Alejandro Muniz: 2025 candidate for Round Lake Beach mayor

Bio

Office sought: Round Lake Beach mayor

City: Round Lake Beach

Age: 19

Occupation: Full-time student

Previous offices held: N/A

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? Also, what makes you the best candidate for the position?

I am running for office because I believe in our community’s potential and the need for leadership that truly works for the people. Too often, residents feel unheard by their government. I will strengthen the relationship between the community and its leaders, increase transparency, and ensure every decision reflects the people’s will. Our government should serve its residents, not the other way around.

I will also focus on reducing crime and making sure every citizen feels safe in their homes and neighborhoods. Public safety will be a top priority, working to strengthen law enforcement while building trust with the community.

Additionally, I am committed to keeping our environment clean and ensuring our streets and public spaces are well-maintained. As part of a new and younger generation, I bring fresh ideas, energy, and a vision for the future — one that prioritizes progress, accountability, and real results for our community.

What is the most serious issue your community will face in coming years and how should leaders respond to it?

One of the most serious issues Round Lake Beach will face in the coming years is the growing division within the community and the disconnect between residents and their government. As the population increases, it’s crucial for leaders to bridge these gaps and foster unity. If residents feel ignored or disconnected, it creates an environment of mistrust that hinders progress.

Leaders must focus on increasing transparency, engaging with the community regularly, and creating opportunities for open dialogue. This will improve relationships between the government and its citizens, encouraging cooperation.

How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?

The state of Round Lake Beach’s finances will require careful attention in the coming years. With growth in both population and infrastructure needs, it’s important to ensure we’re investing in long-term solutions while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The top priorities for spending should focus on public safety, improving local infrastructure, and maintaining a clean, sustainable environment.

Public safety should be the top priority, with investments in community-driven programs that reduce crime and enhance neighborhood security. The state of Round Lake Beach’s finances will require careful attention in the coming years.

With growth in both population and infrastructure needs, it’s important to ensure we’re investing in long-term solutions while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The top priorities for spending should focus on public safety, improving local infrastructure, and maintaining a clean, sustainable environment. Public safety should be the top priority, with investments in community-driven programs that reduce crime and enhance neighborhood security.

What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

The most important infrastructure project that needs to be addressed in Round Lake Beach is the improvement of our transportation network, specifically road repairs and upgrades.

As the population grows, traffic congestion and deteriorating road conditions can lead to safety hazards, longer commute times, and a decrease in overall quality of life for residents. Ensuring that our roads are safe, well-maintained, and equipped for future traffic demands should be a top priority. Investing in this infrastructure will not only improve safety but also support the local economy by making it easier for businesses and residents to move around.

To fund these upgrades, a mix of options such as utilizing local tax revenue, pursuing grants for smaller-scale infrastructure projects, and perhaps collaborating with the county or state for matching funds could help finance the necessary work.

Nonessential beautification projects or large-scale public event expansions could be put on the back burner. While these projects are valuable, they should not take priority over critical infrastructure needs that directly affect the daily lives and safety of our community.

Describe your leadership style and explain how you think it will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board.

My leadership style is collaborative, transparent, and results-driven. I believe in working closely with others, especially the village board to ensure that all voices are heard and that decisions are made collectively. I’m a firm believer that leadership isn’t about making decisions alone, but about bringing together different perspectives and creating solutions that benefit everyone.

I prioritize open communication, so that all members of the board feel comfortable sharing their insights and concerns, and residents can trust that their needs are being considered. When leaders work together in a transparent and respectful manner, they can come to decisions that reflect the community's values and priorities.

What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

One idea I have to better the community that isn’t being talked about yet is prioritizing the unification of Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Heights, Round Lake Park, and Round Lake (the Round Lake Communities). These communities share many common interests and face similar challenges.

By fostering stronger collaboration and partnership among these areas, we can create a more cohesive region that works together to solve problems and improve the quality of life for all residents. This unification could involve joint projects for local infrastructure improvements, community events, shared resources, and regional economic development. A unified approach would enhance our collective voice in discussions with county and state officials, streamline services, and reduce duplication of efforts.

Strengthening connections between these communities could bring more attention to the region and create more opportunities for growth and development that benefit everyone. Through stronger ties and collaboration, we can build a stronger, more vibrant region that’s greater than the sum of its parts.