Lisa Guess: 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: South ElginWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Lisa Guess for South Elgin Village PresidentOffice sought: South Elgin Village President Age: 57Family: Stanley, husband of 38 yearsKelsi Nathan Hirschy, daughter and son-in-lawMcCormick, grandsonMadeline, granddaughterOccupation: RetiredEducation: CosmetologistMiscellaneous Library Technical Assistant and Marketing Assistant courses.Civic involvement: Previous Brownie and Girl Scout leader.Elected offices held: South Elgin Village Trustee since 2003.Served on South Elgin Liquor Commission.Served as board liaison to Finance, SEED, Public Works and Public Safety.Currently board liaison to Parks and Recreation.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I am an experienced trustee that will be a strong leader as Village President. I have an ear for the residents and business owners, keeping their best interests in mind when making decisions.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 that people want?The budget development process is in good condition with adequate reserves. This is supported by the receipt of the GFOA Distinguished Budget Preparation Award for 14 consecutive years. The Village of South Elgin Budget is a policy document to communicate the operations and financial plan to the residents.My actions would be continued communication with Springfield, letting them know I oppose any actions to reduce municipal shared revenues.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?I do not currently see any areas in need of reductions or trimming. However, I would like to see an increase in the Police Department budget and property acquisition. Staffing the Police Station during non-business hours is important for public safety. Purchasing riverfront property, as it becomes available, is important for residents recreation and quality of life. With this said all actions possible will be taken to increase fund balance reserves.Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.Strong would describe my leadership style. While leading by example, being strong and extremely involved; working as a team is of utmost importance. Seeking input from staff and trustees, listening, and communication are crucial elements in producing effective actions and decisions by the village board.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?Staff the Police Station during non-business hours. I will explore all avenues to find the most cost effective means to do this. Currently when a person enters the Police Station, during non-business hours for assistance, they must use a phone to be connected to dispatch. This is like having a hospital with no doctors!What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?A renewed focus on conservative spending while maintaining the enhanced quality service to our current residents and businesses. Improvements have been made to technology, public facilities and infrastructure to enhance service. It is now time to return to the conservative spending that has been proudly practiced prior to these enhancements.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Rob Russell, Kane County Coroner, is an inspiration to me. Rob is direct, honest and trustworthy. These are important character traits.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Honesty and hard work.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Spend more time with my parents, as I lost them both too early in their lives.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Business courses helped me working in the corporate world. I've learned to listen, digest information, and think outside the box.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be honest!