Susan George: 2023 candidate for Campton Hills Village Board

Bio

Town: Campton Hills

Age on Election Day: n/a

Occupation: Business Owner and Events and Volunteer Coor.

Employer: Dogtopia South Elgin and Pioneer Center for Human Services

Previous offices held: Campton Hills Trustee

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: Police safety/preparedness, financial sustainability, community health and engagement and protecting our semi-rural village will routinely be the top priorities. It is this combination that keeps our village true and thriving. As serious issues arise and go through their cycle of evaluation, they are assessed through these four lenses. It has been my honor to have been elected to steward our village. I have voted and represented all aspects of our community. I have proven myself, as a Trustee, to be consistently open minded. It is not my own opinion but one of collective sources and backgrounds that guides my decision making for the village.

I am proud to say that we have received the Safest Cities Award three years in a row and Campton Hills is one of the top 10 safest cities in Illinois. https://www.newhomesource.com/learn/safest-cities-illinois/

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

A: In a word, excellent. We are the only village in the state that has a fully funded police pension as well as a $0 municipal tax. Additionally, our reserves are appropriately funded. This allows us to utilize a portion of the funds to improve the largest expansion of roadways in Campton Hills since our incorporation. This past year we finished paying off the 10-year mortgage of our Village Hall. All these achievements did not happen overnight. As Village Trustee throughout this time period, my record has been consistent and steadfast in conservatively managing our financial well-being. Keeping our local government small is a top priority. I have maintained this priority throughout my years of service as a steward to Campton Hills' residents.

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

A: 1). Police staffing, training, and preparedness 2) Road maintenance 3) Water resource protection

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

A: All the areas of village spending need to be continuously monitored so that no area is out of balance or excessive. I am a trustworthy leader in this area. Many ideas have been presented to the board over the past several years and in some cases, they would have disrupted our financial well-being. Sound financial experience and integrity along with legal understanding has guided me to identify these situations as they arise. I look at the long-term and wide-spread impact of these proposals carefully. It's important to note that the village has no debt.

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: Roads. We largely pay for roads via Road and Bridge and MFT funds, federal grants and Rebuild Illinois funds. I have also worked with our Public Works and Finance Committees and experts to finalize a new prioritization process. For the first time we will see 10 miles of roadway improved for our residents next season. Road construction is well over $100,000/mile. In the past, the maximum miles constructed in the Village was two. Improving 10 miles of roadway is also the result of sound fiscal leadership. Some grants need a match from the Village. With county, state and federal funds, grants, reserves, a new bidding process, road analysis and roadway prioritization we are on sound footing. A healthy village is prepared for uncertain economic times. We do not have a laundry list of projects for the back burner. We are a lean governing body and our financial health is strong. As a Trustee, I am diligent in balancing needed services and resources while being fiscally conservative.

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 successfully written, edited & debated policy, worked to reach a consensus & have collaborated with staff, committees and commissions. I created the Joint Environmental Management Comm. of the Village and Campton Township. This was the foundation for our Comp Plan. I co-authored the Lighting Ordinance to begin protecting our night-time sky, health & semi-rural culture. Residents witness my skills & passion for stewarding this Village. Listening to and visiting with residents, staff, police officers, volunteers, business owners, vendors, professionals, experts, board members, committees & others is my pleasure. I am a consensus builder, a deliberator & am open-minded. I value resident experiences & perspectives. I look at alternatives & often ask “what if” and “why not”. This approach has served me well as a Trustee & business owner. Democracy is amazing to take part in when a diverse group of individuals can come together & think not of themselves but of those they serve.

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

A: I have a passion for stewardship, people and serving. I also have worked in the conservation field for 10 years. I and the Village of Campton Hills embraces preserving our natural resources, open space, our semi-rural heritage, small government, bringing tax dollars back home, supporting dignity and diversity, protecting our schools and our businesses. I helped to write our Village Mission and Vision at its inception and have taken action and an oath to uphold it.

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

A: Water sustainability. There is nothing more precious to our residents than our water resources. We are a village of wells. Now is the time to review our research, previous expert findings and policy, and to know the future of our water resources. Kane County and Campton Township have had ongoing water studies that the Village of Campton Hills has been part of. As Trustee I have consulted with these entities as well as USGS and CMAP over the years and now is the time to renew our focus on our water sustainability for the future.