Voters To Make Picks For Grayslake Village Board: Election 2023

GRAYSLAKE, IL — Whether it be fiscal responsibility or focusing on new development, the five candidates vying for three open village board seats this election in Grayslake have differing viewpoints on their priorities for the village's future.

Incumbents Kevin Waldenstrom, who has served on the village board since 2009, and Elizabeth Davies, who was first elected as a trustee in 2014, are among the candidates seeking re-election.

Meanwhile, newcomers Kathleen Wasik and Rachel Rezek are looking to join the village board, and Shawn Vogel, who served on the board from 2005 to 2021, is also vying for a seat.

Pradip Sahu will run unopposed for a a two-year unexpired trustee position. Sahu was appointed to the village board last year after former trustee, Adam Shores, stepped down from his post.

In recent weeks, we asked all candidates to fill out questionnaires, which are meant to detail what their priorities would be if they are elected to village board seats.

We've pulled six of the questions and included answers below for all candidates we've received responses from, which you can view below (and you can click on the candidates name for his or her full questionnaire.

1: The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

Shawn Vogel

The most pressing issues for any local government relate to long-term financial viability. Grayslake has very sound finances, but external factors can change the dynamic. Natural disasters and laws or unfunded mandates put pressure on the local taxpayer that the Village must accommodate in its financial planning. As a Trustee, I will work with the various Grayslake elected delegations at every level to provide feedback constructively on issues. I will also advocate for participation in associations that support a municipal perspective to use taxpayer dollars efficiently.

Infrastructure projects that create redundancy in water, sewer, and storm water management need to be pursued and completed. Fortunately, the Village has several of these projects underway.

Additionally, the Village has a ten-year capital plan, where various projects are selected, ranked, and programmed for the future. Using the Village’s pay-as-you-go mindset, the money for these projects is put aside until the project is scheduled to be executed.

The downtown is an asset and should be maximized to promote the Village and community, continued investment in our downtown benefits the entire community. Also, with the increased open space and connectedness of the Village Center with the rest of town, as seen with Gelatin Park and the Village’s expansive bike path system, there is an opportunity for more and different programming and events in town, through various partnerships, that will bring different groups into town.

Kathleen Wasik

There are several issues facing the Village: fiscal and environmental. With Waste Management closing its landfill within the next few years, revenue will drop significantly. The village’s efforts to replace that revenue have come up short, and new perspectives are needed to address the shortfall. The Village, residents, and County can work together to consider revenuegenerating options for the facility. On the environmental side, I appreciate that the Village has responded to the 2017 floods by working with the Lake County Storm Water Management Commission.

However, there is so much more we could be doing on this.

Kevin Waldenstrom

Serious issues can be hard to predict (floods, pandemics, etc.) But there are steps you can take to prepare for them. Historically, the Village government has engaged in substantial long-range planning and execution on those plans. This allows the Village to address serious issues. For example, the Village has two salt domes, and uses sound conservation principles in applying salt.

The Village did not face a salt shortage in 2013 like other towns and is unlikely to in the future due to conservation practices, this allows us to ensure our roads are safely maintained in the winter.

Another example: The Village receives its water from CLCJAWA (Central Lake County Joint Action Water Agency). However, the Village has maintained its wells so that if the supply from CLCJAWA is ever interrupted, our residents will not be without water.

Final example: The Village actively works to diversify its revenue streams; we were not impacted by the economic downturn and in fact were able to assist businesses during the pandemic.

Elizabeth Davies

As a concerned member of our community, I believe that the most pressing issue we face is the burden of property taxes. Over the years, I have taken common sense financial decisions such as passing balanced budgets, staying debt-free, and taking less than allowed by law each year.

As a result of these efforts, I have been able to reduce the village percentage of our property taxes.However, reducing property taxes requires more than just responsible budgeting. I believe that we need to advocate for the state of Illinois to restore full funding to municipalities and reduce the impact of costly government mandates.

By working together and pushing for these changes, we can create a more sustainable and affordable tax system for our community. In order to address this pressing issue, I pledge to continue my record of responsible financial management and to work tirelessly to advocate for the needs of our community.

Rachael Rezek

Grayslake's most pressing issue remains our property tax burden. When talking to residents, that is the issue that people identify as having the greatest impact on their households. The village board influences the taxes levied by the schools, library, etc, since the village is solely responsible for reviewing and approving any new commercial and residential development that takes place.

The village needs to ensure that development decisions are evaluated based on the long-term costs and benefits to the village in its entirety, focusing on the effect on our long term tax burden.

In addition to ensuring that development is approached in a strategic way, we also need to work closely with our fellow elected officials at the library, schools, and neighboring communities to push the state for a permanent solution to our tax problems, and I have well-established relationships with both our state and local elected officials which will be beneficial.

Additionally, many residents have expressed concern about their ability to remain in Grayslake as their families grow and change, and the village has a vested interest in attracting developers who want to invest in our young families, empty nesters, and seniors. We need to make sure that the people who have built their lives in Grayslake can remain here.

2: What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Shawn Vogel

I have many accomplishments to show from my previous service on the Village Board, including:

• The Comprehensive Plan of 2005.
• Two Economic Development Strategic Plans, which grew our downtown and has contributed to the increase in non-residential tax base.
• The initial Heritage Center Strategic Plan, which strengthen the partnership with the Historical Society and lead to the formation of the Heritage Center Foundation.
• The publication of the Grayslake Sustainability Plan of 2017 (only one of a few communities with a published plan).
• Supporting The Greenest Region Compact I and II (one of a handful of town to pass both compacts).
• Supporting the SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency Of Lake County) 60 percent Waste Diversion Plan to promote regional recycling efforts.

Kathleen Wasik

Board experience:

Community High School District 127 Board of Education

• Elected to two, 4-year terms in 2015 and 2019
• Elected twice as Board President in 2019 and 2021
• Led board conversation on Grayslake high schools becoming sustainability Campuses
• Secured $25,000 grant to jump start sustainability initiatives.
• Supported solar panel installation: Meets 32 percednt of the energy needs ofthe district. Produces $9.8 million net savings over 25 years($392,000/year avg.)
• Seeded program to close learning gaps. Federal Funding, Title 1 Grant ($200,000) used to support the AIM program
• Gained Illinois Association of School Boards’ support for a School Safety grant for underfunded schools.
• Gained Illinois Association of School Board’s support for closing funding gaps in the State’s Special Education funding formula
• District 127’s Illinois Association of School Boards delegate for 2 years
• Served on the Programming, Policy, and Personnel Committee for 4 years
• Served on the Special Education District of Lake County Board for 2 years
• Helped secure over $10.8 million in property tax relief grant funding for Grayslake High School District 127 taxpayers

Executive Board Member 2019 to present on ED RED – a school district policy think tank, representing 80+ school suburban districts

• Secured $1 million in Funding for the State’s first in-School community health center.

Board Member 2013 – 2021, Illinois Violent Death Reporting System at Lurie’s Children’s Hospital (intervention on homicide, suicide, overdose and domestic violence)

• Helped secure $5 million in CDC funding to expand state-wide reporting Connected Children’s Community Health Program on the South Side of Chicago with $13 million grant
• Worked with states attorneys, sheriffs, and coroner’s offices toestablish data sharing agreements

PTA Vice President, Woodland District 50

• Implemented Healthy Food initiative
• Founded 5K Family fun run generating $15,000 for children’s healthinitiatives

Memberships

• Sierra Club
• Wild Ones
• Foundation for Critical Thinking
• PLATO Philosophy for Kids – Washington State University
• League of Women Voters of Lake County - Director 2014 – 2016

Education
B.A., University of Illinois – SpringfieldWhy should voters trust you?I care deeply about our community and the future of our children. I want to help create a safe, healthy, and prosperous community for everyone.

Kevin Waldenstrom

I would look toward the work I have done with the intergovernmental agreements on infrastructure improvements such the Atkinson Rd extension, Washington Street underpass, Lake and 120 intersection improvements. I was part of the committee to reduce costs and offer free recycling with the commercial waste hauling. Grayslake has become a Bird City and earned the SolSMart designation (a designation for solar energy leaders), we have the largest recycling center (containers/paper products, electronics, textile and Reuse-a-Shoe). During the pandemic we provided grants to Grayslake businesses. We have also enhanced transparency by streaming the village board meetings. This has all been completed while keeping our tax increases 34% less than inflation since 1992.

Elizabeth Davies

I am proud of my accomplishments in supporting our community and improving the quality of life for our residents. During my tenure, I have worked tirelessly to invest in our downtown, support local businesses, maintain our infrastructure, and invest in our environment.

First and foremost, I am committed to investing in our downtown. I have championed efforts to improve our village center and create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Through initiatives like adding more Christmas lights, flowers, and an ice skating rink, we have created a warm and inviting environment that brings people together and fosters economic development.

Additionally, I have been a staunch supporter of local businesses. I understand that small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and I have worked hard to support them. By supporting our local businesses, we can create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and ensure that our community remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

I have also been committed to maintaining our infrastructure. I understand that the foundation of a thriving community is a reliable and efficient infrastructure. During my tenure, I have worked to ensure that our roads and other critical infrastructure are well-maintained and capable of supporting our community's needs.

Finally, I have invested in our environment. I understand that preserving our natural resources is crucial to ensuring a sustainable and healthy community. Through initiatives like planting trees and preserving open spaces, we can reduce pollution, mitigate the effects of climate change, and create more opportunities for outdoor recreation.

I am proud of my accomplishments as a current Grayslake trustee and believe they all point to the evidence I can handle the position.

Rachael Rezek

I pride myself on being able to find reasonable, cost-effective solutions to long-standing challenges. As a new library trustee, I participated in our strategic planning process, which consciously chose to include significant input from the community. That input indicated issues that needed to be addressed, including difficulty finding materials our library did not own.

Patrons were frustrated they had to drive around Lake County, wait an unexpected amount of time, or go without. I brought an innovative solution to this challenge to the board and director, and after considerable discussion and investigation, we found a solution that saved the library money, reduced wait times, and gave borrowers access to over 5 million additional items — without spending more.

3: If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

Shawn Vogel

1) Redundancy. Creating additions to our water and sewer systems not only provide critical infrastructure for economic expansion, but also mitigate service disruptions should a connection fail. This critical infrastructure is often taken for granted until there is a problem. As Trustee, I will advocate for continued focus and diligence on this issue.
2) Storm Water Management. During a time of climate change, keeping storm water away from our homes and businesses protects our residents. I support continuing to pursue acquisition of properties that are key linkages to storing storm water in severe storms, as well as being a potential open space amenity. In current open spaces, the improvement in these areas to effectively handle more stormwater and provide natural areas for residents would assist with this.
3) Economic Development. Development of the Central Range and Cornerstone will create a more diversified tax base that generates property tax dollars for the schools and other local governments. Recent activity in these areas is a positive sign on the potential to create a tax base that can lessen the tax burden on Grayslake homeowners. Every taxing body benefits from economic development.

Kathleen Wasik

The community and village will have engaged in developing a new comprehensive strategic plan.

Kevin Waldenstrom

A continuation of our debt free status, environmental stewardship such keeping the 50% open land for new developments, Tree City and Bird City a leader in recycling (electronic, food scraps)

Elizabeth Davies

I believe that my service would be a success if we can support our businesses, grow our Village Center, diversify our economy, improve our environment, and hold the line on property taxes. I am committed to working tirelessly to achieve these objectives and create a brighter future for all of us.

I am committed to supporting our local businesses. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and I believe that by creating an environment that is supportive and welcoming to business owners, we can create jobs, increase economic growth, and strengthen our community. I also believe that we must focus on growing our Village Center. Our Village Center is the heart of our community, and I believe that by investing in it, we can create a vibrant and thriving hub that will attract residents, visitors, and businesses alike. I think success would be continuing to work to improve the infrastructure and enhance the aesthetics of this area to create a welcoming environment that will attract people from all walks of life.

Another area of success would be achieving greater diversification of our tax base. While our community has many strengths, we must look for new opportunities to grow and expand our economic base in ways that fit our community. By attracting more non-residential tax base, we can create a more robust and resilient economy that can weather economic downturns and thrive in the years to come.
Success would also be maintaining Grayslake’s role as a municipal leader in sustainability. We can do this by continuing to protect our natural resources, reducing waste, planting trees, and creating a more sustainable and healthy community for all of us.

Finally, I believe that success includes holding the line on property taxes. I understand that our residents are feeling the strain of rising property taxes, and I believe that we must work to reduce the burden on homeowners while still providing the essential services that our community needs. I will work to find innovative solutions to reduce costs, streamline processes, and make our government more efficient.

Rachael Rezek

I will consider myself successful if Grayslake has made significant steps forward with setting and meeting sustainability goals. In particular, if we are able to complete solar installations and make noticeable improvements in stormwater management, I will take that as a sign that we are making important progress.

4: What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

Shawn Vogel

I support long-term efforts to hold down operating costs and limiting debt. Grayslake’s finances are strong due to a combination of low operating costs, innovations, and forecasting tools. Grayslake maintains low operating costs by contracting for some services rather than using public payrolls. The cost of the same services provided in 1992 have increased 34 percent less than the rate of inflation. Additionally, I support the Village’s policy of taking less property taxes each year than allowed by law. These are dollars that remain in residents’ pockets. The Village utilizes forecasting tools to evaluate long-term trends 15 years out. This allows the Village Board to see potential financial issues years in advance, giving time to make adjustments. I would support continuation of these approaches.

Kathleen Wasik

I'm a fiscal hawk. I'm a Property Tax Reform Advocate. I like balanced budgets. I insist on long range planning and budgeting.

Kevin Waldenstrom

Grayslake has a balanced budget and is debt free. The Village has been controlling costs and keeping their growth below the rate of inflation through out-sourcing, process improvements, public-private partnerships, government to government partnerships. Ensuring that these polices — which have maintained Grayslake's strong financial position — are maintained is my top priority.

Elizabeth Davies

Managing the finances of our village is an essential responsibility that requires a steady hand, a watchful eye, and a deep commitment to fiscal responsibility. I am proud to say that under my watch, the village's finances are incredibly strong. We run only balanced budgets, have zero debt, and maintain highly funded police pensions. We have also updated our water infrastructure to ensure that our residents have access to safe and reliable water.

Furthermore, I am proud to say that we have actually decreased our operating expenses adjusted for inflation per person since 1992 by about 32%. This is significant because it shows that we are maximizing the value of every taxpayer dollar while still providing essential services to our community.

But it's not just about dollars and cents. By spending less on the operating side, we actually get to do more for the community. We have invested in our downtown, supported local businesses, improved our parks and recreational facilities, and invested in environmental sustainability.
These are all essential services that make our community a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Ultimately, the village's finances are the foundation upon which all of these essential services are built. Without a strong financial footing, we would not be able to provide the high-quality services and amenities that our residents have come to expect. I am committed to continuing this tradition of fiscal responsibility and ensuring that our village's finances remain strong for generations to come.

Rachael Rezek

I believe we have an obligation to budget responsibly and “live within our means.” Prudent, thoughtful planning gives us flexibility when the economy is struggling, and sets us up to act quickly on opportunities when the nation’s economy is doing well. There are cost-saving investments the village should be pursuing, including solar installations and environmentally friendly storm water management techniques, that would save us money and improve the quality of life for all of us. We should also be creating smart partnerships with the parks, library, and schools to maximize efficiencies where we can, especially as it relates to sustainability efforts.

5: What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town?

Shawn Vogel

Grayslake is a safe community. From 2017 to 2022, the Federal index crimes fell over 40% in Grayslake. This is not to say there is no crime, and that people experiencing crime are not affected by the events. As a Trustee, I will support efforts for our community policing and for appropriate communication of police matters.

Kathleen Wasik

There's no doubt there has been an uptick in crime since Covid. My daughter's car was vandalized while parked at a local train station. As Village Trustee, I would support the police and Village developing a series of community safety forums. Working together we can come up with common sense and scaled solutions.

Kevin Waldenstrom

Grayslake is a safe community with a very low crime rate. According to the United Crime Reporting statistics for both Grayslake and Hainesville, index crimes were down 44% in 2021/2022. Like many other communities we are not immune to crime, specifically “crime of opportunity” such as people moving through neighborhoods and opening unlocked cars in the driveways and removing valuables, I have posted on social media reminders to keep vehicles locked and the police department has done that as well, as using other community policing techniques to detect and prevent crime.

Elizabeth Davies

As a trustee and active member of the Grayslake community, I believe that safety should always be a top priority. Fortunately, Grayslake is overall a low crime community, and I am committed to working with our local law enforcement agencies to keep it that way.

One key element of our community's safety is community policing. Our police department has a strong community policing program, which helps to build trust and positive relationships between our officers and residents. By working collaboratively, we can address potential safety issues before they become significant problems, and ensure that everyone feels safe and secure in our community.

Of course, we also need to be prepared to adjust our strategies when necessary. When we do experience issues, it is important that our police force is equipped to adapt and respond accordingly. By investing in the latest tools and technology, providing ongoing training to our officers, and working closely with all law enforcement agencies, we can ensure that our community remains a safe and secure place for all residents.

Ultimately, safety is a shared responsibility. As a trustee and community member, I am committed to doing everything I can to support our police force and keep our community safe. Together, we can continue to build a community where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Rachael Rezek

Grayslake is generally a safe place to live, and that is reflected in our crime statistics. There have been reports of an increase in crimes of opportunity (items taken from cars and garages), as well as recent reports of car jackings and armed robberies at banks and gas stations. Appropriate funding for our police department is an important component of keeping our village safe, which I support. Robust after school and summer initiatives for tweens and teens is another, and we should work with the community and our government partners to help us build out sustainable, low-cost programs.

6: When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? What will need to be done to make this happen?

Shawn Vogel

Grayslake has little land zoned for new residential projects but has significant areas ready for business expansion. Additional retail and services are desired in our community and a continued emphasis on this is something I support. Working with regional partners attracting new sustainable businesses is a possibility.

Kathleen Wasik

People I've spoken to want to better connect neighborhoods with safe multi-use paths, crosswalks, and signage. And they'd like to see a commitment to fixing existing sidewalks and roads. Sidewalks and roads are what you notice when you walk through a town. Many ofours are crumbling. For me, safe and well-maintained sidewalks, roads, and bike paths are a fundamental and necessary investment. To make this happen, we need new leadership.

Kevin Waldenstrom

As a member of the Economic Development Commission and a commercial real estate broker I understand the importance of keeping existing businesses here in town. This is why the Village worked with other taxing bodies to keep businesses like Harger Lightning & Grounding in town. We also worked with the owners of the former fairgrounds to help make their property “shovel ready” by removing the dilapidated buildings and with the Lake County to remove the financial hurdles that how long been an issue to spur development on that parcel. We have been successful in bringing many businesses to Grayslake.

A lot of these businesses are located in the Village Center but many are located in the multiple business parks and on the highways that throughout town. Nationwide companies such as FedEx and Medline have come to Grayslake because we have actively recruited. As the only small businessperson on the Village Board, I provide my experience and unique perspective on maintaining a business-friendly government, attracting businesses and retaining businesses.

Elizabeth Davies

I believe that residents are looking for vibrant and accessible opportunities for dining, entertainment, recreation, and open space within walking distance of their homes. To meet these needs, we must prioritize the recruitment of businesses and developers that align with our community values and vision. This also includes offering appropriate incentives to attract development that meets the needs and desires of our residents. By working closely with developers and community stakeholders, we can ensure that new development aligns with our vision for a vibrant and sustainable community.

In particular, we must focus on attracting development that supports a walkable and accessible community. This means prioritizing development that is easily accessible by foot, bike, and public transportation. By doing so, we can promote a healthy and active lifestyle for our residents while reducing our community's carbon footprint.

At the same time, we must also prioritize the preservation and expansion of our community's open spaces. This includes investing in new parks, green spaces, and recreational areas that offer opportunities for outdoor activity and relaxation. By doing so, we can ensure that our community remains a vibrant and attractive place to live, work, and play.

Overall, I am committed to working with our community stakeholders and developers to ensure that Grayslake remains a vibrant and sustainable community for years to come. By prioritizing the needs and desires of our residents and promoting responsible development, we can continue to build a community that we are all proud to call home.

Rachael Rezek

The concerns I hear about most frequently are in two areas: environmentally responsible development, and investment in the business district outside of Center Street. Everyone loves our robust downtown, and it’s essential we continue to support one of the key drivers of our local economy. We need to make sure that the development and redevelopment taking place outside that area is given similar attention, and done in a more intentional way.