There are four candidates running for three trustee spots on the Richmond Village Board. The terms of Bruce Hunter and Dave Kielpinski are expiring and there is one seat open. The four candidates are: Cindy Walleck, Bruce Hunter,  David Kielpinski and Dennis Bardy. 

 

* denotes incumbent

 

 

 

Name: Cindy Walleck

            5420 Kenosha Street

            Richmond, IL  60071

            815/678-0003

 

Personal/Family Information

 

My husband, Jon, and I have been married for 15 years.  We have two children, Joseph (7) and Adelynne (2).  5 years ago I came to Richmond and bought the Greeley House (built in 1928).  I knew I was home.  I knew we were in for a wonderful journey and so far, the journey has been extraordinary.

I have earned a Liberal Arts & Sciences degree from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois, concentrating my studies in Sociology, Criminal Justice.  I have minor studies in Psychology, emphasizing Child Psychology.  I have completed post graduate paralegal studies at Roosevelt University, Chicago Campus.

 

Past/Current Community Service

 

Past Services

Volunteer, Faith In Action (McHenry County Senior Assistance Program)

Co-Chairman, Nippersink School District 2 Referendum Committee

 

Current Community Services

Seated, Richmond Village Zoning Board of Appeals

Vice President & Fundraising Coordinator, Richmond Grade School PTO

Richmond Grade School Parent Representative, Nippersink School District 2 Finance Committee

Director & Treasurer, Nippersink Education Foundation

Candidate, Richmond Village Trustee

 

What is your work experience?

 

I am certified by the American Bar Association to practice as a Corporate Paralegal in the State of Illinois.  I have practiced at JMB Realty Co. in Chicago, Illinois and at the law firm of Schiff, Hardin & Waite in Chicago, Illinois.  My career has allowed me to gain additional specialties in securities law, trademarks and real estate.

 

What are the major issues in this election?

 

For me, the major issues are improving revenue streams, protecting Village natural, historic, recreational and scenic areas, and completing the R12 Bypass.

 

What ideas do you have to solve any problems?

 

Ideas are solutions in motion.  Great question!  Thank you for the opportunity.  I’d like to see the following ideas discussed and molded into action plans that will enhance current programs or help to establish guidelines for new prospects.

 

More rooftops may increase tax revenue, but at the risk of over burdening our school system, further compromising an already over burdened road system, and losing precious natural, historic, scenic or recreational areas.  I think it is time to look at what we have in process and ask ourselves what we can be doing better. 

 

Increasing revenue can be accomplished by implementing improved marketing strategies for our local businesses, and better planning of community events.  The purpose here is to highlight promotion of the Village of Richmond as a destination for tourists and shopping.  We must exercise new strategies like these now and bring them into consistent practice or risk failure when the bypass is completed.

 

Increasing revenue can be accomplished by pursuing new and unique shops in and around Main Street which will compliment (not compete with) existing businesses, further generate awareness, and continue to produce interest.

 

Increasing revenue can be accomplished by working to fill the vacancies in our industrial park.  New, high end manufacturers have the opportunity to grow and upon completion of the bypass will have sufficient travel/delivery routes.  The industrial area is already zoned for such operation and is in the right spot in our community.  Tucked away to the northwest of Route 12 and 173, industry can grow and develop, increase our tax revenue, and not compromise the aesthetic value of our Village of Yesteryear.

 

Increasing revenue by examining and implementing impact fee ordinances allows for growth and development without burdening tax payers to support growth and development.  Impact Fees are fees charged to new developers to help cover the cost of adjusting to the growth a new development brings.  Increased residential development always creates need for additional municipal services.  Establishing higher municipal impact fees will help with supporting increasing needs.  In the same light, investigating how our school districts can use impact fees is a key element.  New developers must be aware that impact fees will be expected upon development.

 

Establishing good business relationships with developers and utilizing appropriate committees in planning processes will successfully sustain the needs and aesthetic value of our community.

 

Protecting valued resources can be accomplished by embracing the concept of sustainability which promotes smart growth and development under current needs and conditions without diminishing our natural and historic resources or compromising future development needs.  In addition, investigating Open Space Ordinances to identify and permanently protect conservation areas will stop uncharacteristic and/or unfavorable development to occur.

 

Overall, I believe that collaborative efforts of all local governing bodies, coupled with hard research and proper planning always yields well rounded, smart decisions.

 

I am certain that I have all the aspects the role of Trustee requires, which combined with my determination, positive approach, adaptive communication skills, enthusiasm and forward thinking, ensures that I would be a good choice by the voters.  Thank you.

 

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Name: Bruce Hunter

5802 W Broadway

Richmond, IL

 

Personal/Family Information

Married, 4 children

 

Past Community Service

Village President of Richmond

 

Current Community Service

Village Trustee

Centegra Board of Governors

 

Work Experience

Retired executive from Morgan, Stanley, Dean Witter

 

What are the major issues in this election?

 

·        Our village is Poised for new opportunities and challenges – I want to continue to contribute in this process. To this end I remain committed to the following core issues: to continue a positive, cooperative and open political climate

·        to foster sound and environmentally sensitive development

·        to continue efforts for the develop of the Route 12 bypass while preserving our downtown’s economic viability

·        to promote economic develop opportunities

·        as we continue to grow our challenge is to grow without sacrificing our unique small town flavor

 

 

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Name: David Kielpinski

 

 

David Kielpinski

10013 Golf Ave.
Richmond, IL

 

Personal/Family Information

Divorced

3 Daughters

 

Past Community Service

I started and was the charter president for the Richmond/Spring Grove Chamber

Almost 6 years as a trustee in Spring Grove

4 years as chairman of Spring Grove EDC

1 year on Richmond zoning board

 

Current Community Service

I am currently a trustee on the Richmond Village Board

For the last 4 years I have been on the Centegra Foundation Board

For the last 2 years I have been the EDC chairman

 

Work Experience

After graduating from WIU I spent the next 12 years in the bar and restaurant business

This is my 20th year as a professional photographer, 15 in Richmond

 

What are the major issues in this election?

• One major issue is growth in Richmond and how to do it in a manner consistant with the village.
• Continue the growth of businesses in town as that helps to grow the tax base.
• We must get this sewer plant built.
• we must work hard to get a bypass accomplished.

.

The biggest solution could be with the working together toward overcoming the obstacles in front of us.

 

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Name: Dennis Bardy