Economic development a top concern for Lindenhurst candidates

Economic development is a chief concern for most of the candidates seeking election to Lindenhurst's village board.

Six candidates are running for three seats with 4-year terms in the April 2 election. They're divided into two slates.

Incumbents Dawn Czarny, Patrick John Dunham and Heath Rosten are running as the Lindenhurst Best Choice slate. They're led by incumbent mayoral candidate Dominic Marturano.

Stacey Kramer, Trak Patel and Cassandra Slade are newcomers running as the Lindenhurst United for Change slate. They're led by mayoral candidate Ryan Brandes.

The candidates talked about the issues facing the village and other topics in questionnaires for the Daily Herald.

Czarny, a trustee since 2015, cited the need to develop a healthy business environment as a priority.

"We need to continue defining, demonstrating and communicating how Lindenhurst offers a unique opportunity for business and how we are committed to help businesses grow in our village," she said.

Recent and ongoing road improvement projects can help lure businesses to town, Czarny said. Improving a pedestrian and biking path on Sand Lake Road can connect residents to businesses and village attractions, too, she said.

Slade also said additional economic development should be a priority. New businesses will diversify the tax base, she said.

Kramer said the village needs employees dedicated to community and economic development.

"As taxpayers, we need to have our revenue base expanded in order to relieve some of the burden placed on us," she said.

Kramer also called for increased communication between trustees and residents.

Dunham, a trustee since 2007 who also served on the board from 1997 to 2001, called maintaining a "common-sense approach" to the budget a priority.

"We have been fiscally responsible and innovative, by creating efficiencies and cutting expenses," he said.

Dunham also supported continued business development and said the 2017 connection to a Lake Michigan water system will help attract them.

Patel said the village needs greater financial transparency. He also supports more community development to improve the financial health of the village.

Rosten, who was appointed to fill a vacancy in August 2017, said he hears residents complain about high property taxes. He pledged to maintain the current tax rate for village operations.

"I have voted for measures that make our operations more efficient by implementing more data-driven decisions," he said. "I also work very closely with village staff to ensure purchases and projects are done within budget and on time."

Additionally, like the other candidates, Rosten called for more local economic development. "Attracting new businesses creates more jobs and opportunities for our residents," he said.