Ed Macek: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Ed Macek

Office sought: Village of Antioch Trustee

Age: 53

Family: I have twin girls, age 25, and one grandson, age 3.

Occupation: I have been a Financial Representative with Country Insurance Financial Services since 1988.

Education: Antioch High School and the American Collage for Insurance

Civic engagement: I am a past President of the Antioch Rescue Squad where I served 10 years as a volunteer Paramedic. I also served two years as a volunteer on the Antioch Fire Department. I have been a member of the Antioch Lions Club for over 20 years.

Previous elected offices held: I served four years as a Village of Antioch Trustee and nine years as the Antioch Police Commissioner.

Incumbent? I was elected to my first term 2015 as Village of Antioch Trustee.

Website:

Facebook: Ed Macek

Twitter: N/A

Issue questions

What are the most important issues facing your community and how do you intend to address them?

I would like to continue to keep Antioch's tax rate lower than surrounding communities to attract both businesses and consumers. The continued use of TIF Districts and other incentives such as facade programs and business grants will increase our retail revenues. I want to reach out and work with business development organizations like Lake County Partners and Retail Strategies to generate interest for business to come to Antioch. Our unique location allows us to draw businesses and consumers from Lake County, McHenry County and Southern Wisconsin. I along with the current board have put together a new Comprehensive Plan giving businesses and property developers a clear idea of future growth. This was accomplished in-house saving tax dollars. I will continue to support the Route 173 Corridor Plan which I believe gives Antioch a tremendous opportunity for commercial growth. I am hoping to work with the new Governor and his administration on the importance of a south bound exit off the tollway.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

For the last 30 years I have built relationships with a lot of our residents and businesses, my office is in the center of town, I understand what this town needs to move forward. My financial background gives me a unique understanding to plan for the future through a good budget planning process. For the past 30 years I have served on all Public Safety departments within the Village. I was first a volunteer Antioch Firefighter, moving to a certified paramedic on the all-volunteer Antioch Rescue Squad, then serving as an Antioch Police Commissioner.

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 think it's important to listen, get the facts ask a lot of questions. I always research my work to make sure it's accurate and factual. I try to help others to make work a team event. I always believe in a team approach.

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?

Over the past 4 years the reserves have grown. The Village of Antioch in the past had to take out bonds for road projects, now we have the resources to get more miles down, and have more reserves in the bank from past years. Our Bond Rating remains strong and allows us to run our town strong.

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

As to public safety, I initiated security cameras to be installed in our parks to protect our children and I will continue to advocate a Village program to help subsidize video cameras at our local businesses. I will also continue to support intergovernmental cooperation with Illinois State Police and the regional narcotics enforcement known as Metropolitan Enforcement Group to combat the opioid epidemic. A Chicago Tribune article described Antioch as one the of worst towns for narcotics usage in Lake County. Narcan, a lifesaving drug to treat Opiate overdose, was administered approximately one hundred times last year in Antioch. I would like to see the Village of Antioch support the Lake County States Attorney's "Way Out Program". A treatment program for addicted individuals seeking help.