Joseph (Joe) Heim: 2022 candidate for Lake County Board District 4
Bio
Party: Republican
Office sought: Lake County Board District 4
City: Beach Park
Age: 64
Occupation: Retired
Previous offices held: No Public Office other than precinct committeeman
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: Our County faces several serious problems that are not being addressed by the current Lake County Board leadership; chief among them is the increasing out migration of our residents (3,103 left in one year - US Census). Residents often state the primary reason they are leaving Lake County is excessive property taxes. The current Lake County Board leadership created Lake County's first ever gas tax! This "Stealth Tax" is typical self-serving Springfield decision making that makes Illinois, fiscally one of the worst States in the Union; and now it has crept into Lake County.
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 Army education and training in military planning and analysis, as well as command experience in both peace and war, equips me to properly assess a situation and develop a plan to overcome the obstacles before me. A Board member capable of analyzing the current County wide situation; and develop feasible, suitable, and acceptable courses of action; and then be willing to make the tough decisions needed to get us on a solid footing for all residents in Lake County while facing a likely declining tax base.
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: Overall, I think the forest preserve does well.
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 always support voter choice; however, it depends upon the precise wording of referendum and what it intends to achieve. It also depends on how the action was planned and does it really achieve what is intended.
Q: What is the single most important issue facing your district and how should the county address it?
A: Lake County faces several serious problems that are not being addressed by the current Lake County Board leadership; chief among them is the out migration of our property tax paying residents. Residents often state the primary reason they are leaving Lake County is excessive property taxes. As precinct committeeman, I have heard this very statement from constituents over the years while walking my precinct and many have in fact left. I will provide better planning methodologies that achieve what is needed as well as consider the unintended consequences.
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: I don't have a pet project. I am more concerned with poor decision making that waste taxpayer money and drives our residents to move out of Lake County.