2017 Election Questionnaire: Jason Blake, D155 School Board

Name: Jason Blake

Age: 45

Town of residence: Crystal Lake

Position sought: School board member for District 155

Family: Sharon Wife, Kids: Wyatt, 17; Madde 15; Helyn 8

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No

Education: Master in Business Administration

Occupation: Senior VP and CFO- 8 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: None

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it: The lowering enrollment of the school district. I believe with my experience as CFO I bring many years of experience to the board. I will take a fresh look at these issues and make sure we don't make knee jerk reactions.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?: The other party feels that all they need to do is lower taxes and that will solve all issues. They would be a huge mistake. I am not in favor of raising taxes, but lowering taxes would be a direct hit to our property taxes.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?: They have not held the current administrative staff accountable for their actions.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: One other issue is the closing of Crystal Lake Central High School that was found in the current district study. This study was found to have many holes in it. I am not in favor of closing any D155 schools.

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?: My biggest item would be to open the lines of communication between all parties of the school. Many of the issues with the community and teachers is that the communication lines have been poor. We need to over communicate.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career: I learned many things during the 2008 Great Recession. The biggest item I picked up was never give up and always focus on your end result.

Why should voters trust you?: I have integrity and am an upstanding citizen in this community.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy: Always go the extra mile.

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?: In an nut shell, employees are not satisfied, the community is not happy. So how did the district get to this point and what are they going to do to change it?

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?: I have been the CFO of 2 Trade associations and have financially turned around 2 of them.

The best advice ever shared with me was...: Change or be changed.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?: None at this time.

More via the Jason Blake campaign Facebook page