The April 6 ballot will contain two candidates for village president and five candidates for village trustee seeing three seats on the village board.

Candidate responses are published verbatim and in the order they are received. Early voting began Monday ahead of the April 6 consolidated election.

Brian Locke

Age (as of Election Day)
48

Town of Residence
Wilmette

Office Sought
Village board or city council

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
Spouse is involved in other political races

Education
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Occupation
Engineering Manager, 25 years in manufacturing

Campaign website
https://brianlockeforwilmette.com/

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 single biggest issue we face is declining revenue. This requires a two pronged approach: careful and detailed revue of spending, and creative and thoughtful approaches to attracting new businesses to the Village. The Village has lost many large and small businesses which has had a significant impact on Village revenue. Policies which are friendly towards businesses and an active campaign to attract them are crucial.

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?

[Not answered]

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

[Not answered]

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?

Businesses have been crippled by the government response to the pandemic. It is far past time for businesses to be fully open without restriction.

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 state has not handled the vaccine rollout efficiently, I think because the effort is too centralized with a state government that is historically ineffective. Local governments should offer whatever resources they have available to expedite the vaccine rollout and should be given latitude in handling it to the greatest possible extent.

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

The primary differences are a philosophical aversion to increasing taxes and a vigorous pro-business approach.

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

I have many years of experience in management, as well as in budgeting, capital spending, and project management. I served for many years on board of directors for a large condominium association.

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

[Not answered]

Why should voters trust you?

[Not answered]

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