Email: james.powers@patch.com
Phone: 224-828-8412
Hometown: Wilmette
Birthday: July 11

Bio: I have spent more than 20 years in community journalism. I have always enjoyed the relationships you forge, the opportunity to tell people's stories and create a product that makes an impact on the residents it serves. I have worked for Pioneer Press newspapers twice in my career – first as the sports editor for its west suburban chain of papers and more recently as editor of four papers covering Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Mundelein and Vernon Hills. I also worked as sports editor and online editor at a community newspaper group in Phoenix for the last 10 of the 18 years I lived there prior to returning to the Chicago area in 2007. This has and always will be home to me. There is a sense of belonging that just doesn't translate anywhere else, and I understand how important that is to the communities I am serving.

Your Beliefs
I believe in opportunity.

Politics
How would you describe your political beliefs?

Middle of the road. I'm always open to new ideas and platforms. I believe in voting for the person who is best qualified for the position, and places the community's needs as a No. 1 priority.

Are you registered with a certain party?

Yes. Democratic.

Religion
I am casually religious, and I understand its importance in the lives of people.

What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?

How to keep village and other government entities from operating with deficit budgets.

What is the future of the Gorton Community Center?

How does Lake Bluff afford to replace its swimming pool facility?

How does affordable housing fit into the Lake Forest community?

Where do you stand on each of these issues?

City governments face some difficult decisions and the community may have to live without some amenities in order to keep the level of service they have.

The Gorton Community Center has been through difficult times before since the 1970s, but its importance to the communty is what rallies people around it each time. This time will be no different. It is an important fixture of Lake Forest.

Lake Bluff faces a hefty price tag in order to improve on its currently aging pool. Every option needs to be explored here and community input is critical. This is the only community pool in the area, but in this economy not an easy sell.

Affordable housing is a devisive issue in Lake Forest. It's too early to determine where this issue is headed. More discussion is needed and more community comment.