Newest Arlington Hts. trustee pledges to keep open mind

Michael Sidor said Wednesday he enjoys researching issues, and promises to keep an open mind toward each one that comes before the Arlington Heights Village Board.

Sidor’s election as trustee marks his first village office, but Mayor Arlene Mulder said she expects him to fit in smoothly with seven experienced members. Three incumbents were also returned to the board.

“Mike Sidor has been to all of our meetings,” Mulder said Wednesday. “He is very familiar with the process, and it will be a very smooth transition for him on the board.”

Sidor’s first run for the board fell short two years ago, but during that time he has worked on what he calls advocacy for residents, including the successful fight against putting a funeral home in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

During discussions of the new garbage removal contract, Sidor supported making twice-a-week pickup optional for those willing to pay for it. The board voted to retain twice-a-week collection for all single-family homes, a rarity in the suburbs.

“Last night some supporters said to me, ‘Mike, just be who you are,’” Sidor said Wednesday. “‘Approach the issues as you have for us. Take each issue, look at all the sides, be open minded.’ I think that’s what I’m charged with.”

Sidor said the fact that he owns a translation business and works from home gives him some flexibility to visit sites of issues and talk with residents.

“I hope to bring maybe a creative perspective, a different view. We’ll see what issues come forward and how the discussions go,” he said.

This penchant for research should please Mulder, who says she is always proud of the preparation trustees do before meetings. They read the sometimes voluminous packets and call Village Manager Bill Dixon with questions, she said.

Business attraction and retention is an important issue, said Sidor. He wants to investigate making the climate in the village even more business friendly.

Thomas Hayes was re-elected to his sixth term on the board; John Scaletta was voted a second term; and Carol Blackwood won her first term after being appointed a year ago. They will officially be seated at the May 2 village board meeting.

The fifth candidate was Bruce Green, an architect who will continue as chairman of the Arlington Heights Plan Commission.