Magnussen to seek fourth term as Hampshire village president

Hoping to continue efforts to expand Hampshire economically, Village President Jeff Magnussen plans to seek re-election next April.

If elected, Magnussen would serve his fourth consecutive term - and likely his last. Though he considers himself lucky to have been chosen to lead the village time and time again, he said, 16 years in Hampshire's top seat would be "long enough."

Under his leadership, Magnussen said, the village has taken several steps forward in terms of economic growth. Most recently, Hampshire secured a project to build a Love's Travel Stop at the southwest corner of Interstate 90 and Route 20. That travel center, which includes a gas station, a convenience store and fast-casual restaurants, is expected to bring more development to that area, Magnussen said.

Additionally, the village has created a business development commission to strengthen its relationship with existing businesses and form new partnerships. The goal, Magnussen said, is to have a specific group focused on recruiting and retaining businesses within the village, which has a population of roughly 5,700.

Moving forward, Magnussen would like to continue expanding the truck stop region in the northern part of the village. He is pushing for the construction of a new interchange at I-90 and Brier Hill Road, which could bring more development to that area, he said.

Hampshire's downtown district also needs more attention, Magnussen said, as several small businesses have closed in recent years, and buildings have remained vacant.

"That's our other prime corridor in the village," he said. "I want to help our small businesses and see if we can preserve (that area) as well."