John LeMaster: 2023 candidate for Pingree Grove Village Board, unexpired 2-year term
Bio
Town: Pingree Grove
Age on Election Day: 59
Occupation: Retired police officer
Previous offices held: Chairman, Lakemoor Parks and Recreation Board
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: Pingree Grove is mainly a residential community. With the current state of the economy, the issues of a possible tax increase could cause issues with the residents. I would like to see the board try to bring more retail to the village to assist with tax relief.
Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?
A: I do not have any particulars on the current financial status of the village, but it seems to be running smoothly. After being installed into office I can learn more.
Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?
A: Street repair. Research for the possibility of a full-time planning department head. Future annexation.
Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?
A: As of now I haven't seen any needless or careless spending going on. I would need to go through each department heads budget items along with the board members to locate and control any areas of spending that need attention.
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: To work with the IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) and local officials to resolve the traffic issues associated with the special events that Goebbert's Farm has developed. It seems the amount of traffic and accidents in the area during these times is an issue.
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 have experience as the chairman for the Lakemoor Parks and Recreation Board. I ran this government entity for 3 years. I was responsible to conduct the meetings and report to the village board. During our meetings, we worked together as a group to come to viable compromise to create the most effective solutions.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: As a retired police officer, I possess the most important quality that would be beneficial to the board and that is communication skills. Again, as a previous board official in a different community, was a proven successful member of village government. I am also a good mediator and would work well with the community.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: Again, to work with IDIOT and local officials to improve the traffic and safety in the area surrounding Goebbert's Farm and their events. This area being talked about already, but bringing retail to the community and further annexation.