Bill McLeod: 2021 candidate for Hoffman Estates mayor

Bio

City: Hoffman Estates

Age: 71

Occupation: Mayor of Hoffman Estates

Civic involvement: Village trustee for 20 years; mayor 20 years; CAC and WINGS Advisory committees; former president NW Municipal Conference; PACE board of directors; U.S. Conference of Mayors Transportation and Communication Committee and Tourism Committee; National League of Cities steering committee of Transportation and Infrastructure; Metro Mayors Caucus

Q&A

Q. How do you view your role in confronting the pandemic: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents — even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state and federal authorities?

A. It has been a combination. State and Federal laws trump municipal laws, but our people were on the front line for our citizens. That is our major responsibility. At the beginning of the pandemic, we used social media to locate donors of N95 masks. I drove to those homes and picked them up for our first responders.

Q. Did your town continue to adequately serve its constituents during the disruptions caused by the pandemic? If so, please cite an example of how it successfully adjusted to providing services. If not, please cite a specific example of what could have been done better.

A. Yes we did. Village services were never interrupted. All village employees were working and village hall was open for appointments.

Q. In light of our experiences with COVID-19, what safeguards/guidelines should you put in place to address any future public health crises?

A. We have had an emergency manager for years and will continue to have one. We coordinate closely with state, federal and county departments. The village works with neighboring communities and regional and state Councils of Government.

Q. What cuts can local government make to reduce the burden of the pandemic on local taxpayers?

A. The village corporate levy has remained basically flat with only the cost of public safety pensions increasing substantially. The village closely monitors its costs and will delay purchases and infrastructure costs if necessary.

Q. What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what infrastructure project can be put on the back burner?

A. Fire Station 21 rebuild has been postponed. Roads and sewer and water infrastructure remain a priority.

Q. Do you plan to address businesses that don't adhere to the governor's order to close or restrict business?

A. If a complaint is lodged about an establishment, either a health official or the police will give a warning if they see a violation. If a place gets three warnings, the state's attorney can press charges.

Q. Do you agree or disagree with the stance your board/council has taken on permitting recreational marijuana sales in the community? What would you change about that stance, if you could?

A. I agree with the stance. It is restricted zoning to certain areas. We currently have none.

Q. 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.

A. I am a collaborative leader. It has worked for twenty years.

Q. What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A. Experience, proven leadership ability, abundant energy, my dedication to Hoffman Estates has always been strong.

Q. What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

A. Holiday market at village green. Sleigh rides at village green. Making winter fun for the family.