Katherine Grimaldi: 2023 candidate for West Dundee Village Board

Bio

Town: West Dundee

Age on Election Day: 44

Occupation: Human resources

Employer: Verizon

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: Spring Hill Mall and the surrounding property is one of the most important issues West Dundee will grapple with over the next several years. We have the opportunity to be strategic and invest in the long-term health and growth of our community.

With that said, it's vital that we do our due diligence and examine all proposals critically. As someone who is relatively new to West Dundee, I'm not beholden to any particular path forward and will base all of my decisions on facts, research, and the best interests of our community as a whole.

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

A: West Dundee's finances are generally stable which allows us the opportunity to plan for the future without having to operate in crisis mode. That said, the next couple of years will have a huge impact on our future stability: how will we deal with Spring Hill Mall? What events and investments will bring people and tax dollars into the community?

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

A: Now that we're emerging from the depths of the pandemic we have an opportunity to prioritize those things that bring people into town, both to visit and to live.

For example, we need to keep West Dundee's already low annual municipal costs per household down. We also need to invest in our downtown and in the natural resources that both residents and visitors enjoy.

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

A: I'll always be open to conversations about being responsible with taxpayer dollars. In general, I think waste tends to creep in in small ways over time, and that's something I will be continuously attentive to. As an unbiased newcomer, I'll bring a fresh set of eyes to our budget and our priorities.

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: The village has done a good job of investing in our roads and that needs to continue as planned. As mentioned above, we'll need to prioritize Spring Hill Mall and critically evaluate plans for that area.

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've spent the last seven years in human resources for a major corporation, focused primarily on employee relations issues. Much of my time is spent working in groups to find resolution to complex issues. The most important thing I've learned is to assume that everyone comes to the table with positive intent.

We're engaged with local government because we care about our community, even if we disagree on some of the particulars. I'm also a big believer in facts and research. Data-based conversations can be more productive and remove some of the subjectivity that we all have as residents who love our neighborhoods.

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

A: There are several good people with good ideas running for trustee, so I think it's up to each resident to evaluate which candidate best represents their vision for the future of West Dundee.

I fell in love with this town long before I moved here - I'd drive up 31 from my job in Elgin over lunch just to enjoy the vibe of the community. I was thrilled when I had the chance to move here five years ago. My priorities as a trustee will be to remain open-minded, to invest in the long-term health of our town and residents, to foster inclusiveness, and to safeguard the natural resources that make this area so special.

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

A: Over the years, West Dundee has hosted many festivals and special events that took a hit during the worst of the pandemic. These next few years will present a great opportunity to rethink and revitalize the way we do this.

How do we advertise and market our events? Right now, Facebook is our primary outlet, but platforms like Instagram are far more popular with users from 18-39. Can we find better ways to showcase our community and bring in visitors and businesses?