Tim Wilson: 2021 candidate for Mundelein trustee

7 candidates running for 3, 4-year seats

Bio

City: Mundelein

Age: 62

Occupation: Consumer Goods - Sales and Management, JOH

Civic involvement: Village of Mundelein Economic Development Commission, November 2017 - January 2020

Q&A

Q: How do you view your role in confronting the pandemic: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents - even ones with whom you disagree - or defer to state and federal authorities?

A: I believe everyone (citizens, state, federal and local authorities) has a role in confronting the pandemic. COVID has not only been disruptive and dangerous (deadly), but it has also been a very volatile issue among many residents as well. I think we all need to lower the temperature, follow the guidelines to the best of your abilities. We need to support each other and our local businesses as we grind our way through COVID.

Q: Did your town continue to adequately serve its constituents during the disruptions caused by the pandemic? If so, please cite an example of how it successfully adjusted to providing services. If not, please cite a specific example of what could have been done better.

A: The feedback I have received from most of my neighbors and other residents has been positive. I think all the departments and their leaders have done a nice job under some extraordinary circumstances.

Q: In light of our experiences with COVID-19, what safeguards/guidelines should you put in place to address any future public health crises?

A: There was certainly no playbook for COVID, but I think we can learn from many of the mitigations that have been executed over the last 12 months. I think some of those actions will remain in place even after we get through the pandemic as enhanced public health measures.

Q : What cuts can local government make to reduce the burden of the pandemic on taxpayers?

A: Like most businesses/households you are always trying to reduce costs, be more efficient. Last month I met with most of the department heads and they are extremely focused on ways to minimize the financial burden of the pandemic on taxpayers without reductions in service levels that will have a negative impact on our residents and businesses.

Q : Do you agree or disagree with the stance your board/council has taken on permitting recreational marijuana sales in the community? What would you change about that stance, if you could?

A: I would have voted against permitting recreational marijuana sales in the community had I been on the Board. I have changed my stance since having discussions with multiple residents, family members, and viewing the actual operation from the parking lot across the street from the location.

Q : What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

A: Resident Responsibility - Actions are always more impactful than words, posts, or tweets. I will continue to support resident involvement around town to make our community stronger.

Q: What is the primary reason you're running for office? What is the most important issue?

A: I'm a product of Mundelein and love this town. I'm very passionate about being an advocate for Mundelein while serving on behalf of all residents and businesses. To ensure that Mundelein remains a safe, prosperous, diverse and welcoming community for all residents and businesses (current and future).

Q : What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what infrastructure project can be put on the back burner?

A: What I hear from the residents is streets and sidewalks. Over the past 2 years I have walked, road my bicycle, or have driven through almost every neighborhood and the streets are my personal most important infrastructure need. Reviewing the 2021 Capital Improvement Plan there are street and sidewalk projects already planned and executed (within the current budget), but there is no easy answer when it comes to funding larger scale projects. The need for road funding is a national problem and during these tough times gaining public acceptance is not going to happen. Until we can get a handle on the full effect of COVID on the revenue streams I think we need to be very selective on future projects.