James W. Kaiser: 2021 candidate for Hawthorn Woods village council
Bio
City: Hawthorn Woods
Age: 63
Occupation: Attorney, self-employed.
Civic involvement: I have been president of the Wauconda Rotary Club, the Lions Club and ran many successful fundraising events for both.
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: Leading by example and keeping 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: Yes, and the village even received awards and grants. The village also handled vehicle stickers by mail for the first time this year.
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: Certainly the ability to work from home or a safe locations. Next would be changing the work environment to safer such as limiting hours without decreasing services is just one.
Q: What cuts can local government make to reduce the burden of the pandemic on taxpayers?
A: The village is already on a tight budget, but the village was able to carefully review invoicing and recently discovered a $14,000 error in the village's favor.
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 roads. We had a road referendum last year that did not pass and many roads are deteriorating quickly.
Q: Do you plan to address businesses that don't adhere to the governor's order to close or restrict business?
A: We do not seem to have that as an issue.
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 actually voted against it and would do so again.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: Candidate did not answer.