Gilberts village president hopefuls offer contrast on development

The candidates for Gilberts village president have different views on development.

One is saying he's basically "been there, done that" and can do it again.

The other insists he's trying hard but needs more time to make things happen in a down economy.

Incumbent Tom Wajda is seeking another four-year term in the April 7 election, facing a challenge from Rick Zirk, who served the same role in South Elgin from 1997 to 2001.

Zirk, who was in office when Randall Road development mushroomed in South Elgin, says he's heard from developers that Gilberts is difficult to work with.

He believes the village needs to offer incentives to attract new businesses and others will follow.

"People argue that you can't make a market, but you can certainly kill one," he said.

More commercial development will reduce the tax burden on homeowners, who are paying more taxes - in Zirk's opinion - for a lower level of services than other communities.

Wajda says village leaders are working hard, but the struggling economy has made it tough to entice any businesses to come to town now.

"It's just a very difficult time right now. We're doing everything we can except give (prime land) away, and I don't want to do that," he said.

Wajda says the village is waiting for the right development, such as Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy or florist instead of a self-storage facility.

He also minimized Zirk's role in development in South Elgin.

"South Elgin was on Randall Road," Wajda said. "As long as you were there, you're going to take advantage of the situation."

Zirk said the development in South Elgin didn't happen by mistake.

Village leaders gave incentives to a few businesses early on, he said. After they developed and provided a draw for other stores, the village was able to pick and choose what to allow next.

"We need to get the ball rolling so we can be selective," Zirk said. "You've got to know when to seed the process and when to cultivate the process."