Denis M. Bohm: 2021 candidate for Mettawa village board
Six candidates are running for three trustee seats on the Mettawa village board
Bio
City: Mettawa
Age: 81
Occupation: Private investor, self-employed
Civic involvement: I was the volunteer steward at Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve for 19 years. I chaired the Mettawa Open Lands Planning Ad Hoc Panel, served on the Safety and Security Commission, the ZPA Commission and have served as a village trustee since 2016. I chair the Parks and Recreation Committee and am a member of the Public Works Committee.
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: As leaders in the village, we actively work with the Lake County Health Department to get the latest information to 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: As a small village, we have not had any significant disruptions. Our only retail store - Costco - remains open and follows state guidelines.
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 continue to provide any pertinent information to our residents as it becomes available.
Q: What cuts can local government make to reduce the burden of the pandemic on taxpayers?
A: Our finances are in excellent shape. The village portion of real estate taxes are very low and have reminded so for many years.
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 no major infrastructure projects pending. Our village roads have all been resurfaced within the past few years.
Q: Do you plan to address businesses that don't adhere to the governor's order to close or restrict business?
A: Our few businesses have followed the state's guidelines. If any did not we would meet with them and encourage them to follow the guidelines. We have very good relations with these businesses.
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 residents did not want recreational marijuana sales in our small village. I fully support that position.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: I would like to investigate solar power to help our residents potentially reduce costs and to become a more green community.