Ruth, Kraus, Whaley win Hampshire seats

Incumbents Orris Ruth, a 38-year Hampshire trustee, and Janet Kraus won over newcomers Laura Dunbar, a local real-estate agent, and Jeanne Holzkamp-Maki, a Hampshire firefighter and small business owner, preliminary election results showed tonight.

Rob Whaley, a Hampshire Township park board member, also won a seat on the village board, according to preliminary results.

Ruth hopes to work on converting the open spaces in town into recreational areas because as new subdivisions are built, the village will have open space that “should be used for the public, people who live in Hampshire.”

Kraus said she would like to keep on doing what she has been doing while working with other trustees.

Three 4-year seats were open on the board — Trustee Ed Szydlowski did not seek re-election.

Ruth has stated the budget will be a challenge, especially since the police department unionized last year. Whaley expressed interest in attracting new business to the village and making sure the village’s growth pays for itself.

Ruth hopes to help bring new businesses into the town but admits that’s a difficult task. “You read about all these candidates saying they are going to bring (business) in, but it’s hard to do. You have to get people to get into the community. If the wave of progress is not here, they won’t get developed. It’s a matter of time — we have to wait them out.”