Elizabeth Davies: Candidate For Grayslake Village Board

GRAYSLAKE, IL — There are six candidates vying for four open seats on the Grayslake Village Board this upcoming election.

Five candidates are looking to fill three full-term seats on the village board. Incumbents Kevin Waldenstrom, who has served on the village board since 2009, and Elizabeth Davies, who was first elected as a trustee in 2014, will be 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 after his family decided to move from Grayslake to Libertyville.

This year's spring election for local races will be on April 4.

Patch.com has reached out to all candidates to request they fill out a survey. Below are the responses from Elizabeth Davies:

Your Name: Elizabeth Davies

Age (as of Election Day): 42

Town/City of Residence: Grayslake

Office sought: Village board

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for: No

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education and Mathematics from Concordia University Chicago

Occupation: Please include years of experience. HS Math Teacher

Campaign Website: www.bethforgrayslake.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Grayslake Village Trustee

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

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.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

As a trustee candidate up for re-election, I believe that the critical difference between me and the other candidates is that I possess the right combination of passion, experience, and vision to lead us into our next chapter.

Throughout my career as a teacher, a trustee, and community volunteer, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to the betterment of our community. My record of service speaks for itself, and I have consistently shown that I am willing to go above and beyond to ensure that our community is thriving.

In addition to my passion for our community, I have a wealth of experience that has prepared me for leadership. I have experience in various areas of local government and non-profit organizations, giving me a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our community.

Furthermore, I possess a clear vision for the future of our community. I believe that we can build a more sustainable and equitable future by focusing on issues such as economic development, public safety, and environmental sustainability.

As a leader, I will work tirelessly to bring this vision to life. I will work closely with community members and other stakeholders to develop innovative solutions to the challenges we face, and I will remain committed to ensuring that our community is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

My platform is focused on maintaining our strong financial position so that we can do even more for our community. I firmly believe that by spending less on the operating side, we can invest in the things that truly matter to our community, like improving our downtown and Village Center, preserving open spaces, and enhancing the overall environment.

One of the main areas where we can make a difference is by investing in our downtown and Village Center. By making decisions like adding more Christmas lights, flowers, and a community ice skating rink, we can create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

These investments not only enhance the quality of life for our community but also stimulate economic development, raise property values, and create a thriving downtown which is crucial for our long-term sustainability.

Moreover, we must also focus on preserving open space and enhancing our environment. By planting trees and creating green spaces, we can reduce pollution, mitigate the effects of climate change, and create more opportunities for outdoor recreation. These efforts will not only benefit us today but also for future generations.

To achieve these goals, we need a leader who can maintain our strong financial position while also prioritizing investments that benefit our community. I am that leader. I have a proven track record of responsible financial management, and I am committed to investing in the things that truly matter to our community.

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

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.

Why should voters trust you?

As a candidate for leadership in our community, I understand that trust is crucial to building a successful and sustainable future. I believe that voters can trust me because of my unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability.

I am committed to integrity in all aspects of my life. I believe in doing what is right, even when it may not be easy or popular. I am committed to being honest, straightforward, and authentic in all of my interactions with community members, stakeholders, and other leaders.

I also believe in transparency. I am committed to keeping community members informed about the issues that affect them and making sure that our decision-making processes are clear and accessible. I believe that an open and transparent government is essential to building trust and ensuring that our community is moving in the right direction. I have advocated for live streamed meetings, engage with constituents on many platforms, and am always willing to meet and talk about village issues.

I understand that as a leader, I am ultimately accountable to the community and its members. I have always been honored to serve as a trustee and will work hard to honor the support of residents if I am re-elected. I am dedicated to serving all of my constituents to the best of my ability, and I will work tirelessly to build trust and create a brighter future for all of us.

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

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.

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

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.

Do you support the Illinois assault weapons ban, and would you support a local assault weapons ban in this community?

As a mother and a teacher, I understand the importance of creating a safe environment for our families and communities. That is why I oppose illegal gun use and fully support the enforcement of all state laws to ensure our neighborhoods are safe for everyone.

Additionally, I believe that we must take a comprehensive approach to reducing gun violence that includes increasing access to mental health services, investing in violence prevention programs, and improving our schools and community resources.

Creating a safe environment requires a commitment from all of us. I am dedicated to working with law enforcement, community leaders, and residents to address this critical issue and ensure that our community is a place where families can thrive and children can grow up without fear.

Do you support the SAFE-T Act? Why or why not?

The Safe-T-Act is a new law that is currently being revised, and as a trustee candidate, I understand the importance of staying informed about all laws and regulations that affect our community. While the office of trustee does not have direct oversight over this law, I take my role as an elected representative seriously and am committed to upholding all laws laid out by the state.

As I continue to learn more about the Safe-T-Act, I look forward to hearing from important stakeholders and engaging in productive conversations about how we can best implement this law to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. It is important to understand the potential impacts of this law on our residents and businesses and to work collaboratively to find solutions that address any concerns and prioritize the safety of our community.

Ultimately, as an elected representative, I am committed to ensuring that our community remains a safe and welcoming place for all. I will continue to stay informed about the Safe-T-Act and all other laws and regulations that affect our community, and will work diligently to uphold my oath to protect and serve our residents to the best of my ability.

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?

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.

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?

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.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

As a trustee and a teacher, I strongly believe that we should never stop learning or growing as individuals. The best advice I have ever received is to always be open to new ideas and perspectives, and to seek out opportunities for personal and professional growth. As a lifelong learner, I am constantly looking for ways to improve my skills and knowledge, and to bring new ideas to my work as a trustee. If re-elected, I am committed to continuing to learn from the residents of Grayslake, and to working together to build a stronger and more vibrant community for all of us.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

As a candidate for trustee, I would like voters to know that I am a firm believer in the greatness of Grayslake. This is an amazing town to live in, with wonderful people, great amenities, and a strong sense of community. As a relentlessly positive person, I am committed to making Grayslake even better. I believe that we can achieve great things by working together, supporting each other, and promoting all the amazing things our community has to offer. As a cheerleader and promoter of our town, I am fiercely supportive of our residents and their needs, and I am always happy to lend a hand or offer support whenever it's needed. If elected, I will work tirelessly to make Grayslake an even better place to live, work, and play, and to promote all the great things our community has to offer.