Libertyville Village Board: Kara Macdonald Candidate Questionnaire

LIBERTYVILLE, IL — There are five candidates vying for three open trustee seats on the Libertyville Village Board this spring.

The local spring election will be held on April 1. More information on voting and registering to vote can be found here.

Patch.com will be publishing candidate questionnaires leading up to the election for candidates who respond to our questions. Below is the candidate questionnaire for Kara MacDonald, a candidate for the Libertyville Village Board:

Name: Kara Macdonald

Campaign Website: www.KaraMacVillageTrustee.com

Age (as of Election Day): 56

Town/City of Residence: Libertyville

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: MBA - Loyola University

Occupation. Please include years of experience: Human Resources for 30 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: none

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

As I’ve spoken with Libertyville residents I’ve heard that the biggest issue for them is a lack of effective engagement with the residents. I’ve heard from some that they’ve reached out to the Village (Trustee and/or Mayor) to have no response at all. I’ve heard from others that when they’ve had an issue too many roadblocks were put in front of them to resolve the issue and they’ve given up. As Trustee I will improve engagement with residents by holding ourselves and Village Administrators accountable for thoroughly responding to every resident issue. Also, I will find ways to make collaboration with the Village more efficient, particularly by proactively listening to what residents need and acting in their (and the Village’s) best interests.

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

I am not content with the status quo and feel that the Village should serve ALL residents. I’d love to see greater transparency and engagement with the community. This can be done by more efficiently leveraging technology, social media, and by simply being available to listen and act in support of Village residents.

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

There is a lack of collaboration and respect on the Board. I’ve observed some instances where there’s been conflict. When trying to understand root cause of this conflict I’ve observed only finger pointing and name calling. In my career and in other Board environments, I have been a problem solver by getting to the root cause of an issue and working with those involved (sometimes having a difficult but respectful conversation) to address the matter and make sure there is not a repeat of the same issue. I’d like to see this discipline applied on the Village Board. I’ve also found instances where a Village Trustee has openly disrespected the Mayor using profanity in a public Board meeting. This behavior is unacceptable and I’d expect it to be addressed - not tolerated.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Most of my campaign platform is addressed below. Overall, the theme is listening. I think the Village has been failing to listen and engage residents, particularly new residents who have moved to the Village in the past 10 years. There are incredible opportunities to engage and support ALL Libertyville residents - not just those, like me, who have make it their home for the majority of their lives.

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

In my career as an HR leader, I have served a 7,000 person organization from entry level employee to senior executive and have a reputation as a problem solver. When I retired from my job at Alight Solutions, a day was declared to honor my legacy - Kara Macdonald Day. To me, that means my problem solving and service to the organization has been a success. I’ve also served as Board President for Habitat for Humanity Lake County. As Board President, I led Habitat for Humanity Lake County through significant transformation. Now, HFH Lake County has merged with McHenry County - making our Northeastern Illinois affiliate among the largest in the Country paving the way to significantly increase our positive impact in the community. These accomplishments have given me the experience and skillset to serve Libertyville as a Trustee.

Why should voters trust you?

I will show up - meeting or event - I will be there.
I will act based on facts and data - not emotions.
I will always be respectful - even when (especially when) I disagree.
I will keep things in perspective.
I will do my very best - always.

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

My term will be a success when there is greater engagement from all of the community. Again, throughout this campaign, I’ve heard from residents that they’d like to hear more from their local government - about what decisions are being made, what opportunities they have to be involved, and how they can engage with the community. An increase in engagement would mean more than just one person (me) in attendance at Board and other Village meetings, there are volunteer engagement opportunities, and anyone is welcome to serve the community - not just those who are hand selected.

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

Libertyville is in a strong financial position and that must be protected. With that strong position I think Libertyville can avoid burdening residents with unreasonable taxes and fees. That includes the proposed 1% grocery tax to begin on 1/1/26. I oppose this grocery tax in light of the increase all residents will see on their sewer/water bills and property tax bills given the 3.4% increase to the tax levy. Yes, these increases are all small amounts but residents deserve for the Village to take the full picture of cost increases into account and do the hard work to protect them from added costs.

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?

We have the luxury of living in a safe community which can’t be taken for granted. I will fully support our police and fire departments to maintain our safe community. We do have a problem with pedestrian safety in downtown Libertyville. In recent weeks there were two incidents where pedestrians were struck by vehicles. Rather than arguing about who is to blame I’d like to see the Village identify creative solutions to make sure everyone is safe when visiting Libertyville’s downtown. I’d do this by working with the local businesses to emphasize pedestrian safety, adding a flashing beacon crosswalk by the train station, and establishing a ride-share pickup/drop off location in the downtown area.

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development?

I’d like to see Libertyville pick up the pen and design what commercial and residential development is desired in the Village - with input from residents. Currently, it seems that commercial and residential development is happening TO the Village and not WITH the Village. For example, I believe Libertyville is ripe for a boutique hotel in/near the downtown area. If residents agree with this idea, I’d like to see Libertyville invite that sort of development into the community rather than waiting for it to come to us. Several years ago there was a comprehensive plan for Libertyville developed. I’d like to see that come back to the front (and perhaps updated) so the wishes of residents are carried out.

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?

Similar to the answer above, I’d like to see a more proactive approach to development. This would require collaboration with developers and residents up front and not after there has already been a large investment in planning. For example, I’d like Libertyville to design what would be most desired for the Archdiocese property on Butterfield Road and, again, invite that sort of development instead of reacting to what comes along.

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:

Not really advice, but I live by the notion of “To Whom Much is Given, Much is Expected”. I come to the Village Trustee experience ready to serve.

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

My campaign is all about making Libertyville work more effectively for residents. I’m running to make change in the spirit of improvement which is what Libertyville residents deserve.