Kathleen Johnson: Lake Zurich Village Clerk Candidate

Please provide a brief biography.

I have lived in Lake Zurich, at the same address, for 46 years; it is the only place I have lived in the USA. I was born, raised and educated in England. My husband, Ray, and I have been married 46 years and have three children who were born, raised and educated at District #95 schools. We have two grandchildren. I have been a member of Saint Peter UCC for 45 years and have served on the Church Council a few times, taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and been a youth leader besides other positions. For 24 years I was involved in Early Childhood Education, for 13 years I taught children 0-5 years and then for almost 12 years I was a director of a Childcare Center. I retired in 2007 and enjoy travelling with my husband and friends and volunteering at my grandchildren’s schools.

Why do you want to serve (or continue to serve) the village as a village clerk? 

I have been the clerk for 2 and a half years and I have the time, since I am retired, to help in other ways besides doing the minutes of meetings. On the days the meeting packets are put together I help copy, collate and deliver the packets to the Police Station for pick up by the Trustees. This saves the Village staff time and money as in the past packets were delivered by the Police to Trustees’ homes.

What are your top priorities for the Village of Lake Zurich? 

As a non-voting member of the Board my priorities are in the area of keep records of meetings and executive sessions. I would like to see the Village use a digital recording for executive sessions, if there are monies available.

What needs to be done to create a solid financial base for the village?

Businesses need to be attracted to Lake Zurich to create revenue and village departments need to be involved in cost cutting to help the budget.

What is your vision for downtown development?

A mix of commercial and residential which will bring in revenue to help the TIF debt. All residential will not create enough revenue for the TIF. Village needs to do due diligence so that we are not in a situation as with ESG developer.

How much time do you have available to devote to this role?
I am retired so that I have time available for the position as Village Clerk. What traits do you have that make you a good leader for the village?

I was a director of a local child care center, which was nationally accredited, for 12 years managing up to 13 full-time and part-time staff and up to 90 students and their parents. Prior to being in administration I taught preschool for 14 years. These positions have given me great leadership skills.