Pamela Milroy: 2021 candidate for Green Oaks trustee

5 candidates for 3 seats

Bio

City: Green Oaks

Age: 75

Occupation: Retired; former Libertyville Township Finance Director

Civic involvement: Current Village Trustee and Finance Chairman

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: We have been fortunate that the pandemic has not caused significant disruptions for our offices, which have stayed open throughout the pandemic and adhering to State and Federal pandemic guidelines. Our residents have been steadfast in supporting local businesses whenever possible. The Board and community work well together - the fact that this positive relationship has continued amid the pandemic is a testament to our residents.

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: We have a very talented and hardworking staff. All of our services have been available throughout the pandemic. In-person appointments are available with all social-distancing and masking rules being followed. In order to keep the lines of communication open and provide updates to all of our residents, our Board meetings have been virtual and we continued our usual services of connecting with our residents through Blackboard Connect, a vehicle where we can send messages out by phone, email or text. Our seasonal newsletters have continued. We were able to continue our road program, drainage and mitigation projects, water pipe repairs, and installation of new water meters. Building permits have increased. We are in the process of updating our Comprehensive Plan. All in all, we are continuing to serve our residents despite any disruptions.

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: Green Oaks follows safe office procedures from the State during this pandemic. This keeps our employees safe and our Village functioning without interruption. This experience shows that we can address future public health crises with the same confidence we have been handling this one. Green Oaks is a small village of 3,866 before the new census is counted. We have the resources and procedures in place to serve our constituents.

Q: What cuts can local government make to reduce the burden of the pandemic on taxpayers?

A: One of the ways local government can reduce the burden of the pandemic on taxpayers is to extend payment deadlines for various services. For example, Green Oaks extended the due date for license plate fees. Cutting fees for a small village like Green Oaks is more difficult because our revenue stream is smaller. What Green Oaks does is to keep our fees as low as possible. As a Board, we spend a lot of time putting together a budget. This is where our Village excels. Without a strong budget, you can't have a strong Village. This is one of the reasons why we are financially weathering the pandemic. We have a strong financial foundation.

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 have already started and completed some infrastructure projects in our Rondout Area Tax Increment Financing District (TIF). The TIF is a primary focus of the Board. It has been very successful over the past 6 years with yearly revenue starting around $30,000 to now over $1,900,000. We have a TIF Working Committee establishing capital projects which are then brought to the full Board for discussion throughout the year. So we are now discussing infrastructure projects for our new TIF 21-22 Budget. Because of establishing priorities throughout the year, we always have projects on the back burner. One of these is preparing for the eventual widening of Route 176 through the village.

Q: Do you plan to address businesses that don't adhere to the governor's order to close or restrict business?

A: Right now we have not had any noncompliance issues with our businesses. I do not foresee this as a problem for the Village. However, if a problem does come up, it will be handled as other problems, that is by a consensus of the Board of Trustees.

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: Our Board did adopt an ordinance prohibiting adult-use cannabis business establishments within our Village borders. I agreed and voted for this ordinance, and would not make any changes from that stance today.

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

A: There is an opportunity for Green Oaks to help seniors meet and greet by coordinating senior outings to various sights in Lake County. This could happen post-pandemic when everyone is free to visit again.