Henry Wesseler: 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: BensenvilleWebsite: www.working4bensenville.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Bensenville Village President Age: 57Family: Wife - Jill4 adult children5 grandchildrenOccupation: Secretary of State - Lombard DMVEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Lector and Parishoner - St. Alexis Church.Member - American Legion Post 1205Shriner - Play Bagpipes for Shriner Childrens HospitalElected offices held: Elected to the Bensenville Park District Board of Commissioners in 2005. Served as President in 2007Elected as Bensenville Village Trustee in 2009. Re-elected in 2013.Currently serve in that capacity.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?In 2008, Forbes magazine said Bensenville topped its list of America's fastest dying towns. I've been part of the resurgence of our community. Housing values are up, our Industrial park has the lowest vacancy rate in the area, and we've solved major flooding issues. We've also installed a 'quiet zone' along our METRA railroad line. These are just some of the improvements and accomplishments in my 12 years of serving our residents. I believe this experience, along with my history of WORKING4BENSENVILLE makes me the best candidate for the job !!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?When I was first elected in 2009, our finances were a huge problem. Since that time, we have operated under a balanced budget every single year. Moody's has recently increased our Tax Debt rating, for a third time, to Aa3. This will save us over $1.7 million over the next decade in interest charges. We've also hired a new Village Manager that is very accessible to businesses and residents. Customer Service is the focus of our mission.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?Operating under a balanced budget is always a challenge for por departments and staff because our elected officials provide our staff a very lean budget. While every government function could be expanded, we need to balance the need for service to residents with the property tax burden that residents incur. We try to provide what is needed in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible.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.I would brand my leadership style as 'inclusive' versus 'exclusive'.As Village President, I would always strive to recognize the accomplishments of ALL members of our staff and the Board of Trustees. All members of the Board share an equal responsibility in serving our residents. I would set-up a monthly 'Coffee with the Mayor' forum so that residents can make their opinions known to the elected officials and staff in an informal setting.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?A number of years ago, we had a program called 'Bensenville Bucks'. I would use this as a voucher system that will help Seniors with Grass-cutting and Snow-shoveling. We would 'pay' Fenton High School students for cutting and shoveling, and let them spend these 'bucks' in stores throughout Bensenville.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Working with our other local taxing bodies such as the Schools, Library and Park District. I also have met with legislative leaders such as Don Harmon, Kathleen Willis and Bob Schillerstrom to make sure the state government and regional agencies understand that their actions can severely impact the lives of our residents.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Be truthful, honest, respectful and don't talk back to your parents.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would've started volunteering in Bensenville earlier in life.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?American History. Helped me to understand the origins of our political system.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Listen more, talk less and continue your education.