Carolina Schottland: 2023 candidate for Round Lake Village Board
Bio
Town: Round Lake
Age on Election Day: 46
Occupation: Attorney/Adjunct Professor
Employer: Zanck Coen Wright & Saladin/ McHenry County College
Previous offices held: Trustee, Round Lake Area Public Library a District
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: There will be major upheaval with the Cedar Lake Road Realignment. The Village is also exploring the possibility of moving the village hall and the library, located in Round Lake, is exploring building a new facility. This is a lot of change in a short amount of time. Downtown businesses will potentially be negatively affected and community morale may be dampened. It is important that the village staff, Mayor and Trustees work together to support impacted businesses and create opportunities for business growth and community engagement.
Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?
A: The Village staff does a great job managing the budget and planning for major spending in advance.
Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?
A: Downtown redevelopment, community events, and general infrastructure.
Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?
A: Nothing specific but as stewards of the public's money, it is important to look at all spending through a critical lens that puts the residents first.
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 most important infrastructure project is the redevelopment of the downtown area in conjunction with the realignment of Cedar Lake Road. Round Lake has the only walkable downtown in the Round Lake Area and it is imperative for our economic development to invest funds into enhancing the downtown corridor and supporting those businesses. This project should be paid with federal, state and local funds in addition to grants.
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 extensive experience in executive nonprofit and local government functions. As an attorney, creating and following good policy is an inherent trait. I look for collaboration and consensus but I am not afraid of proposing and pursuing ambitious projects or ideas.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I believe it is important to stop asking why certain things don't work a certain way or aren't happening in my community and start taking action. I have the motivation, competence and enthusiasm to bring ideas to fruition.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: I've been talking about them! I have been a vocal proponent of place-making and community building through village-supported initiatives such as community events, public entertainment and artwork and enhanced design options for downtown to promote walkability.