Patch Profile: Bruce Bassett

Title: Village of Grayslake Trustee

Term: Elected April 7, 2009. Term expires April 30, 2013.

Educational background: Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics from University of Chicago.

Family: He and his wife Carol have two children.

What are the rewarding aspects of your job as an elected official?

Seeing the first fruits of an effort started over 10 years ago, the development of the Central Range. My personal motivation has been to increase the non-residential property tax base for our schools, as I have two kids at GCHS, both of whom went through D46 as well. 

This area has been expanded by the addition of the Cornerstone parcel, owned by the Alter group, which upon fruition will truly be a cornerstone of the future of Grayslake. Both areas will create significant numbers of jobs, business opportunities and consumer options.

It is also rewarding to know that, through carrying on the careful stewardship passed down from Mayor Schroeder years ago, the Village is in good financial shape compared to neighboring communities.  Our situation is now much tighter as well, however, and we are more susceptible to economic disruption than we were at the start of the downturn.

Occasionally you find an opportunity to put pieces together.  I helped negotiate the Village purchase of the old Legion building to give the park district enough money to buy their new building, making their old one available for the Oasis Youth Center and allowing the new police building to adjoin Village Hall rather than being at Washington and Atkinson.  Putting the old police property together with 201 Center St. resulted in a downtown development proposal that was unfortunately derailed by the recession.

Finally, Village Manager Mike Ellis, the Village staff, and Mayor Rhett Taylor, are visionary, highly competent and dedicated people who are a joy to work with.

What are some of the challenges?

Understanding that other governmental agencies have their own agendas; trying to help residents understand that we can't just put up stop signs wherever we'd like, there are state rules involved, and don't have enough money to put sidewalks everywhere we'd like immediately, we try to prioritize and extend the bike path system bit by bit each year; demonstrating an understanding of an opposing point of view while disagreeing with it.

How long have you been a resident of Grayslake?

18 years.

What do you like about the Grayslake community?

Grayslake is a family-oriented community with good schools that has managed to maintain a small-town atmosphere, despite having about 20,000 residents, and sense of place.  Several geographic factors contribute to this:  the fact that Center St. is not a state highway and the fact that Grayslake is bordered by extensive open space, to name a few.  Festivals and the Farmers' Market also foster that, as do the numerous downtown businesses and volunteer organizations.  The Memorial Day parade and remembrance is a fine example.  People who move here don't do so to save money on their property tax bill. They do so because they value what our community has to offer. 

Are there any organizations in the community you are involved with?

My wife Carol and I are active members of the Wildwood Presbyterian Church, and work with PADS.  I was active in GYBA and Indian Guides/Princesses, now Adventure Guides, when my kids were younger.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Free time activities include reading, helping kids with homework and attending school events, exercise and astronomy.