Election 2011: Q&A with Donna Johnson

Name: Donna J. Johnson, candidate for Village of Libertyville Trustee

Educational background, prior political experience and/or community service:

• BA in Political Science and Juris Doctor. 
• Admitted to Practice Law in the State of Illinois.
• Member of Liturgical Ministry at St Joseph Church in Libertyville for more than 30 years.
• Member of Planning and Zoning Commission for the Village of Libertyville for 10 years.
• Chaired the Zoning Commission for 3 years for the Village of Libertyville.
• Trustee for the Village of Libertyville for 4 years. 

Patch: What do you feel are the most important issues facing Libertyville, and why?: 

Johnson: One of the most important issues facing the village is the need for economic incentives to attract new business and retain existing business to increase our sales tax revenue, which is consistently declining.

We also need to maintain the stability of our Main Street section of our downtown, which is an important feature of our community because of its historic value and because it attracts new residents and consumers to our village. The streets are deteriorating rapidly and in need of extensive road maintenance in several sections of the village.

However, because of budget constraints and the lack of alternative sources of revenue to pay down the bonds that were issued to address road improvements, there is insufficient capitol to address all major road improvements where they are needed. 

Finding a buyer for the Sports Complex property when the commercial real estate market is weak is challenging, so we continue to face a drain on the village budget to operate and maintain this facility. 

Patch: Are you for or against a possible delivery ordinance in the village, and why?: 

Johnson: This matter has not been brought before the Village Board, it is currently still in Parking Committee. 

When you reference delivery ordinance are you referring to a proposed food and beverage ordinance to address deliveries made during lunch hours? (Patch reply: Yes, we respectfully are). 

My understanding is that the discussions for a proposed ordinance to prohibit food and beverage deliveries during the lunch hours is at the preliminary discussion stage in the Parking Committee and no formal recommendation has been made from that committee for consideration by the Board of Trustees.

Therefore, I would defer commenting on this issue until I have been presented all the facts and reserve the ability to consider both side of this issue before rendering an opinion.

Patch: Even if it is out of the village's control, what is your opinion on the County's proposed plans to expand/develop the 172-acre parcel of land at the corner of Winchester Road and Milwaukee Avenue?:

Johnson: As a current Trustee I have not received any proposed plans for review and consideration from the County for the development of the 172-acre parcel of land at the corner location referenced above.

Generally, these plans are reviewed by the Planning Commission and then submitted as an agenda item for the Village Board's review, and discussion with a recommendation from the Planning Commission. 

However, I would hope that any development plan would complement the surrounding residential community and its residents and align with the current Comprehensive Plan for the Village of Libertyville regarding the uses proposed for the development of this property.

I also would not want any development plan from the County to present any safety issues that would raise concerns regarding the welfare of our Village residents.

Patch: Are there any other issues you feel are extremely important to Libertyville's future?:

Johnson: Increasing police and fire personnel, along with maintaining a balanced budget during these hard economic times.

[I am also concerned about] the decline in sales tax revenues and ensuring that the village remains solvent while continuing to provide quality services to its residents. We may have to explore coordinating with neighboring villages to offer services at a reduced rate.