James Schultz: Vernon Hills Trustee Candidate

Name: James E. Schultz

Age: 62        

Family: Married 41 Years, 2 Children and 2 Grandchildren

Education: BA Northeastern Illinois University

Occupation: Supply Chain Management Consultant

Previous Elected or Appointed Offices: Vernon Hills Village Board Trustee 2005 - Present

Other community involvement:

Vernon Hills Traffic Advisory Committee 1999-2005
Milwaukee / Half Day TIF District Panel 2004-2005

Position sought: Re-election as VH Village Board Trustee

Campaign E-mail address: jameseschultz@comcast.net

Campaign committee: N/A

Campaign Website: N/A

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Campaign Twitter: N/A

Why are you running?

I am running to continue the work that we have started with regard to the revitalization of Hawthorn Westfield, along with the build-out of the Milwaukee / Half Day TIF District.

In what ways would the village benefit from your service?

With my broad experience in construction and layout / design, I am able to bring a level of understanding along with experience in creative alternative solutions, when a developer brings a project forward.

What is the biggest challenge the village faces and what should be done to address it?

As with any enterprise, maintaining financial viability / solvency is always top of mind. I believe the record over the last eight years proves that we have been able to in fact maintain our sound financial footing through this latest recession.

On a more humane note, the frightening increase in the tragic loss of life and well being due to illicit drug use is of concern. The Village through our Police Department and Village Staff are working in conjunction with our schools, on programs to provide additional education and intervention resources to our residents.

What do you think the village does well?

On a micro level, I believe we have put in place a Village staff that is extremely responsive to both the residents and business partner’s concerns and needs. People may not always agree with the answers they get, but they are never shunted or ignored, and they are always treated with respect.

On a macro level, we work diligently with our business partners to insure that we do everything within our power to insure we both thrive, and make Vernon Hills a great place to be.

What should be some of the village’s priorities over the next four years?

As noted earlier, the revitalization of Westfield Hawthorn Shopping Town and the build-out of the Milwaukee / Half Day TIF district are key priorities. Additionally, we need to continue prodding IDOT towards completion of the widening of US-45. We also need to insure the appropriate development of the remaining Greggs Landing commercial space along with the Cuneo Trust land on the Northeast Corner of Milwaukee and Townline Road and the development of the Loyola University – Cuneo Museum Campus.

What else would you like voters to know?

I would like them to know how much I appreciate their support in giving me the opportunity to be their representative. In return I hope they are proud of the accomplishments that I have been an integral part of like, The Illinois Indoor Workplace Clean Air Act, the recent acquisition of the YMCA property in order to keep the doors opening for this unique amenity, and the work done in support of recreational amenities like the VHAC and at Glacier Ice Arena.