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David Haas: 2023 candidate for West Dundee Village Board

Bio

Town: West Dundee

Age on Election Day: 40

Occupation: Business owner

Employer: Self-employed

Previous offices held: N/A

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 facing our community is the current relationship with Spring Hill Mall stakeholders. Our other great businesses in town can rally and raise revenue but the sheer size of Spring Hill Mall dominates many conversations.

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

A: I have reviewed the 2022-23 budget. The budget is well managed by our village staff. The type of detail and effort our team puts into the West Dundee budget should make everyone feel very confident that our village is healthy.

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

A: 1. Safety on State Route 72. I suggest we work with IDOT to leverage state funds, which will allow our tax dollars for other uses.

2. Public-private development that continues to develop the village

3. Learning from the tenured trustees to continue the plans and work in progress with a steady, professional economic outlook.

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

A: I am unaware of wasteful spending.

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: Route 72 through our downtown is a blessing and a difficult safety issue. I would work with state officials and IDOT to appropriate money for Main Street. While the mall dominates attention, it's a long road to understand what large indoor malls can become.

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 a long resume across different industries. No one running is better in a group setting. I live for the discussions and level headed decisions. I look forward to sharing my experiences and leveraging relationships for the betterment of West Dundee.

I am a nonpartisan candidate and a small-business owner. My interests lay on all sides of the aisle. I aim to build consensus by bringing the residents back to the table and looking for every connection out there.

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

A: I embrace the pressure and spotlight that this local office offers. As a taxpayer, a resident, a father of children in our public school district and someone in the trenches of everyday business ... I am alert to the every day family. I am not retired, I am making the time, not filling my day.

This is important to me - I will have the tough discussions and go to the meetings that others can't or won't.

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

A: Leverage and encourage a sister cities and organizations that carry the Dundee name - across the U.S. and Europe. Through travel, tourism and events we can deepen relationships, broaden our reputation and bring attention to West Dundee.

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