Ken Schnepf, Patch Staff

<b>Email: </b>ken&#64;patch.com

<b>Phone: </b>847-530-2323

<b>Hometown: </b>Itasca <b>           </b>

<b>Birthday: </b>July 9

<b>Bio </b>I&#39;ve been writing since grade school and have been a journalist since 1982 and an editor since 1985. I have a passion for community journalism. I earned a bachelor of science degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and minored in English. I am a former business editor and city editor of the Naperville Sun. When I worked at the Sun, it was the largest community newspaper in Illinois. I have covered several other communities over the span of my career.

I am married and have lived in the area for eight years.  I enjoy cooking, reading,  and football, in particular, I am a life-long and avid Green Bay Packers fan.

<b>My Beliefs</b>

I believe everyone should believe in something with great conviction and unwavering support. 

<b>Politics </b>

How would you describe your political beliefs?

I want the best person for the job who will serve the needs of the community, regardless of party affiliation.

Are you registered with a certain party?

No I am not.

<b>Religion</b>

How religious would you consider yourself?

I am casually religious and believe religion has an important role in society.

<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>

What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?

The Lake Zurich Revitalization Plan and can it succeed?

Continued attraction of new businesses to the community.

Providing adequate emergency services to the residents.

Maintaining and improving infrastructure.

Providing high quality education and student socialization through the school system.

Where do you stand on each of these issues?

Revitalization plans in any community are tricky and sometimes take time and many revisions to get to the correct and effective conclusion. It can work and should result in an even better Lake Zurich over time, but it won&#39;t be an instant solution.

The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce does an excellent job serving and supporting the village&#39;s business community and surrounding communities. This should continue to be an attractive draw to new businesses.

Infrastructure improvements are essential for the community to maintain property values and to keep residents happy. Gaining approval of the sales tax referendum proposed on the November ballot is a key to getting those improvements back on track.