How new mayor plans to lead Carpentersville

John Skillman knows he has a lot to learn in his new role as Carpentersville village president, but the retired fire chief is ready to hit the ground running on his seemingly endless list of goals.

Controlling spending, attracting new businesses, improving efficiency in public safety departments and strengthening internal village communications are among Skillman's priorities when he takes office this spring. First, the lifelong village resident said, he will adopt an open-door policy and survey residents to determine the issues that matter most to them.

"I'm excited to bring forward some new ideas and a new vision," he said. "I'm going to be more present in the community. People are going to know me. That's important for the village."

Skillman's campaign tactics may have given him a head start, as he said he spent the past several months knocking on hundreds of doors, meeting with residents and talking to business owners.

Voters on Tuesday cast their ballots 1,083 to 436 in favor of Skillman over two-term incumbent Ed Ritter, according to unofficial tallies.

Skillman's dedication to the community began long before he decided to run for the top seat. He spent 29 years serving on the village's fire department. He coaches football at Dundee-Crown High School and has been involved in various organizations for years.

Before that, he remembers helping his father, also named John, knock on doors and run a successful campaign for village president in the late 1980s. The stress of it all actually turned off Skillman to politics at the time, he said.

It wasn't until he retired as fire chief last year that he realized how much he missed serving his hometown.

Having secured a new leadership position, Skillman said he intends to meet with trustees, Village Manager Mark Rooney and other staff to learn the ins and outs of village operations. He also wants to work with Ritter to ensure a smooth transition.

Rooney said Skillman's experience as fire chief could benefit him in his new role, especially when it comes to working with public safety staff.

"I, as well as the professional staff, have a deep reservoir of respect for the will of the people to place policy in the hands of elected officials," Rooney said. "The will of the electorate has spoken, and the direction of the new leader will be respected."

Skillman said he has witnessed the village making great strides in the past decade in economic development, public safety and government transparency. He wants to build upon the progress made by Ritter and the board.

"A lot of good things have been happening in Carpentersville, and I know we can continue them and keep moving forward," Skillman said. "That's my goal: To make Carpentersville better and better."