Arlington Heights' Mayor Hayes to run for another term in 2017

Arlington Heights Village President Tom Hayes said Tuesday he plans to run for a second term as the village's leader during the next municipal election in April 2017.

Hayes, elected in 2013 after serving for 22 years as a village trustee, said he has the “unanimous support and endorsement of the entire village board” in his campaign for another 4-year term as village president.

“My first term as mayor has gone very quickly,” Hayes said in a statement. “In collaboration with the village board, our outstanding village staff, and our many community partners, we have not only been able to maintain, but further enhance the quality of life we enjoy in Arlington Heights over the last three years.”

Hayes, 59, listed his other top accomplishments during his first term as the financial strength of the community, low crime rate and strong business community.

“We have a great community that pulls together toward a common goal; that's what I'm most proud of,” he said.

But Hayes said there is still more work to do.

“Continued state budget uncertainty, and fluctuating general economic conditions require a steady hand at the helm,” he said. “So our work is not complete. My decision to run for another term as village president is based, in large part, on the desire to help see through to completion a number of difficult challenges that lie ahead.”

Largest and most expensive among those projects is the building of a new police station, a project expected to get underway next year. Other challenges include addressing infrastructure needs and stormwater improvements.

The first day to start circulating nominating petitions for the spring election is Sept. 20.

In Arlington Heights, the roles of village president and village trustee are part-time jobs. Seats of four trustees — Joe Farwell, Tom Glasgow, Bert Rosenberg and Jim Tinaglia — will also be up for election in 2017. They have not yet announced their plans.