Meet Village of Glenview Trustee Newcomer: Michael Jenny

In the uncontested race for the Board of Trustees, newcomer and Citizens United for Glenview candidate Michael Jenny will be joining the board. Jenny and incumbents Scott Britton and Philip White, also, will fill the three seats up for election on the board.

Glenview Patch asked Jenny his stance on some of the issues facing the village.

1) How would you assess the state of the village’s budget?
As a newcomer to the village board my top priority is to help ensure the long-term viability of the village, in order that my children can grow up with the same opportunities we are currently afforded in Glenview.  Along those lines I am looking forward to learning more about this issue in the coming weeks and months. Our slate of trustees has pledged to promote responsible economic growth while maintaining financial discipline; I intend to honor that pledge while at the same time building on the hard work the current board has undertaken to guide the village through the recent economic cycle.

2) If expenses need to be reduced, exactly what would you cut? Be specific.
Our slate of trustees has pledged to effectively represent the citizens of Glenview through – in part – the delivery of quality services in the most efficient way possible.  I intend to work closely with the board to honor that pledge. 

3) If more revenue needs to be raised, exactly what would you propose? Be specific.
The current board of trustees has proposed no tax increases at this time.  I intend to work with the board to ensure we are closely monitoring our financial position – with substantial public review and discussion – so that our expenses can be properly managed in an open and transparent manner. While this is often challenging due to the mandates the state of Illinois imposes on the village, I am opposed to using tax increases as the sole remedy for addressing budgetary shortfalls, if any.  

4) What, if anything, does the village need to do to adequately fund police and fire pensions?
Glenview has always provided the funding recommended by the fund actuaries and required by state law, unlike the state of Illinois and some other municipalities.  As a newcomer to the village board, I am looking forward to learning more about this issue in the coming weeks and months. 

5) Does the village need to start or intensity economic development efforts? What specific ideas do you have to foster economic development?
I believe that a sensible and comprehensive development program, designed to attract and retain businesses in the village, will spur economic growth and create opportunities for our residents while supplementing revenue through a natural expansion of the tax base.  For example, I believe the village should re-examine its downtown and Waukegan corridor redevelopment plans to create a destination that is conducive to families, pedestrians, bicycle traffic and recreational activities that will, in turn, increase the frequency and duration of visits to the area.  This and other examples, however, will need to be thoroughly examined in light of the recent economic cycle.

6) If the state of Illinois succeeds in re-establishing the capital bill, would you support video gaming in this village?
I am in agreement with the current board’s decision not to allow video gaming in the village.

 7) 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?
As an investment banker, my job is to analyze and resolve financial matters for private sector businesses.  At the same time, my strong connections to the village – together with a desire for my children to grow up with the same opportunities that have been available to our generation – drive my passion to contribute to the community.  As a result, I believe I can bring creative solutions, a new perspective and a thoughtful, common sense approach to bear on the financial matters facing the village in the coming years.

 8) How would you 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 dollar?
From my perspective the services provided by village employees are excellent.  One of our tasks as a board will be to maintain village services at their current levels without compromising our community’s financial position.

 9) What else would you like voters to know about your positions on issues or point of view?
I am honored and humbled to have a chance to serve the community through the board of trustees, and I am looking forward to working on behalf of the citizens of Glenview.