Neil Morrow: 2023 candidate for North Barrington village board
Bio
Town: North Barrington
Age on Election Day: 52
Occupation: Sales
Employer: Nexperia
Previous offices held: No public office
Q&A
Q: What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council or village board respond to it?
A: Working as a team of people to discern and chart the best path forward when weighting benefits and costs of bettering the community is the correct response to serious and less serious issues. I believe the most serious issue we have is the division of the people in this country, politically, that trickles down to local politics as well. We need people on the village board who are as politically neutral as possible to bridge the gap between the people.
Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?
A: As I understand, the budget has gone from out of control to well managed in the recent years. I do not have a pulse on it, but I have been told things have shaped up.
Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?
A: As a first time trustee, I would have to make the determination with more facts that I have. Safety is my first priority, for young and old. Secondly, I prioritize maintenance of what has been built over poorly planned and expeditious change. As an agent for change, a priority for me is understanding how progress is funded and maintained.
Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?
A: At this time, I am unaware of any out of control spending in North Barrington.
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: My answer to this question would just be hearsay as the depth of my knowledge today is limited - this is my first time running as trustee.
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 or city council.
A: I have no experience in setting public policy, but much experience in setting corporate policy. Good policy is achieved by reaching agreement of stakeholders. Communication is key. In general, good communication addresses the natural fear people have to changing the statue quo by focusing on benefits and then explaining risk mitigation
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I believe in win-win scenarios in most contexts, and apply patience and listening to reach them.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: I have no specific idea, but if forced to dream something up it would likely be related to safety, the environment, and recreation in this community.