Kevin Strine: 2023 candidate for Round Lake Village Board

Bio

Town:Round Lake

Age on Election Day:59

Occupation: Regulatory Compliance Attorney

Employer: Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.

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 city council or village board respond to it?

A: Village growth. With the Cedar Lake Road realignment project, and other initiatives (such as the proposed dump site/"ski" hill that was fortunately not approved), we need a village board that will grow the village appropriately, keeping the best interest of village residents in mind, and providing better communication to residents.

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

A: The state of our finances is okay, but could be better. There are currently too few options for Round Lake residents, and what we currently have is not well supported by the village. Much of residents' money is spent elsewhere, actually supporting the tax base of other communities. We need to do what we can (with the Cedar Lake Road realignment and other initiatives) to enhance existing businesses and promote new businesses so residents have convenient, local options within our community.

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

A: Infrastructure and downtown enhancements, along with other expenditures related to the Cedar Lake Road realignment project must be our priorities. They don't need to be the largest expenditures, but we need to focus on those areas.

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

A: I don't know if there are areas that need to be curtailed. If elected, I will ensure I have a thorough understanding of the village budget to determine if there are areas to address.

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: Infrastructure related to our downtown area is definitely the most important now. My understanding is that there are funds budgeted for the Cedar Lake Road realignment project, but if elected, I will work with other board members related to our budget to ensure appropriate spending, and cuts (back burner projects) where possible/necessary.

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: My experience includes my military (as a JAG) and civilian careers, and in both I have worked, and continue to work, in group settings to determine policy. I believe in being inclusive with all to ensure we are relying on those with subject matter expertise. There must be structure, but it's essential to make sure all voices, suggestions, and options are considered, especially from the subject matter experts. We also must rely on outside sources when we don't have the internal expertise. We need to evaluate what has/hasn't worked elsewhere. Then, we build consensus.

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

A: I believe my education (BA and JD), along with my experiences in the military (as a military attorney in high pressure, high stakes situations as a Combat Operations JAG), in my civilian job (as a regulatory compliance attorney, with FINRA Series 4, 7, 24, and 63 licenses, at a large brokerage firm), and within the community (as co-founder of the Round Lake Area Bicycle Club, where we put on many community events, such as our Build-A-Bike Workshop, and my other volunteer activities) gives me a great background from which I can draw to better serve the residents of Round Lake. I am passionate about our village, of which I've been a resident for almost 17 years, and want to see our village grow and prosper.

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

A: I wouldn't pretend to have good ideas that nobody else has thought about or talked about, but I want to ensure the path forward for the village benefits residents, takes into consideration their thoughts, and is well communicated.