Stacey Pristas: Candidate profile
Bio
Name: Stacey Pristas
City: Vernon Hills
Office sought: Trustee, Village of Vernon Hills
Age: 48
Family: I reside in Vernon Hills with my two sons who attend both the Vernon Hills High School and Hawthorn Middle School
Occupation: Regional Real Estate Property Manager
Education: BA
Civic involvement: March For Our Lives 2018
Previous elected offices held: Non-Government: Vernon Hills Park District Recreation Advisory Committee -2012 to present; Bleeding Disorders of Illinois board of directors; Regal Pointe Condominium Association board of directors - 2015 to present; Courtyard Junction Condominium Association board of directors- 2015 to present, previously managed over 40 Boards of Directors - 2005-present.
Incumbent? No. If yes, when were you first elected?
Website: N/A
Facebook: Stacey Pristas for Vernon Hills Trustee
Twitter: N/A
Issue questions
What are the most important issues facing your community and how do you intend to address them?
Transparency: The Village should do better in alerting and notifying the public at large of the topics to be discussed at all Board meetings. This should be done via internet mass email mailings, through Facebook community groups and announcements. Forming committees with the residents to obtain a more open communication to better meet their needs. The Board should debate topics publicly and then vote. Currently, many decisions are being made prior to Board meetings and then voted on publicly.
Housing/Overcrowding of schools: Work hand-in-hand with School Board in peaceful collaboration of overcrowding issues and to ensure that any future housing developments include appropriate additional funding for schools.
Infrastructure: Properly bidding out and budgeting for transportation and roadway issues in the community.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
Simply put, BECAUSE I CARE! I am tired of sitting on the sidelines and not making my voice count in a more productive way. I have lived in Vernon Hills since 2004. I have two amazing sons who attend Hawthorn Middle School and Vernon Hills High School. Both of my sons have participated in the various activities and sports through our AWARD WINNING Vernon Hills Park District as well as travel sports through the Cougar programs. In my professional experience, I have managed Real Estate Communities for the past 25 years. I have personally overseen well over a BILLION dollars in Real Estate. I have managed over 40 separate Boards of Directors. My successful career has involved managing million dollar budgets, contract negotiations, capital improvements including infrastructure, as well as leading and coaching staff in facility maintenance, sales, marketing and much, much more!
Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing actions and decisions with your village board or city council.
I have served on the Vernon Hills Park District Recreation Committee since 2012. In this role I have offered my opinions on past, current and future activities with the Park District. This experience has only added to my sense of community. I have also previously served on the Bleeding Disorder Alliance of Illinois board of directors. Several years ago, I was lucky enough to go door-to-door with my son as he helped raise money and spread awareness for Hemophilia, which he won 1st place in the entire state of Illinois. I was also lucky enough to have the distinct opportunity to work with our former State Representative, Kathy Ryg to pass an important health care bill. Those that know me, know that I am not afraid to stand up for what is right. If elected, my voice will not be silenced. I will listen to our community and use common sense, my varied professional background and work with the other Trustees to make Vernon Hills even that much better!
How would you describe the condition of your community's budget, and what are the most important specific actions the town should take to assure providing the level of services people want?
There are always ways to reduce spending. I would dissect the budget to see where money could be saved or better utilized. The current situation with employees quitting or being let go needs some serious evaluation. There also seems to be redundancy in job roles that needs to be streamlined.
Pedestrian crossing areas need updated signage.
Aspen Road infrastructure needs further discussion to accommodate future needs.
Future housing development projects need to be carefully thought out and include discussions with School Board.
* What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
Although not a central location like I would have liked, Melody Farms gives the feel of a walkable area to socialize with your neighbors.
I would take this a step further with the redevelopment of Hawthorn Mall. I would want to see the mall redeveloped with a more modern feel to include: outdoor green space, walk up retail stores, the addition of outdoor features such as a water/sprinkler feature for kids, a lake with motorized mini-sailboats, Al Fresca dining, and live music in warmer weather.