Lester A. Ottenheimer, III: Candidate For Buffalo Grove Trustee

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Ahead of the April 6 consolidated municipal elections, Buffalo Grove Patch provided questionnaires to all candidates on the ballot.

Five candidates are vying for three four-year trustee seats on the Buffalo Grove Village Board on Election Day. They include three incumbents (Joanne Johnson, Lester A. Ottenheiimer, III and Andrew Stein) and two challengers (Gowri Magati and Mike Terson).

Buffalo Grove Patch is publishing all responses submitted by candidates verbatim.

Lester A. Ottenheimer, III

Age (as of Election Day)

66

Town/City of Residence

Buffalo Grove

Office Sought

Village board or city council

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)

Non-Partison

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BS Public Administration--Indiana University
JD Indiana University School of Law

Occupation

Attorney - 40 years

Campaign website

Not available yet

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Current Village of Buffalo Grove Trustee

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our board is now financial. The pandemic has caused significant negative economic consequences to all businesses and governments. Buffalo Grove is no exception. This, coupled with the lack of revenue from the State, has caused the Village to re prioritize it projects and adjust its budget for this year.
During my tenure as trustee, The Village has maintained a balanced budget and has consistently maintained adequate reserves, which has allowed the Village to continue to operate as normal as possible--even during the pandemic It has also maintained a AAA Bond rating . As a result, there will be not be any reduction in core services such as fire, police, garbage, snow removal and the like.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

I support Black Lives Matters and peaceful protests.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

Yes. 27% of those living in Buffalo Grove were born outside then Untied States. The demographics of the Village have changed over the last 30 years. During my terms as trustee, I have encouraged every single resident to become involved in Buffalo Grove--in some form or another--regardless of race, color nationality or ethnicity One third of the Planning and Zoning Commission is diverse and I am striving for more diversity.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

The response to the Corona Virus could have been better. I believe in science; however, science is fluid and ever changing--as we have seen. There must be a balance between keeping the economy robust while at the same time keeping citizens safe.
Locally the Village is considering relief packages to local business which have been economically hurt.
The Village has been diligent in keeping the residents informed of all developments with respect to the Pandemic.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

The rollout of the vaccine was initially not well planned or thought out.
Its seems to be getting better, more organized and more equitable and efficient.
From a local standpoint, the Village is limited as to what it can do because the Village is not clinically certified to distribute and give vaccinations .
I do believe, however, in an organized equitable and efficient plan and there is no reason local governments should not coordinate their efforts.

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

I believe public service is important. My goal of seeking reelection is to continue to make Buffalo Grove the best possible place to live and raise a family I have no other goal in mind. I do not take political contributions
I have extensive knowledge of how the Village works and its needs and have always listened to what residents want and need. My experience on the board will enable me to continue to do what is in the best interests of the Village and the residents
During my tenure as a trustee, I have fought hard for economic development and since 2015 the Village has brought in an additional 4.5 million in tax revenues. More than 20 new companies have relocated to Buffalo Grove and the industrial base has substantially grown.
From a fiscal standpoint, the Village under my tenure as trustee has had a balanced budget, adequate reserves a AAA Bond rating and the Village has won numerous financial accounting and budgeting awards.
I would like the opportunity to continue what I started and make sure the policies I have worked so hard for continue. I listen to what voters want and reach out to find out what their priorities are.

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

Not a challenger.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

My 3 priorities are and have been Economic Development, Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency/Inclusion
Economic development in the Village is robust and the village has not seen this much economic development in decades
Fiscal Responsibility is another priority. The Village must remain strong financially
in order to continue to provide quality core services to the residents
Transparency and Inclusion is my third priority. I believe in open government and believe all residents should have full knowledge of how their tax dollars are being spent,

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

During my time on the board I have accomplished the following:
Economic Development
Since 2015 the Village has undertaken the largest Infrastructure Modernization Capital Improvement Project in the history of the Village---$175 million--WITHOUT any cost to the residents and without raising taxes
The Village under my leadership has brought in no less than 20 new businesses, kept businesses from leaving the Village and substantially increased the tax base. As a result of my efforts, more than 4.5 million in new tax revenues have been generated.
Town center is in the process of being totally redeveloped and much has been accomplished on the Dundee Road and Milwaukee Avenue corridors
The vacant car dealership properties may soon be occupied by tax generating businesses. Woodmans and the Shoppes of Buffalo Grove (43,000 square feet of retail) have been great sources of revenue as well as providing the residents new choices for dining and retail

During my time on the Board, we have established a TIF District in the Lake Cook Road Corridor which will attract and encourage new business and development
There has been a substantial growth in the industrial sector --again bringing in new revenue. In addition, there are projects in the works to redevelop many of our existing strip malls
Fiscal Responsibility
During my term in office the Village has created and maintained a balanced budget. It has consistently earned a AAA Bond rating--thus reducing borrowing costs which means no tax increases. In fact there is no increase in the property tax/levy this year. ---in spite of the pandemic--due to the outstanding fiscal responsibility by the Village.
The village has maintained adequate reserves.
Transparency and Inclusion
While I have been on the Board, I have always encouraged openness and transparency
The residents have an absolute right to know how their tax dollars are being spent. I have encouraged residents to become involved in the Village and voice their concerns, needs and wishes
The Village has held and will continue to hold public hearings so resident scan supply their input into new developments and projects.

The Village has a new and improved web site which is now user friendly and provides many relevant links.
The Village has instituted its E-News to keep all residents informed.

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

I would like the opportunity to finish what I started. I would like to continue my efforts for economic development and to keep the Village financially strong--so as to relive any burden on taxpayers.
I will continue to listen to what the voters want.

Why should voters trust you?

I believe in ethics in government. I believe in open and honest government. I have worked tirelessly to better the Village and have worked to insure the Village has mainlined its “best place to live and raise a family”
I do not accept political contributions so I am beholden to no one

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

Local government is to be held accountable for its use of taxpayers’ dollars. I believe in a strong fiscal policy. This has been borne out by the fact the Village has consistently had a balanced budget, a AAA Bond rating and adequate reserves with little or no tax increases.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

None. I would very much appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve the residents of Buffalo Grove--and I want to finish what I started.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Pay it forward.

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

I believe in community I believe in openness and integrity and honesty in government.
I have lived in the Village for more than 30 years, having raised 3 boys in the Village. My business is located in the Village. I am invested the Village of Buffalo Grove.
Buffalo Grove has provided me and my family a wealth of advantages and opportunity I want to better the community for now and for future generations.
Municipal government impacts the residents of Buffalo Grove more frequently and more directly then either State or Federal governments. The residents have far more influence at the local level. I want to keep fighting for Buffalo Grove.