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Sandra Jo McClain: 2021 candidate for Wauconda village president

Bio

City: Wauconda

Age: 51

Occupation: Social Worker, Kenneth Young Center

Civic involvement: Homeless population, orphans in Kenya, suicide awareness

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: Since May 2020, I attended virtual town hall meetings, reached out to elected state and federal officials, gathered and reported information about COVID, specifically information about the vaccine, and I have a virtual meeting scheduled with Congresswoman Lauren Underwood this month, to address the impact of COVID on Wauconda's community. In addition, I advocated at the micro level for individuals who needed unemployment and food services through the LINK card, during the pandemic.

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: First, it is difficult for anyone to fight an invisible enemy that we as a nation, really knew nothing about. When COVID first appeared, it seemed people struggled to have an understanding of what to do and we all quickly made changes to address the spread of the virus. As time went on and we gained more awareness of the virus, I feel our mayor and trustees could have made a stronger effort to help individuals with food insecurity, build a stronger partnership with all businesses to address their needs and concerns, and better respond to the outbreak of COVID in the Wauconda Care nursing home. Additionally, some village employees had recently received raises before COVID, were given raises during the pandemic, or were promoted. Wauconda's elected officials could have asked all nonunion employees without contracts, to take a pay cut and/or postpone promotions during the pandemic.

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: In order for individuals and families to build and maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is important to provide educational resources so people can gain awareness about healthy practices for mental, emotional, and physical health. As we have seen, the pandemic did not only impact physical health, it played a role in feelings of isolation for example, and people became fearful as we faced the unknown. Knowledge of the virus and safe practices can help people feel empowered and feel more positive. In addition to educational materials, it is essential to work collectively with the Lake County Health Department to implement guidelines for our community, aimed at keeping people safe. Over the past several months, I developed a strategic plan for the village of Wauconda, based on feedback from individuals and businesses. One component of the plan is to make sure individuals living in our community have access to health care, transportation, and technology, as these things are vital to an individuals overall well-being.

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

A: It is important to examine spending at all times, specifically during a pandemic. The burden placed on taxpayers has not be adequately assessed by the mayor and trustees. In one small example, the village spent hundreds of dollars on K-cups for the police department. As police personnel earn salaries that are close to double of the average person in the United States, it seems insensitive during a pandemic, to charge taxpayers for their coffee, as some of us in Wauconda were struggling to buy food. As mayor I would have stopped all spending, unless it was necessary to the safety and well-being of the community. Even something as small as K-cups, adds up to hundreds of dollars per quarter. Moreover, some nonunion village employees were given raises prior to COVID. The mayor and board could have implemented pay cuts for employees to lessen the weight placed on tax payers. In addition, the Village of Wauconda outsources services that could be completed in-house by current village employees.

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 Biden Administration developed a Climate Plan which strengthens infrastructure and increases the use of clean energy. This plan is predicted to create jobs in the United States. Before looking at an infrastructure project that most interests me, I would first collaborate with federally elected officials to determine what the Climate Plan means for Illinois, and more specifically, for small communities like Wauconda. Wauconda is already connected to the Central Lake County Joint Action Water Agency (CLCJAWA), which provides drinking water to about 250,000 people in the central area of Lake County. Access to a water supply is vital to our lives. I will collaborate with the agency and the Department of Natural Resources to explore Wauconda's water supply and resources. I will partner with Public Works to examine the needs for future road repairs. Currently, I do not have access to all the numbers therefore, I am uncertain how I would pay for road repairs. However, any plans for street reconstruction for example, will not burden the taxpayers.

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

A: I will address businesses who do not adhere to the governor of Illinois' orders through problem solving. I will not use punitive measures rather, I will work toward a resolution.

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: The Village of Wauconda does not have a marijuana dispensary. My stance on the sales of recreational marijuana in the state of Illinois or possibly in my community, cannot be answered in 200 words as this is a complex issue. As a social worker, I have thoughts and feelings about this that result from evidence based research.

Q: 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.

A: As a leader, it is important to establish a strategic vision. I began speaking with residents and businesses in the spring of 2020. After months of gathering information, a vision was created while closely examining input and feedback from community members and businesses. My style of leadership includes open communication, accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness, as well as flexibility. In order to engage in the best practices, we need to build a strengths based workforce where skilled employees provide quality services to the community. My leadership style is not a hierarchy rather, it puts the community at the center of all that we do. I have been immersed in the community for 18 years. In order to be an effective leader for our village, it is essential to have knowledge of the community and it's members. My work and volunteer experiences with members of our community has helped me gain awareness of the needs and concerns of individuals based on socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, age, gender, and sexual orientation.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: The Illinois Municipal League's Handbook for Newly Elected Officials explains that voters elect a mayor who will be a good decision-maker. Hence, people will be trusting me to make good decisions. I have been immersed in the community for 18 years. Some of my volunteer experience includes serving with the PTO in District 118 schools in the classrooms and with fundraisers. Additionally, I volunteered as a coach and ran my own program with the Wauconda Park District. I also enjoyed serving with Band Boosters in District 118, and making meals for PADS. I am currently a member of the Moose Lodge, Wauconda IL Chapter 1520. As a member of the People In Need (PIN) steering committee, I participated in planning the PIN conference which thankfully occurred before the pandemic last year. As a committee member, I partnered with businesses, including several in Wauconda, to secure donations for the conference. I have worked with state elected officials as an advocate as well. With two Master's degrees, a background in business and social work, as well as more than two decades of volunteer experience, I will make decisions that focus on the best interests of the community.

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

A: I have developed a BHAG (A Big Hairy Audacious Goal) that is visionary. This BHAG focuses on bringing 20 new businesses to the Village of Wauconda by 2023. This goal is visionary because it is important to set a high standard. If I establish a goal of 20 new businesses in 2 years, we are more likely to get 7. If I create a goal that includes 5, we are more likely to get 1. Another thing that no one is talking about yet, is something I am keeping under the wraps. I asked members of Wauconda to explore what makes us unique and special. I have two creative ideas that highlight Wauconda's uniqueness. Please stay tuned.

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