Pete Furlong: 2021 candidate for Green Oaks trustee
5 candidates for 3 seats
Bio
City: Green Oaks
Age: 54
Occupation: Consultant with MBA on Demand
Civic involvement: Green Oaks trustee since 2016
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: In difficult times, leaders need to lead by example. Providing help for our neighbors who are struggling. Showing ourselves as living an exemplary life is the goal. Wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, and getting the vaccine when it becomes available. We are truly all in this together and the way out is doing all the things the science dictates.
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: Green Oaks was able to maintain every service during the pandemic, albeit virtually and by phone. That is really a testament to the staff.
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: Maintains a healthy cash reserve is critical to be able to provide critical services if funding sources are diminished or eliminated during crisis
Q: What cuts can local government make to reduce the burden of the pandemic on taxpayers?
A: Always being mindful of the pennies allows fir continued operations. Thankfully the Village's frugality has served us well in these difficult times.
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: The most important infrastructure project is continuing our road improvement project. We have completed approximately 60% of our roads in the last two years. Truncating the scope to the worst roads and pushing out some of the roads that can go another year or two will allow the Village to keep making progress while ensuring viability for the future.
Q: Do you plan to address businesses that don't adhere to the governor's order to close or restrict business?
A: The situation will dictate the answer to this question. We need to follow the science.
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: We have prohibited recreational marijuana sales in Green Oaks. Our Village and business district are not conducive to marijuana sales.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: Making our website more interactive and valuable beyond it's current capabilities.