Andrew McCurdy: 2021 candidate for Pingree Grove board of trustees

Bio

Village: Pingree Grove

Age: 41

Occupation: No response

Civic involvement: D300 Diversity and Inclusion council

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 a public servant and a citizen - our community's voices need to be heard and taken into account. Actions taken after that must also consider the information, guidance and recommendations for local and national experts.

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. Pingree Grove has performed admirably during the pandemic by providing advanced notice and virtual opportunities for residents to still engage in vital community meetings and communicate with local officials and offices. As a community we can do better with consistency on the virtual front so residents who may not be able to attend in person meetings have an opportunity to have their voices heard.

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. The Pingree Grove community has implemented all recommended precautions by the state. Future safeguards should follow the same path of listening to residents and following recommended state and federal guidelines.

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

A. Avoiding new taxes such as those on streaming services and other areas is a start. In addition to avoiding unnecessary spending.

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. Pingree Grove is a rapidly growing community. As such infrastructure issues from water to road maintenance to Police and Fire currently are or are becoming a concern. Paying for these vital projects should enlist all areas to either save and realign revenue for completion or discuss areas to increase revenue.

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

A. The Illinois department of health and Illinois State Police have that authority.

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. It is not currently a topic of discussion.

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

A. Partnership expansions of neighboring libraries in Pingree Grove and a more robust opportunity for community family activities