H. William (Bill) Schmidt: Candidate profile
Bio
Name: H. William (Bill) Schmidt
City: Village of Glendale Heights
Office sought: Village Trustee, District 1
Age: 76
Family: Married for 50 years, Two sons, Three Grandchildren
Occupation: Finally retired
Education: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, 1965, Post-Graduate courses
Civic involvement: Coach, Glenside Baseball, Past Vice-President, Glenbard East Umbrella Boosters, Past President, GE Wrestling Boosters, Past Treasurer, GE Football Boosters, Graduate, Village of Glendale Heights Police Department Citizens' Police Academy, Sworn Member, VoGH Emergency Services and Disaster Agency, Member, VoGH and Milton Township Community Emergency Response Teams, Election Judge, Technical Election Judge, and Vice-Chairman, VoGH Citizens' Corps Council. Trained Weather Spotter.
Previous elected offices held: Marquardt District 15, School Board (Board Member and Vice-President, Recognized Master School Board Member)
Incumbent: If yes, when were first elected? 2011
Website:
Facebook: Bill Schmidt - VoGH District 1 Trustee
Twitter:
Issue questions
What are the most important issues facing your community and how do you intend to address them?
Money, both sources and spending. Residents have come to expect a certain level of service and it is the Board's duty to get the greatest bang for its buck. Pensions for municipal retirees need to be fully funded. Both Washington and Springfield have reduced the kinds and amounts of funding for the municipalities and it is up to the Board to make sure the available funds are spent wisely and effectively.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
Experience and the ability and willingness to learn. Prior to my eight years as a Village Trustee, I served as a School Board Member for 13 years, owned my own business, and worked for a variety of companies, large and small. I was registered with the Illinois High School Association as a wrestling referee for 17 years. With my engineering education and experience, I know the importance of analyzing situations and considering different solutions.
Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing actions and decisions with your village board or city council.
My leadership style is to collaborate and work as a member of a team where each member brings their own strengths, experience, and views to solve problems. I do not micromanage but I do respect the opinions of those team members who have greater knowledge and experience than I do.
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 budget is balanced. The Village has financial reserves slightly in excess of recommended auditors guidelines. It is anticipated that the development of the North Avenue Corridor will strength it further. However, economic crises, business downturns, or extraordinary weather events can derail even the most carefully crafted financial plans. It is function of the Village Board to react if the situation changes.
What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
The Village currently sponsors the Citizens Police Academy to give residents insight into the functioning of the Police Department. I will propose a Citizens Services Academy to give residents an insight into the functioning of other Village Departments, such as Public Works, Parks, Recreation and Facilities, and Community Development, so that they have a better understanding of these departments function and how their tax money is utilized.