Madelyn Staack: 2021 candidate for Round Lake Beach trustee
2 candidates running for 1, 2-year term
Bio
Town: Round Lake Beach
Age: 74
Occupation: Realtor, self-employed
Civic involvement: Involved in feeding those in need in food banks in Hebron; involved in Toys for Tots every holiday season
Q&A
Q: How do you view your role in confronting the pandemic: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents - even ones with whom you disagree - or defer to state and federal authorities?
A: The pandemic has affected everyone in the World. When it started a year ago, it was new to everyone and no one had any idea of how to control it. What we have done is follow the guidelines of the health experts. And we need to continue to do so if we want to get out of this alive. Wearing a mask is the simplest thing we can do. I'm willing to give it a try to stay safe.
Q: Did your town continue to adequately serve its constituents during the disruptions caused by the pandemic? If so, please cite an example of how it successfully adjusted to providing services. If not, please cite a specific example of what could have been done better.
A: No I don't think the town did a good job serving its constituents. Putting information in the once a month newsletter is not enough. I feel they needed to better educate themselves on how to handle a pandemic. I felt we received more information by watching TV. They could have used the Community Center for Town Hall meetings to get information out to the public or even sent flyers to the residents. I don't think enough compassion was shown to the public.
Q: In light of our experiences with COVID-19, what safeguards/guidelines should you put in place to address any future public health crises
A: We need to develop a plan for future crises. A chain of command, use resources from the Lake County Health Dept, State and Federal.
Q: What cuts can local government make to reduce the burden of the pandemic on taxpayers?
A: The budget would have to be reviewed first before any cuts are made. Put a temporary hold on the Hook Drive project while evaluating all the needs of the community.
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the stance your board/council has taken on permitting recreational marijuana sales in the community? What would you change about that stance, if you could?
A: I think it is good. It is like selling alcohol.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: Improve existing infrastructures and revitalize the Rollins Rd Business corridor.
Q: What is the primary reason you're running for office? What is the most important issue?
A: I've lived in the Round Lake Beach community since 1952 and I would like to be more involved with the direction we grow and improve. We cannot just keep adding new areas and ignore some of our current problems. Many of our infrastructures need to be updated to improve the quality of life for our residents. I think taxpayer dollars could be better spent than on purchasing vacant land for new projects. We need to develop a better budget to support current issues and new growth. Our community needs not just a vision but results.
Q: What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what infrastructure project can be put on the back burner?
A: We need so many improvements. We have streets that flood regularly needing better drainage. We need improved sewers, streets, streetlights and more side walks through the village. We need to look at the village as a whole and not just improve the newer areas.