Mundelein candidates explain why they're running

The three incumbents seeking to retain their seats on Mundelein's village board touted their experience when asked why they're qualified to run in the April 7 election.

A fourth candidate is a political newcomer who believes it's time for him to invest in the community.

The quartet is competing for three seats with 4-year terms. The hopefuls are: incumbents Ray Semple, Jim Nutschnig and Steve "Chip" Cancelli; and first-time candidate Steve Lentz.

The candidates have spoken about their qualifications in questionnaires for the Daily Herald and in separate interviews.

A fifth candidate, incumbent Trustee Robin Meier, is running unopposed for a 2-year term. She was not interviewed because she's running unopposed.

Cancelli, 44, a trustee since 2001, said Mundelein should have a government that's effective and efficient and has less bureaucracy. He said his experience on the village board, and previously as a member of the Mundelein Elementary District 75 board, give him "the tools to help foster positive change for our community."

Lentz, 46, is an options-trading software educator making his first bid for public office. He's volunteered locally and said investing in the community makes sense.

"Like so many others, my wife and I are raising our family in Mundelein, and we are committed to the betterment of our hometown," Lentz said. "I work locally and have the passion and energy to dive in and help make things happen."

Lentz said he has the time, energy and people skills to address the village's needs, such as street improvements and the diversification of businesses in town.

Nutschnig, 62, a board member since 1991, is the panel's senior member. His experience and financial expertise will be needed to keep the village running smoothly during the current economic crisis.

"Every village department's budget will have to be challenged and substantial cuts will have to be made to balance our village budget without harming the essential services for the community," Nutschnig said. "This will be my goal for this year and years to come."

Semple, 47, a trustee since 1995, said he's running again because he enjoys being involved in his hometown.

"I want to help Mundelein be a thriving community where my own kids and all others want to live as adults, own a business, shop, raise their families and retire," he explained.

Semple, who formerly served on the plan commission, said he's always based his decisions on the board on what he thought was best for the greatest number of Mundelein residents and for the long-term good of the community.

"I realized early on as a plan commission member that no matter what decision the village were to make some (people) will disagree," he said. "But hopefully the majority agrees that we are heading in the right direction."