Virginia (Ginger) Stephens: Candidate Profile

Back to Carpentersville Village Board

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:BioQA Bio City: CarpentersvilleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Carpentersville Village Board Age: 62Family: No children, 2 dogs, 2 brothers, 1 sister, 5 nieces, 2 nephewsOccupation: Senior Administrative AssistantEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Carpentersville Improvement Commission, Parks Commission, Special Events Commission, Audit Finance Commission, Shop with A CopElected offices held: Village Trustee since 2013Questions Answers Many municipalities are met with the challenge of maintaining steady revenue streams while trying to lower the tax burden on businesses and property owners. How has the village handled that balancing act so far, and how would you improve/maintain that situation?As a Board, we are conservative in our budgeting. LGDF takes a portion of Illinois state taxpayers state taxes then sends it to counties and municipalities however, due to the financial situation of our state, we've seen a large reduction in that revenue and have had to make adjustments accordingly since the new governor was seated. This may become a permanent loss of revenue thus we took the initiative to adjust our budget. We will focus on new business and growth. We recently completed a new census on the west side of town that showed an increase in population, thus bringing us more revenue.How would you suggest Carpentersville carry out its long-term goal of finding occupants for vacant buildings and properties throughout the village? What, if anything, is currently lacking in the village's business and economic portfolio?We have partnered with a firm called Retail Strategies to help identify opportunities and attract the right businesses to Carpentersville. The economy is making a positive turn and with the right marketing tools this company will develop, we will see new growth. Through much discussion/negotiation with the Spring Hill Mall owners, we were finally able to get the long standing covenant lifted on the former Rosati's building which will soon become 2 businesses. Our biggest accomplishment was the Walmart build; a very much needed business on the east side that not only filled the shopping needs but brought well over 100 jobs. There are several more interested businesses in the out lots on the Rt 25 corridor. Two years ago and most recently, Southern Belle's Pancake House. We are encouraged by the interest in our community. The old Dominick's building has been sold to a group of investors that are entertaining the possibilities of new business. This is also where Retail Strategies will be able to help us determine the needs of that area and court appropriate businesses for the Rt 31 corridor. Currently there is a Burger King being built on Randall Miller that was to go us a few years ago but due to the downturn in the economy they held off building.Where in the village's budget, if anywhere, could expenses be trimmed? And on the other hand, should the budget allot more money toward any particular area, service or village department?We have been trimming costs for 4 years and will continue to do so wherever we can. The Board approved putting new financing policies in place that are saving taxpayers dollars. Our Village Manager and Finance director have saved us millions of dollars by refinancing bonds on our own vs the previous method from the past. Carpentersville has been awarded back to back GFOA Finance awards for our budget (achieving this represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management). We have also focused on improving our Transparency rating (currently 91.6% and striving to hit 100% shortly) through the Illinois Policy Institute's Sunshine Award. The entire Board is deeply involved in the budgeting process through our Audit and Finance meetings. Staff presents their accomplishments for the past year and the needs for the future to the AF Commission. This is something that didn't happen years ago. Our financial focus changes annually depending on the needs of the community vs our anticipated revenue.What are your biggest concerns regarding public safety, and how could those be addressed?The mandates set upon the municipalities is of great concern to all of us in local government. The pension costs have risen to a point of being unsustainable. This is one of the largest reasons Illinois is in the financial situation it is. Obviously we need reforms in this area or we won't be able to continue to keep the pensions funded. Many communities are hurting much more than we are. We have a new Fire Chief that put together a 100 day plan. This was a breath of fresh air. The fireman are now participating in new and various committees and being involved. He is a very strong leader which has been absent the past couple years. Both fire and police were able to receive new equipment this past year. We have state of the art ambulances and through several grants, we have been able to acquire special lifting equipment(reducing firefighter injuries), new CPR equipment and heart monitors. Our Police department received a new interceptor as well as all new computer equipment in their vehicles that automatically download their shift information once they drive on the lot - saving them time in completing manual paperwork. We have an outstanding Public Safety group that is dedicated to this community.What can the village do to improve its relationship with union employees, particularly those in the fire department, and is there room for improvement? Please explain.I refer back to the previous question/answer. Given we have a new Fire Chief, the communication lines are once again open. He is a strong leader and we see positive changes in the short time he has been at the helm. The firefighters respect him. We look forward to moving ahead in a positive way.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I sit on the Special Events Commission (a merger of the Parks Commission and newly established Events Commission) and our focus is bringing the community together with different events being held in Carpenter Park. We have a lot of ideas and have seen a few come to fruiting (very successful Community Yard Sale - going on its 4th year this spring; the Civil War Reenactment, returning this year; rock the Fox-also returning this year; local school band concerts and Movies in the Park along with some new events currently in the planning stages. Due to the park's grant having been "frozen" for what seemed to be forever, then reinstated and finally seeing the construction begin, the timeline for events is not as stable as we'd like it to be. However, we are moving ahead with the plans and will attempt to work around the construction as much as we can. I've personally had many residents reach out to say how they've thoroughly enjoyed the events thus far and are looking forward to many more! So are we! We want to bring our community together.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Candidate did not respond.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Candidate did not respond.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Candidate did not respond.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Candidate did not respond.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be honest in everything you do.