Jerry Kayne: Deerfield Village Board Candidate

Name: Jerry Kayne

Campaign Website: jerrykayne.org

How long have you lived in Deerfield: 22 years

Are you an incumbent?

Nope, former trustee 2001-2005.

How long have you served in your office: 4 years

What political accomplishments are you most proud of?

I can think of many accomplishments in my short four-year term. Here's three.
One of my proudest moments was being instrumental to keep Deerfield Road to only two lanes. IDOT wanted to make it four lanes but as I was consulted in a meeting inside the IDOT offices I argued to keep it two lanes but add a center turn lane.

Most folks don't know Deerfield Road is a state road controlled by IDOT. Our Village Board is one of the very few municipalities invited to contribute input on a state road. My arguments were so good they not only gave us what I wanted but additionally allowed two pedestrian crossings of my choice as well.

I initiated an improvement to the noise ordinance by reducing construction noise on weekdays and weekends and prohibit construction on Sundays and holidays. I changed the start time so you don't get rocked out of bed too early on Saturday from construction noise.

Many people know me as the trustee that pushed for pedestrian and handicap issues. I had Community Development Department add a statement to their official guidelines to increase sidewalk width and add grass parkways when a street rehab was to take place.

What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?

Building a very successful e-commerce business from scratch with customers all over the world. Home base, Deerfield.

What are the three most important issues facing the Deerfield Village Board?

1. Most say gaining more retail stores. I agree but I think it goes much further than that. There needs to be a dedicated single point-person that solely nurtures the business environment to make it more appealing for the current retailers to stay and grow and make it easier for new businesses to move in to Deerfield.
2. Bringing in new revenue. I was one of the few that approved of the billboards that would bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Deerfield coffers back in the early 2000s. The billboards would be only visible from the expressway and not even associated with Deerfield. Except for the free money we would have gotten.
3. The most boring part of being Trustee is discussing the budget. But, that's where it all begins. Infrastructure is very important because that's where the residents actually see their tax dollars at work. We need to be certain our streets get the money allocated to repair and replace the streets.

How do you distinguish yourself from your opponents?

I pride myself as a leader that's very open to the residents' suggestions for improvements to our village. I began communications with residents using email very early on in the late 90s. I had constant contact with hundreds of Deerfield constituents and they emailed me almost daily with suggestions and questions.

I'm also at the top of the game with technology. For example I use an iPad as my primary computer and the Village Board members are very hesitant to use new technology as iPads were suggested as their new tool to replace their laptops.

I also have relationships with current store owners that always encourage me to go back to government. I appreciate how highly they think of me.
Lastly, I'm not afraid to rock the boat. I speak up when I think there's an injustice and I'm eager to change things when they need it. I don't sit on my hands and wait for staff to bring items to the Board table. I'm need to be involved.

And I don't take credit for simply approving the good work the village staff does. I make things happen.

What is your professional background?

I have a long history as an entrepreneur mixed in with years of corporate involvement in computer and Internet technology. I reinvent myself constantly with technology as my hub.

What is your educational background?
I graduated college as a dental laboratory technician but I'm mostly a self-starter with a thirst for knowledge.

What other information would you like to share?
My biggest strength is I'm a problem solver that gathers information from all sources without bias. I complete what I start and lay low when it comes to garnering credit. I always begin my decision making process thinking about what my constituents would want. My vision of Deerfield's future takes a back seat.

My elderly parents and sister and husband live in Deerfield. I want them to be able to afford to stay here. It would be my dream to have my children come back after college to start their families in Deerfield.

I'm  very much into personal health, fitness, and all things earthy and crunchy. I play ice hockey 4 times per week and Ive begun dusting off my old guitar and playing music again.

I hope I get the most votes on April 9 so I can make our little world a better place, again.