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Steven Knar: 2021 candidate for Fox River Grove village board

Four candidates for three, 4-year seats

Bio

Village: Fox River Grove

Age: 55

Occupation: Owner of a print and apparel business in Rolling Meadows

Civic involvement: I was a member of the School District 3 School Board from 2005-2009 and I have previously served as a Fox River Grove Trustee from 2009-2019.

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 trustee I will be solidly pro business and support them fully. I prefer a more localized approach and appreciated local Mayors for voicing their support.

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. Village services were on point throughout the pandemic without disruption. We have a great Public Works crew!

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. Outside of allowing local businesses the opportunity to do business safely, I have nothing to add.

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

A. I believe all units of government should find ways to deliver services to their residents as inexpensively as possible pandemic or not. Federal stimulus funds should be distributed to assist those most in need.

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. Maintaining our water system is paramount. Paid by users of the system. I suppose, if necessary, we could delay street improvements or water main replacements, but in many cases that creates a more expensive project in the future.

Q. Do you agree or disagree with the stance the board has taken on permitting recreational marijuana sales in the community? What would you change about that stance, if you could?

A. I am not aware of the stance the board has taken.

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

A. I don't how many residents are aware of how close the Village is to acquiring properties in our downtown district. This will lead to many conversations about what redevelopment should look like. I won't settle for anything but the right mix of restaurant, retail and high-end apartments/condos that we desperately need. There is one chance to find the right developer, with the foresight to see the possibilities of re-imagining our downtown and the ability to execute the plan. I wouldn't characterize this as the be-all end-all for our Village. But, I will say it is critical to get this right. The dilapidated look of our downtown is a major negative in what otherwise is a great town that needs change.

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