Bill Johnston: Candidate profile

Bio

City: Lombard

Website: www.reelectjohnston.com

Office sought: Re-election as Lombard Village Board District 4

Incumbent? Yes, since 2015

Age: 65

Family: Married for 34 years to Patricia Argentati, 3 children.

Occupation: Retired; Previously management, marketing, and sales in a $250 million dollar printing company.

Education: Florissant Valley Community College; University of Houston (3 years); Multiple first aid, health and safety classes and seminars for coaches; NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching.

Civic involvement: Lombard Park District Volunteer for 13 years; Coached 41 Lombard Park District soccer teams; Recipient of the Lombard Park District "Character Counts Award"; Sacred Heart Church Parish Council President for 10 years; Raised $1.7 Million in pledges and served on the Building/Design Committee for Sacred Heart school campus improvements; German Fest Committee Chairman 20 years; Montini High School pole vaulting coach 16 years

Other elected offices held: 1985 Vice President of the Carol Stream Youth Soccer Association.

Issue questions

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I have been an active member of the Lombard community, both with the Village and with various entities within the Village, for 35 years, particularly with the Park District and with local community groups. For the past 4 years, I have worked as the District 4 Trustee. I am anxious to ensure that Lombard continues to be a great place for the current and future generations of citizens.

Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing actions and decisions with your village board.

I am proud of my communication skills and of my ability to listen to all points of view. I do not have any preset alliances or agenda, I am extremely proud of my honesty and integrity.

How would you describe the condition of your community's budget, and what are the most important specific actions the town should take to assure providing the level of services people want?

The Village's budget is balanced. However, there are always projects in need of funding, in which I will be proud to take part. I hope to continue with the Village's efforts to avoid waste and to look for State and federal assistance, as well as private partnerships, such as was used for the development and construction of the downtown pedestrian underpass

What are the most important issues facing your community and how do you intend to address them?

One key concern is flooding and stormwater management. The Village needs to allocate additional resources and funds to explore solutions to these problems. As well, economic development of the Village of Lombard is a priority, which would include continued development of the downtown area using, incentives, grants and TIFF.

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

Improved parking and traffic/pedestrian flow in the downtown area. With the pedestrian underpass and improved commuter experience, Lombard will fast be a premier station on the Metra west line. Making sure those commuters can park easily and safely access the train platforms is a key element of downtown's continued improvement. The increased pedestrian traffic can also help to further drive downtown development and business growth, especially along the East St. Charles Road corridor.