Patrick Whalen: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: Pingree GroveWebsite: In progress.Office sought: Pingree Grove Village President Age: 59Family: Patrick M. Whalen - son Nicoll Whalen Blomquist - daughter Danielle Whalen - daughterOccupation: Heavy Equipment OperatorEducation: High School Diploma Some college. Chicago Certified Firefighter III Certified Public Safety OfficerCivic involvement: Fourth Degree in the Council of Knights of Columbus Pingree Grove Little League Supporter Supporter of the Pingree Grove Easter Egg hunt. Pingree Grove Firefighter Former Rutland Township TrusteeElected offices held: Rutland Township Trustee.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?The village is in dire need of new leadership. As a candidate I offer honesty, integrity and plan on being completely transparent. This is needed here in Pingree Grove. I am running solely for the good of the community, as a concerned resident. I will donate any stipend the village pays me to community organizations like the Easter Egg hunt, the Pingree Grove Little League, and other organizations and events that benefit the residents of the village. I am a hard worker and will dedicate full time efforts to the mayor's office as my current schedule allows me to invest full time effort in running the village if I am elected. This will give the village and its residents much better services than what we have received so far. Past mayors have not had this privilege. In an effort towards full transparency, I will provide a phone number that village residents can call and get me directly to voice concerns or problems they see in their community at no cost to the village.How would you describe the condition of your community's budget, and what are the most important specific actions the town should take to assure providing the level of services that people want?The village budget is lopsided. Not enough is spent on public works like road and sewer maintenance. Our water tower is in dire need of repair. Our front lakes may be groomed for a good appearance to passers-by on Route 72, but many of the lakes and islands are not groomed adequately. I have heard many complaints from residents about this issue. I would work diligently to generate an influx of businesses that â#128;~fit' the demographic here in our beautiful countryside village - the so-called â#128;~niche' retailers. Doing this would keep a cap on property taxes - which are currently the burden of homeowners under the present administration. This would serve to increase the tax base and at the same time relieve property owners of any needed increases in revenue. Keeping with a positive image that promotes our small town character as well as our vision of "A place to grow", I plan to move the unsightly village hall into the police department building. That would allow us to get rid of the trailers and save money at the same time.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?I would begin my tenure as mayor by conducting a complete audit of spending practices to mitigate any wastes in spending.Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.Instead of a â#128;~top-down' style in which too much control is given to one person, my leadership style will allow for input from primarily the residents, and then the trustees and, of course, the administration. These effective actions and decisions would make it easier to understand what the community really needs and wants. It would also provide an atmosphere of openness and candor, allowing for a transparent process.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I would scrutinize spending on maintenance operations of our recreation centers and attempt to track what happens to the residents' money they pay to the tune of $65.00 a month. I think village money would be better spent developing a variety of small parks in local communities and subdivisions. Many residents have complained to me about this. There is a strong need of residents to have the ability to address their concerns of where their money is being spent in a venue that is accessible to them in our village, not conducted elsewhere.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?As mayor, I think it would serve our village better if we had an amicable relationship with our neighboring villages such as Gilberts, Hampshire and Huntley. Also, in an ideal world, wouldn't it be great to rehabilitate the old village hall to its original condition and offered to the community as a historical museum or library in honor of the Pingree family who are the founders of our great village of Pingree Grove, Illinois.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Ronald ReaganWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Respect your elders and give back to the community I live in.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have gotten more involved with my community at an earlier age.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. It has given me a great perspective on current events.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Treat others like you would want them to treat you. In other words, treat people with dignity and respect.