Kathleen Wasik: 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.

Patch.com has been collecting candidate's responses from questionnaires sent out for all those running for election. Here are the responses from Kathleen Wasik:

Name: Kathleen Conlon Wasik

Town/City of Residence: Grayslake

Office sought: Grayslake Village board or city council

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government your running for: My husband John Wasik is Lake County Commissioner (District 6)

Education: B.A., University of Illinois – Springfield

Occupation. Please include years of experience: Former Business Founder/Owner in technology sector - 22 years

Campaign Website: https://www.kathleenconlonwasi...

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: 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

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

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 revenue
generating 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.

As Village Trustee, I will:

Support the development of a comprehensive flood mitigation plan within a new strategic plan for the village. I also think we need to bring the community into the discussion, for too long residents have felt neglected.

Support addressing the Village’s revenue shortfall by looking at the innovative work going on already within the community. Local schools and the library strengthened their budgets with income generating solar panels. Work with our legislators to support State incentives for businesses locating in high property tax areas. I supported a funding mechanism that allows schools to rebate property taxes. Grayslake families and businesses have already received property tax rebates because of that work. In fact, we just approved rebating again this year and next – a
$250,000 property will receive a $200 annual rebate.

An article in The Illinois Manufacturer, (first quarter 2023 edition) on “How To Build The Workforce of Tomorrow, Today,” showcases how Grayslake High School is pioneering a workforce ecosystems plan that connects our skilled high school students with manufacturing businesses.

I think Grayslake needs to tell this story. The manufacturing sector needs skilled workers. As Village Trustee, I hope to amplify our message that Grayslake is not only a great place to live, it’s a great place to do business.

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

There are many challenges facing the village and new perspectives are necessary to strengthen board and community level conversations. As Grayslake 127 High School Board President for the past four years, I have demonstrated the importance of being a collaborative leader who
brings all stakeholders into the conversation. I engage in meaningful conversations that result in people feeling heard and strong effective policies. At the Village level, I would support slowing down board action to make sure the community is fully informed. I hope to avoid unfortunate situations like Casey’s gas station, where the Village board did not listen to the community. We want families to feel like they belong, that they have a stake and that means listening and building trust.

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

The Village needs to be honest with the community. Our sidewalks are crumbling, and the mayor’s idea of economic development is poaching funds from other taxing bodies. We absolutely need new perspectives on the Village Board, with people committed to meaningful work.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Check out my website.

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

HERE’S A SUMMARY OF MY LOCAL 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% 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 – Springfield

Why 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.

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

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

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

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

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

The State legislature already passed the assault weapons ban. It is currently in court. Let's keep an eye on it.

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

The Illinois Supreme Count is hearing arguments on the constitutionality of eliminating Cash Bonds. Let's see what happens here.

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?

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.

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?

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 of
ours 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.

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

Illness

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Show up as yourself.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I'm currently reading The Nature of Oaks by Douglas Tallamy. It's one of the most delightful books I've read in years. I think everyone should read it!