Shanna McKee: 2023 candidate for East Dundee Village Board, 2-year term

Bio

Town: East Dundee

Age on Election Day: 41

Occupation: President and CEO

Employer: McKee Theory Inc.

Previous offices held: None

Q&A

Q: What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the village board respond to it?

A: The most serious issue our community will face in the coming years is infrastructure upgrades and community development. The village board should respond to these issues by listening to the feedback and concerns of the village residents and work together with administration to develop an effective plan that will pave the way for future generations of the town.

Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?

A: I would describe the state of East Dundee's finances as sound. While I have not had the opportunity to view the finances of the village in detail, I have seen how the long-term debt structure of the village has been reduced over the course of the last five to seven years.

Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?

A: The three top priorities for spending in our community over the next four years should be increased parking, water infrastructure issues, and downtown development.

Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?

A: Outside the essential services that any municipality must provide, those being police, fire protection, water, roads and sewers, all other expenditures are on the table and must be reviewed during the budget process. There is not a lot of give in the village budget, but if elected as trustee, I will be expected to act as a good steward of the public and will take that role seriously.

Q: What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

A: What I see as the most important infrastructure project facing the village is the proposed parking deck. East Dundee is known for its several, well-attended community events and growing downtown business district. There is a lack of parking and that needs to be addressed. As for projects that can be deferred during these uncertain times, is the riverfront beautification plan.

Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board.

A: I am very experienced and well-versed working in a group setting to determine policy. My style to reach in agreement and manage local government starts with educating oneself on the topics at hand and listening to the voices of the residents in the community. I have the ability to navigate uphill struggles and can handle leadership differences in ways to help move the agenda forward.

I hold skills such as open mindedness, a good listener, strong critical thinker, and make decisions based on research, education, and logic. I am able to balance competing interests, work well with others, and am able to communicate effectively to a team. I know this will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with my village board.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: What makes me the best candidate for the job is, I am a 7-year resident of East Dundee. My husband and I have invested in our home to bring it back to life to capture the charm of the town.

My daughter is enrolled at Immanuel and as a parent of the community I see how decisions made can impact not only our home, community, but also the school.

As a small-business owner, I recognize the importance of supporting small and local businesses. I acknowledge firsthand how a decision can impact the community and have experienced it myself.

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

A: One good idea that I have to better the community is to increase community service projects. Getting the community more involved in donation drives, like food pantries, donation drop offs for recycled or unwanted clothing, collecting/donating backpacks, school supplies and nonperishable food items multiple times throughout the year would be a great way to help those in need.

There is something special about the community coming together to volunteer our time help others!