On The Record With ... Jeff Nielsen

As the newest member of the Lake Villa Village Board, Jeff Nielsen will need no introduction to the community he is now charged to help lead.

A life-long resident of the village, Nielsen's family has been in Lake Villa for five generations.
In his first foray into village politics, Nielsen ran for a spot on the board in 2003, but came up short.

Nielsen stayed active in the village, however, serving on the parks and recreation committee, the planning commission and the economic advisory board.

He currently works as a sales manager at Nielsen Enterprises power sports dealership, in Lake Villa, which is owned by his father.

“I don’t want it to seem like just because it’s tough economic times [the village] is not working and planning ahead for when things get better,” Nielsen said. “We want to try to stay on the gas.”

Spoken like a man who knows his power sports.

Nielsen recently went on the record with Lake County Journal reporter Colin Selbo to discuss his new position as a member of the  Lake Villa Village Board.

Selbo: Do you anticipate an easy transition to becoming a trustee on the Village Board?
Nielsen: It won't be a problem for me to transition in because I have grown up and I live in the community. I drive to work everyday in the community ... I think the biggest thing that I learned when I was on all these different committees [is] things move a lot slower. It's something that was difficult for me to acclimate to because I'm used to business. You make a decision, and you're on your way. From a municipality stand point, [you] come up with an idea, then everybody offers their input on that idea, and then it's voted for. [That's] our process and the way it works ... When I lost [the trustee race] it was probably a benefit for me because I served on three other committees and helped other things in the village. I really learned a lot. I learned a lot about how the process works.

Selbo: Is bringing in business the biggest challenge facing Lake Villa right now?
Nielsen: I think that's the challenge facing everyone right now. Public safety is important, obviously, to a community. Controlled property taxes, our schools. That's stuff that is always on the docket ... and infrastructure. My committee that I'm going to be in charge of is roads and streets. There's nothing more that I'd like to make sure we do than to get all these street lights that are burned out replaced. Little tiny stuff like that. It reflects on your whole community. Getting Cedar Avenue repaved ... Our Main Street, just to clean it up ... One of the number one things that I hope to achieve is the intersection at [Routes] 83 and 132. The state has promised us for seven years that they're going to fix this intersection.

Selbo: What's the most effective way to keep in touch with residents and hear their concerns?
Nielsen:   First of all, they can call me at anytime. I'm here at the store. They can contact us through the village. I would be willing to hear what anybody has to say. But I probably think the most effective way is to come to a board meeting. When I ran for trustee, I went to a lot of board meetings. I sat through a lot of planning commission meetings. And the only time anybody ever comes out to really get to their village representatives is when they're all worked up about something and want to complain about something. And it's really kind of sad. And you know what? I might have been one of those guys too before I got involved with village politics ... It's kind of our way. I would really like to get to know everybody on a one-on-one basis. I'd love to hear everybody's input on things they would like to see in the village.

Selbo: What has it been like working with your father?
Nielsen: It's tough. We don't agree; there's a lot of things we don't agree on. No, honestly, it's been a rewarding experience. I've learned a lot working for my family ... I think it's always a challenge working for your family. You have to know when to be able to separate personal from the business aspect of it. But my dad and I have always found a way to make it work. And my sister Christie works here too, and my mom. So, there's the four of us and we have a lot of long-term employees.

Selbo: Are you a big motorcycle rider?
Nielsen: Yeah. I ride all the stuff we do. Motorcycles, personal water craft, snowmobiles.

Selbo: What do you like about riding?
Nielsen: Being outside. The adrenaline aspect of it. I like to go fast ... This is something I've grown up with my whole life, so obviously I have a passion for it.

Selbo: When you get some free time, how do you like to spend it?
Nielsen: Right now, raising my kids. I've coached some of my son's teams ...  I try to [balance] time with my daughter ... I look forward to doing chores and work around my house because I'm [at the dealership] so much. I'm away from home so much that when I'm home, it's really kind of nice to, I know it sounds weird, to clean and sweep.

Nielsen lowdown

Who he is: Lake Villa trustee
Age: 40
Family: Wife, Susan; two children
Favorite movie: Star Wars series
Favorite vacation spot: Bermuda
Preferred bike: Rides them all
Bears or Packers: Bears (A picture of George Halas hangs in his office.)