Kimberly V. Lynch: 2022 candidate for Lake County Board District 18

Bio

Party: Republican

Office sought: Lake County Board District 18

City: Hawthorn Woods

Age: 63

Occupation: Account manager, Law Offices Of Neil J. Greene

Previous offices held: Hawthorn Woods trustee

Q&A

Q: Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

A: I've lived in Lake County for over 30 years. My husband and I have raised our children and grandchildren here. Over the years, I have been active in the community trying to make Lake County a family oriented community where people want to live, raise their families and make sure that it remains affordable for further generations. My motivation to run is based on having watched the county board's actions over the years and feel they have made significant advances in the wrong direction. The Lake County tax levy for our area is over 10% of our property tax bill and quite frankly, I don't believe they have been working for my district's interests. The county needs to live within it's means and act on behalf of all of it's constituents not just those within certain districts. I feel that my passion for my community and the county as a whole will translate well to the Lake County Board and offer a new perspective to the long-standing mindset that has permeated the board.

Q: If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?

A: My experience as a Hawthorn Woods trustee and director of the Hawthorn Woods Aquatics Center as well as my community involvement with numerous sporting clubs gives me a unique perspective. As far as my service as a trustee, our board initiated the planning and development of not only the Hawthorn Woods Country Club but the Hawthorn Woods Aquatic Center. These projects were met with some community skepticism and required extensive board and community collaboration. These projects were completed and continue to be incredible additions to our community. As a former collegiate athlete and Olympic Trial swimming participant, I was able to quickly step into the role of Aquatic Center director when asked and get the center operating efficiently. As director of Parks and Recreation as well as Aquatic director, I formulated the planning, development and programming of the inaugural season. I can offer my lengthy experience in the community, government planning, and collaborative approach.

Q: Given the recent history of flat tax levies, do you think the county/forest preserve have done good jobs of budgeting or do you see specific area that can be improved?

A: The county forest preserve has a current tax levy that is down since 2008. However based on the current economic conditions, it is more important than ever to review past expenditures and make sure that we are allocating our current funds to their maximum potential as well as ways to tweak those expenditures for added benefits. Fresh eyes on previous expenditures could really be an added benefit. Given the recent tax cap law it is even more important that government not just reach out and grab more money based on the current inflationary rate. We need to be even more vigilant with our taxpayer dollars.

Q: Would you support putting a referendum on the ballot for voters to decide if they wish to issue new bonds to preserve open spaces, restore habitats, create more trails and upgrade forest preserves?

A: I am not in favor of a referendum at this time. We are currently tax capped and it is important that we maintain the current land acquisitions and evaluate what is needed to develop them further for added benefit to the community. We need a strong strategic plan moving forward not just buy more land. Buying more land would create undo budgetary stress on the existing land that needs to be developed for smart growth. An additional request for money would not be prudent at this time.

Q: What is the single most important issue facing your district and how should the county address it?

A: With the recent loss of the Route 53 as a transportation corridor and the return to work since COVID, our communities will continue to see increasing traffic on all roads. A plan was never really developed to handle these issues prior to COVID and nothing appears to have been done to solve the issue. In addition, we need more accessibility to bike paths and alternative ways to move people around their communities. A comprehensive plan without Route 53 needs to be a priority. We also have the issue of the railroad crossings in our community. This creates significant issues for traffic and unsafe conditions for police and fire in the event of an emergency. We need to work with State and Federal agencies to work on ways to improve these crossings.

Q: Lake County officials want public feedback on how to spend portions of some $135 million in leftover federal pandemic funding. What are your thoughts on how the money ought to be spent?

A: This money could go a long way toward solving numerous infrastructure issues involving traffic and continuing growth, mental health insufficiencies as well as additional funding for public safety. We need to make sure that Lake County is a safe, affordable and inclusive community that offers their residents the ability to live comfortably. Further, using these funds to pay down any exiting debts can go a long way to creating more fiscal stability. Most importantly, we need to be diligent in ensuring these funds are spent properly as this is a one time influx of pandemic funding.