Shawn Vogel: 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 when 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 Vogel:

Name: Shawn M. Vogel

Age (as of Election Day): 49

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 of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Occupation. Please include years of experience:

Engineering Manager, 26 years at company

Campaign Website:

http://www.electvogel.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Chair, Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, Grayslake (current)

Trustee, Village of Grayslake (2005-2021)

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

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.

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

In one word: Experience. I have served the in a variety of capacities.
•Trustee from 2005-2021.
• Economic Development Commission member 2005-2017 and chairman 2017-2021
• Heritage Center Committee Chairman for seven years.
• Alternate Director to the Lake County Joint Action Water Agency for four years.
• Grayslake’s representative on two Lake County transportation committees.
• The elected-official liaison to the Cornerstone Project.
• Currently, Chairman of Grayslake’s Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals.

More importantly, I have a passion for representing the people of Grayslake and have been a student of municipal issues. This is my hometown, and I have no aspirations for higher office that would take me away from Grayslake. I volunteer in the community, and I am and will be a promoter for the residents and the Village.

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

I have an opportunity to continue to serve my hometown by running for a vacancy on the Village Board that will be left by Trustee Jarvis’ retirement. I am running out of a passion to serve the community and provide leadership for the future of Grayslake, not because of any individual or collective failure.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

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.

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

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 60% Waste Diversion Plan to promote regional recycling efforts.

Why should voters trust you?

I am a life-long Grayslake resident. I attended our local schools. You will see me shopping in our stores, dining in our restaurants, enjoying our open space, volunteering in community events, and attending our festivals. During my time as a trustee, I was accessible and approachable. I have been willing to listen and explain issues to residents. If elected, I will represent everyone in Grayslake not just certain subdivisions or groups. Every constituent will have a voice with Vogel.

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

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.

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

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% 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.

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

Everyone wants a sense of safety and security. I was born and raised here, my family and extended family are here. Safety is a core value for me. Whether at home, at school/work, or at activities, people want to feel they can do so without concern. If elected Trustee, I will take an oath to uphold the law, and I will work to keep our community safe. I will advocate for continued accreditation of our police force, including training in best practices of modern policing techniques on topics such as de-escalation and mental health awareness. For years the Grayslake police force has used community policing which implements many of these practices. As a non-home rule community, the Village cannot take any action, such as regulating weapons, not granted to it by the State. As indicated, Grayslake has and will continue to enforce all State laws.

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

Grayslake is a non-home rule community. The authority delegated to Grayslake by the state of Illinois does not include many of topics covered in the SAFE-T Act. From my previous time on the Village Board, I know that the Grayslake police department complies with and enforces all state laws. It is one of the few accredited departments in the nation and actively engages in community policing to ensure safety in our community. Many of the best practices employed by the Grayslake police department are consistent with the tenants of policing described in the SAFE-T Act.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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:

When faced with a difficult decision, do the next right thing.

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

As a candidate, I have three areas of focus.

First, I want to preserve those things in Grayslake that make the town a special place: A vibrant downtown, great open space and amenities, strong finances and a balanced budget, and no debt. Combined, these enhance our quality of life and generates pride in our town.

Second, I want to invest in our community to increase our home values. Grayslake is an asset, in which we are all shareholders. Adding businesses and expanding open space create an excitement about town. I will also encourage investment in existing business. A growing economy creates local job opportunities for our residents and non-homeowner dollars for our schools.

Third, I want to provide leadership to the Village with my experience and dedication. I am committed to the work. I am open, transparent, accessible, and lead by example. I will put the community’s need first over special interests. I have a track record of collaborative decision making that leads to better policy and government for Grayslake.