate questionnaires.
Each candidate was asked to list three top issues confronting Gurnee. Balmes, a trustee since 2001, said the only campaign issue for her is continuing to work to keep the village a desirable place to live, work and enjoy its many amenities.
Hood, an attorney and former Gurnee zoning board of appeals member, said a top issue is getting increased cooperation between village government, businesses, schools, churches and civic organizations in an effort to create a better environment in which to live, while reducing the cost of living.
In addition, Hood said officials need “to continue to build upon the strong foundation of prior village of Gurnee administrations with an emphasis on increasing revenue, containing expenses and improving village services.”
His third issue is continuing to strengthen the village residents' safety through the fire and police department.
Waddell-Moenter, a small-business owner who served in the Air Force, said her lead issue is having a commitment to residents as a public official.
She also listed fiscal responsibility and economic development.
“With the current state of our economy, I understand the importance of making sound financial decisions that will ensure that the municipality will spend wisely and stay within budgets while maintaining services that Gurnee residents deserve,” Waddell-Moenter said.
Wilson, another former member of the advisory zoning board of appeals who is a radio personality and owns a wedding business, said he sees the top issues as keeping residents safe, elevating the expectations of those who visit and shop Gurnee, and village government making an effort to do as much business as possible with companies in town.
Gurnee voters also will decide the mayor's race between incumbent Kristina Kovarik and Trustee Kirk Morris.