Jeffrey Halen: Candidate Profile

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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: Lake ZurichWebsite: JeffHalen.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Lake Zurich Village Board Age: 48Family: Wife - StephanieOccupation: Marketing Product ManagementEducation: Bachelor of Science in Business ManagementCivic involvement: "circ;cent; Trustee "â#128;œ elected 2009-2013; re-elected 2013-2017"circ;cent; Police Department Liaison "â#128;œ 2015-2017"circ;cent; Citizen and Police Advisory Committee "â#128;œ 2015-2017"circ;cent; Finance Department Liaison "â#128;œ 2013-2015"circ;cent; Public Works Department Liaison "â#128;œ 2012-2013"circ;cent; Park and Recreation Department Liaison "â#128;œ 2011-2012"circ;cent; Finance Department Liaison "â#128;œ 2010-2011"circ;cent; Fire and Emergency Response Department Liaison "â#128;œ 2009-2010"circ;cent; Special Census Committee - 2008Elected offices held: Trustee 2009-2013Trustee 2013-presentQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Since elected as a Trustee in 2009, and re-elected in 2013, I've been the voice of the citizens representing their best interests to make Lake Zurich the best community today and for the future. I'm fully prepared for each meeting, ask tough questions and ensure that I vet out agenda topics thoroughly so the public understands in depth the item before us. I make sure my vote matters and not be a "rubber stamp" for someone else's agenda. I have positioned myself in a leadership role in the community, garnering the respect of our citizens.What is your opinion of your community's present level of local sales and property taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.Many citizens feel their property taxes are too high, which they are, and assume the Village of Lake Zurich is the entity receiving most of the money. Lake Zurich only receives 14% of the taxes whereas the school district receives 68% leaving the village searching for additional revenue sources. As a non-home rule community, our portion of the sales tax is fixed per the state. In 2015, the village held a referendum to decide if it should become a Home Rule community that would have allowed the village to assess additional taxes. I was the only Board member who did not support the Home Rule referendum that was defeated by 75% of the voters.Rate the efficiency of your town's police and fire coverage. Are the departments well prepared for the next decade? What, if anything, should be changed? Do you have specific public safety concerns?Lake Zurich is a very safe community and we do not have any public safety concerns. Our Fire and Police departments have also received national accommodations. The Fire and Police Departments are continuously taking training courses to ensure they are the best in their field. The Village Board has fully supported our Police and Fire Departments, ensuring they receive the equipment they need so they can be best prepared when responding to an emergency.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?Over the last several years, the village has done a great job trimming extra expenses and living within their means which has contributed to the village's AAA bond rating. The budget could be trimmed by bringing budgeted expenditures more in line with actual costs. This will reduce the perceived "savings" of an expense that the village ultimately uses on something else. Areas that could use additional funding are infrastructure in nature, from replacing the trees that were removed due to the Emerald Ash Borer, to replacing the aging water and sewer lines below the streets. The road improvement program has greatly improved over the last few years but we are still behind planned road maintenance.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Having an informed and involved community is a key to its success. While the village's communication has improved over the years, the village should still determine how it can do it more effectively and reach a larger audience while still taking advantage of newer technology. The village has almost 20,000 residents and should look at how to increase citizen engagement by making it easier for people to participate in programs or projects that interest them.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?"circ;cent; Responsible Development: The Village has been operating without a vision, letting developers dictate our future landscape. This has resulted in lower appearance standards and non-conforming development. If re-elected, I will continue to work with the Village Board and citizens to establish a clear community vision including the creation of a comprehensive plan that provides a road map for developers to follow."circ;cent; Continue Financial Accountability: I will work with the Village Board to continue being fiscally responsible and maintaining our AAA bond rating by addressing items that don't appear to make financial sense and overspending."circ;cent; Economic Development: I will recommend to the Village Board the need for a full-time economic developer with the sole purpose of driving in new businesses and increasing the success of current businesses in a cohesive manner."circ;cent; Infrastructure: I will continue to work with the Village Board to prioritize the Village's needs, maintaining focus on the short-term improvements and the long-term goals like a decision on Lake Michigan water and improvements to our streets and sewers."circ;cent; Improved Community Communication and Engagement: I will continue to be a voice and advocate for the citizens. I'll work with the Village Board to explore other channels for resident engagement including improving resident notifications, simplify agenda summaries and information for everyone to understand. I would develop an outreach so our residents can participate in their local government as many do with other activities.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Bill Gates - Someone who is an entrepreneur, successful, gives to charity and strives to make the world a better place.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Love and respect your family. They are the only family you have and once they are gone, it's too late to say "I love you".If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?To take the time to learn more about myself and the people around me.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math - It was my strength which helped me understand my analytical side and be more efficient in my job.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Always be yourself. Always be proud of what you've accomplished.