Winnetka Village Trustee Candidate Q&A: Jennifer Spinney

On April 5, Winnetka voters will vote for three candidates for village trustee. The candidates on the ballot are Richard Kates, Linda Pedian, Jennifer Spinney and Arthur Braun. Below is a Q&A with Jennifer Spinney. For information on the rest of the candidates, check Winnetka-Glencoe Patch this week.

Winnetka-Glencoe Patch: How would you assess the state of the village’s budget?

Jennifer Spinney: It is a matter of public record that the village budget is sound.

Patch: If expenses need to be reduced, exactly what would you cut?

Spinney: Fortunately, we don’t need to cut anything. I want to see the village remain fiscally conservative as it has been for years. We have envious reserves and can use those reserves for projects such as flood management and other projects a majority of residents approve.

Patch: If more revenue needs to be raised, exactly what would you propose?

Spinney: User fees.

Patch: What, if anything, does the village need to do to adequately fund police and fire pensions?

Spinney: The police and fire departments need to continue to function under sound, fiscal management. They submitted conservative budgets for next year and they are operating with a very “thin” compliment of personnel. We will continue to fund their pensions as we have for years.

Patch: Does the village need to start or intensify economic development efforts? What specific ideas do you have to foster economic development?

Spinney: We need to continue to recruit new business to the village. The village must be reasonable with potential new businesses using sound and logical code enforcement. Village residents need to support their local businesses. We need to convince new businesses that Winnetka is a good place to be.

Patch: Briefly tell us what in your background or education has prepared you to make a contribution on this board. Can you offer an expertise that would be a resource to other board members?

Spinney: My years with Andersen Consulting along with my 30 years of community service combine to give me a skill set well suited for the village council. I have strong financial and technical skills and am a consensus builder with proven leadership skills. The last two years experience as a village trustee, learning so much about the village and exactly what this job involves makes me very well prepared to continue serving.

Patch: How would assess the public services the village offers residents, including police, fire, trash pickup, snow removal, responsiveness of Village Hall, etc.? What needs to be improved? Are residents getting adequate value for their tax dollars?

Spinney: As a resident, I believe the services provided are outstanding for a small village. The real issue is how we can maintain the enviable services provided while keeping our costs contained. The department heads work extremely hard to find ways to improve services. Residents are encouraged to contact village hall; expressing their concerns and any offer suggestions for improvements.

Patch: What else would you like voters to know about your positions on issues or point of view?

Spinney: When I am re-elected I will continue to work very hard to serve the village. I will study each issue thoroughly, ask the tough questions, solicit residents, staff and fellow trustees’ opinions before voting for what is best for the village.

Patch: How long have you been a Winnetka resident and what is your favorite part of living here?

Spinney: I am a 48-year resident of Winnetka. I love living in the Village. My life-long friends, my neighbors, our beaches, our schools, the shopping, the quality of life and the community spirit all combine to make me want to live in Winnetka the rest of my life.