Election 2019: Karin McCarthy Lange, Oswego Village Board

Karin McCarthy-Lange

Age: 51

Current occupation/employer: Self Employed, Substitute for SD308

Educational background: Bachelors from ISU

Prior governmental experience and/or civic involvement: Current Oswego Village Trustee, Charter member and VP of Kiwanis Club of Oswego, founding member of 100+ Women Who Care OMY chapter, various past board positions on HOA and Parent organizations.

Why are you seeking election to a seat on the Oswego Village Board? 

As part of the current village board, our team has created a strong strategic plan. We have accomplished several goals but there is still a lot to do. I want to continue to keep Oswego moving forward and work for our community.

What sets you apart from the other board candidates? 

My experience and my connection to the community. I worked to develop the GoOswego campaign, brought transparency to our finances with OpenGov, and served on the steering committee for the new police headquarters. I actively contribute in many organizations that support the village and its residents.

If elected, what would be your top priority as a board member? 

My top priorities would be to continue our economic development initiatives along Route 34 and Orchard Road, and to continue the financial stability we have brought to the village without increasing your village property tax rate. The rate of our village portion of property taxes is as low as it was in 2011 without sacrificing services in our community.

Do you support the current board’s handling of economic development, including the establishment of the downtown TIF (Tax Increment Financing) district? 

Yes. The TIF was necessary to bring development to our downtown. Dormant for 12 years, we now have multiple projects underway. This would not have happened without the TIF district.

Do you support the village’s efforts to secure a Metra commuter rail station? 

Yes. The facts show that Kendall County has more commuters than either Kane or McHenry County. It is also our responsibility to put Oswego in the best position for both federal and state funding for Metra.

Is there fat in the village’s budget? If so, what programs or positions would you work to eliminate? 

We are currently reviewing our 2020 budget and I am proud to say that we are lean and productive. We have diversified our revenues and have a smaller staff now than in 2009 while the village has grown by more than 17 percent in that time.