Meet Your Candidates: Village Trustee Hopeful Julie Wolf

Julie Wolf is a 25-year Wilmette resident who is running for village trustee. Wolf holds an MCB from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management and a B.S. in Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University, and is a member of the Appearance Review and Lakefront Commissions.

"I have taken a leadership role in finding innovative solutions and making key decisions, and I have a track record of really digging in and working hard to resolve issues," she told Patch.

Board members serve four-year terms. Three seats are open this year, and six candidates are running—Wolf, , , , and Doug Rathe.

Check out what Wolf has to say about pensions and the village's budget below.

How would you assess the state of the village’s budget?

Julie Wolf: The difficult economic times have certainly had a negative impact on village finances, reducing revenue and decreasing the value of pension funds. The recent State of Illinois legislative changes that affect the retirement age for new hires will have a positive impact on pensions over time, but this needs to be carefully monitored. Funding repairs and enhancements to streets and sewers is another difficult area with the current economic climate. However, after speaking to the village manager and many staff members, I believe the village is soundly managed.  The current budget and projected actual income and expenses are very nearly balanced. Going forward, it will be a challenging few years, but with careful management I believe the village will remain on solid financial ground.

If expenses need to be reduced, exactly what would you cut?

Wolf: I believe that the village should continue to pursue cost savings such as those recently achieved by the renegotiation of the waste collection contract and upgrading of the phone system. Some staff positions within the village have been outsourced, resulting in cost savings. As positions become open due to attrition, further outsourcing should be evaluated.  I think it’s also worth looking at more opportunities for cost savings through intergovernmental cooperation such as the recent joint tree-trimming arrangement with Glenview. The emphasis should continue to be on maintaining a high level of service while pursuing cost savings.

If more revenue needs to be raised, exactly what would you propose? Be specific.

Wolf: The best way to raise revenue is to encourage development, and the recent passage of the Master Plan is a big step in the right direction. There are major opportunities for retail development in the Village Center and the other commercial districts that would increase the revenue stream. Increased revenue from sales tax will stay in the community and benefit Wilmette residents. I would like to avoid tax increases and look for increased revenue from other sources such as increased water sales to other communities.

What, if anything, does the village need to do to adequately fund police and fire pensions? 

Wolf: With the recent State of Illinois changes in pension legislation, actuarial projections also change. At the same time, the pension investments that were hit by the difficult economic times have rebounded somewhat in recent months. It is my understanding that new actuarial and financial projections will be available in a few weeks, and the first step is to review those and determine whether increased contributions are needed in order to ensure meeting the mandated goal of 90 percent funding by 2040.

What ideas do you have to make the Master Plan a reality? How will you push forward economic development of the village center?

Wolf: I agree with the vision for making Green Bay Road function as a corridor that defines Wilmette as a unique place. Higher-density development interspersed with green spaces for gathering and relaxing will make the village a more vibrant and interesting place. Revising the zoning for the Village Center commercial areas to allow greater density and establish standards for setbacks and overall massing will facilitate development. Specifically for the Ford Motors site, my goal is to attract high-quality design for mixed-use development. This ideally would include retail on the ground floor, to drive foot traffic and increase revenue streams, with housing above. Clear communication of the intent of the Master Plan is important. Equally important is to communicate to potential developers that Wilmette is a place that presents a unique and valuable opportunity for development.

If the state of Illinois succeeds in re-establishing the capital bill, would you support video gaming in this village?

Wolf: Tempting as it is to anticipate the revenue from such a measure, I would be hesitant to support video gaming in Wilmette, as I don’t believe it’s in keeping with the village’s family values.

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?

Wolf: I have an extensive history of work with village government. I am currently a member of the Appearance Review and Lakefront Commissions, and was a past member of the Sheridan Road Beautification, Public Art, and Streetscape Commissions. This experience has given me an excellent overview of village operations and of the issues and opportunities we as a village face going forward. My husband Martin and I have lived in Wilmette for 25 years, and raised our two children here. Professionally, I have worked in non-profit management for the past ten years. My prior work includes positions in corporate finance and marketing in large and small companies in the Chicago area. My educational background is also an excellent fit for the position of trustee. I have an MCB from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management and a B.S. in Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University. I think it is also important to have a woman’s voice and perspective on the Village Board. With my educational background and experience working with village committees, I am uniquely qualified for the position of trustee.

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?

Wolf: Wilmette residents enjoy a very high level of municipal services. The February blizzard made this clearer than ever, with the efficient clearing of streets and sidewalks. While not all services are as critical to public safety, they do contribute to making Wilmette the wonderful place that it is. During my 25 years living in Wilmette, I have found the police, fire, and refuse removal services to be excellent. Leaf removal is also very good for the most part, but with the reduced collection schedule in recent years there are times when leaves become wet and compacted, and may block catch basins and sewer inlets, causing water to back up into the street. Possible solutions include some sort of marking system to caution residents about piling leaves near these areas, or perhaps a notice in the Communicator in the fall.

What else would you like voters to know about your positions on issues or point of view?

Wolf: I am a creative thinker and a problem-solver. During my work with various village commissions, I have proved myself to be a good listener and a consensus builder. I have taken a leadership role in finding innovative solutions and making key decisions, and I have a track record of really digging in and working hard to resolve issues. I think Wilmette is a wonderful and vibrant place to live, and I believe that as trustee I can have a part in making it even better in the future.