Two Hoffman park commissioners will run for village board

Two Hoffman Estates Park District board members have announced they will run for village trustee in the spring 2011 election.

Craig Bernacki and Scott Triphahn said Friday they want to help make Hoffman Estates a top-notch village in the same way the park district has evolved since they've served as commissioners.

Both mentioned the park district's achievement as Gold Medal Award winners over the last two years. The award recognizes the best park districts in the country.

"I want to move forward, I think with two new members, some new ideas could be pushed forward," Bernacki said. "I believe in Hoffman Estates."

Bernacki, 51, is a chiropractor and served the park board since 2000.

There are three trustee spots up for election in Hoffman Estates. Trustee Cary Collins has said he won't seek re-election.

Seats held by Trustees Gary Pilafas and Anna Newell are also up for election.

Triphahn, 53, has been on the park board for 13 years and served on various village commissions including economic development. In his private life, he is CEO of W-T Engineering.

"I thought with the way the world's going economically, I could help on the village level," Triphahn said.

Though Bernacki and Triphahn have worked together through the years, only Triphahn will have the support of Mayor William McLeod. McLeod pointed to Triphahn's business experience, which he said would be valuable once the economy rebounds.

"I look forward to campaigning for him and getting him elected," McLeod said.

McLeod's slate also includes Pilafas and Newell. McLeod anointed Pilafas as deputy mayor earlier this year when Collins resigned from the post.

McLeod ran unopposed in 2009 on a slate with trustees Jackie Green, Raymond Kincaid and Karen Mills. His seat is not up for election until 2013.

McLeod said the fact that there are more candidates than seats available will make the 2011 election exciting.

Triphahn said the fixing the Sears Centre Arena, which the village took ownership last year, should be a priority, that if "we make the Sears Centre powerful, we make the village powerful." Bernacki said the village should offer residents tickets to the arena's events before the general public. The perk would be welcome "if we're going to pay for it."

The two both agreed the Hoffman Estates' reputation needs a facelift. Bernacki said new blood on the board would help because residents can't expect a new direction with the same people serving on the board.

The outspoken Collins is a former park district commissioner and friends with both Bernacki and Triphahn.

Also an ally of McLeod, Collins nevertheless has said the current direction of the board has made him grow tired of politics.

He said he'd prefer to concentrate on being appointed or elected a judge.