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Name
Wendy Kay White Eagle
Age
57
Current occupation
Founder and CEO Native Capital Investment Inc.
Education
BS communications – 1986 Edgewood College Madison, Wis., master’s work completed, executive MBA Program UW Madison School of Business/Edgewood College (earned 20 credits in 36-degree credit program), Lifelong learning as Eagle Clan Member Hocak Nation of Wis.
Immediate family
Married to Anthony Beyer, parents John H. White Eagle/Lyla L. Miller (both deceased), two brothers and two half-sisters, Davidjohn A. White Eagle (Marie), Stewart J. Miller (Janice), Sharon Zblewski (Richard) and Beverly Coomer (Dave.)
Civic involvement
Current: Plan Commission member village of Campton Hills, board chair Chicago Foundation for Women, board member WI Native Loan Fund Lac du Flambeau, Wis., Edgewood College alumni board – Edgewood College, Madison, Wis.,. Past: IC Stars board member and finance chair Chicago, Wisconsin Environmental Education Foundation Stevens Point.
Previous elected offices held
None.
Why have you decided to run for election/reelection in the Campton Hills trustee race?
I have had many leadership positions throughout my career and strongly believe that one of the aspects of my performance that has consistently stood out is my ability to build teams. I also believe that leaders, like myself, earn that privilege every day. I have deep knowledge in the finance, organizational development, and management arenas which I now believe I can leverage into my public service. Additionally, I know what it is to act on a vision and create a future alongside people who help design the picture and bring nuance and color to ideas. Campton Hills can become a driving force and leader in the greater Chicagoland community. We are nimble enough – based on the size of our population – to craft a preferred future that is in demand as we grow forward, together. As we create a livable community we can also create a shared sense of place.
What project most needs to be completed in Campton Hills? And how would you work to ensure the project is actually finished and done well?
Focusing on our semi-rural nature, business can be attracted to the area which would augment revenues in a way to keep taxes stable while helping us offset ever increasing costs to operate the village. One thing we all know in Illinois is that costs will continue to rise and greater pressure will be placed on all municipalities. So, my goal would be to keep taxes stable while growing local business activity. That would have a ripple effect in the local tax base. If elected, I would seek community involvement in the development of a plan for the kinds of businesses most appropriate to the area and that utilize the current infrastructure. By driving transparency and community involvement into this development process I know that we can develop a strong rudder that can serve to guide activity. Once we know what we are looking for we can then begin outreach to attract desired development.
What experience and/or strengths would you bring to the board if elected/re-elected?
I bring solid business building experience and have deep knowledge with various kinds of public financing tools commonly utilized in local development. I have routinely attracted capital to projects that have contributed to the mosaic of community development. Knowledge in the finance arena with business development is augmented by routinely working in an environment with entrepreneurs who drive innovation. I’d like to work now, with the village leadership and community members, to define what kinds of business development we are looking for and build that vision collaboratively. We have great human capital in the village and I’d love to see the community create – and feel good – about this shared sense of place. It is truly a privilege and pleasure to live in such an amazing area.
What, if anything, should be done about the Fox Mill open space issue?
Given that the village is not a party to the original agreement, my sense is that the village should stand down and let the Master Home Owner’s Association (HOA) work through to final agreement on the matter. I understand that the various Home Owner’s constituent groups are now organizing themselves under the Master HOA to be even more impactful, and with their self-determination in mind, believe that the village should stay out of the discussion until such time as the HOA brings this dialogue to decision.
In your opinion, what would be a good use for the former Glenwood School for Boys?
I am frankly open to many options that may find this location desirable with one specific caveat – my observation is that the current development team working with the Maxxam Partners did not reach out to the neighbors in the area consistently before pressing forward with this option. So, this important aspect, garnering public support for the redevelopment, would be critical.
What differentiates you from the other candidate(s) running for this seat?
The village of Campton Hills is poised to build sustainable prosperity. We are connected to one of the most economically vibrant parts of the country and it is time we reach out to build connections to regional businesses and information networks that help us drive local economic activity. We can build a diverse and strong business community that drives job creation and expansion as we begin to know all the human and resource capital in our area. Then, after the preferred vision is outlined and agreed upon, it would be time to communicate broadly our local amenities that offer ample open space and recreation. We can achieve great things while at the same time, providing for communication processes that increase governmental responsibility, community involvement and accountability. We truly can balance growth in our semi-rural community! With an eye toward sustainable and mindful development, it is time to start generating new ideas about what is possible. Then, once more robustly framed, we can look for development that fits within this direction. I’d like to work with a broad spectrum of community members to create understanding and depth in knowledge of local resources, including our human capital. As this outline begins to take greater form, there are a couple of underlying values important to also keep in mind. One is managing and protecting water resources; the other is promoting farm-to-table options that are literally located in our backyard. Right now, I do not see this actively promoted in our community, and I believe we are missing an opportunity. As we begin with an end in mind, much can be accomplished.
Outside of politics, what are some of your other interests?
Drag racing and gardening, in that order.
Why should people vote for you in this race?
I strongly feel that our village is at a place in its growth that we are moving out of its initial formation phase. It’s time to bring new faces to the table, and with this greater diversity, generate ideas that truly motivate community members. We can become a leading livable community in the greater Chicagoland area. Our size allows for community members to really know one another and band together in a manner that blends both those living in larger developments and those who live in a more rural setting. There are three things that create economic vibrancy in communities. The first is a spark of innovation, the second is capital investment and the final contributor is progressive regulation. We have both educational institutions (e.g. Northern Illinois University, Wabaonsee Community College, etc.), along with a very educated local population that is the root of human capital in the area driving local innovation. The second aspect – capital – is an arena I have been working in for some 14 years now. Some of the larger projects I have worked on married both public and private capital for investment in communities. It is this third component, progressive regulation, that enhances economic vibrancy in communities. We do not have to look far to see some of this in motion. Just look at areas like Geneva Commons and Glen View. A diversified tax base is key to driving development that fits into the larger vision for the village. Our Campton Hills can become a leader in the greater Chicagoland community.