Shane Hamilton: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Shane Hamilton

City: South Elgin

Office sought: Village Trustee

Age: 41

Family: Married for 16 years and have a beautiful 13-year-old son

Occupation: Government - Carol Stream Park District

Education: Bachelor's Degree from Illinois State University

Civic involvement: Serve as a Fire Commissioner for the South Elgin & Countryside Fire Protection District currently. I was unable to serve in any capacity at the local level due to the fact that I worked for the Village of South Elgin for the previous 19 years.

Previous elected offices held: None

Website:

Facebook: Shane Hamilton - Village Trustee

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Issue questions

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

In my opinion, infrastructure, development (in particular river front development), and continuing to repair and replace the Village's park system are crucial. South Elgin has been aggressive with their road replacement program in the past but there are areas of town slipping through the cracks. Believe me, I understand the argument about getting the most bang for the buck with mobilization costs, maximizing potential through geographic locations being bundled together, etc. but there is no reason why a road in Thornwood should be done prior to some of the worst streets in the Village such as West Middle Street. The process needs to be looked and some common sense should play into the equation.

The downtown master plan calls for retail spaces, not only senior housing. That particular age demographic isn't going to support a coffee shop or bar & grill; we need to be attracting various age groups to promote retail spaces so our residents have a reason to go downtown. As much as I love Wee-Dees, that can't be the economic driver in the area.

Having worked for the Village of South Elgin in the Parks & Recreation Department for over 19 years we did a tremendous job of promoting parks, programs and open space within the Village. We have provided great recreational opportunities of all shapes and sizes in South Elgin but those parks and open spaces must be maintained, repaired and replaced in order to raise property values and continue adding an extremely high quality of life for our residents. We can continue to build on our parks by adding trail links from new development to downtown, from parks to downtown and inter-Village links to assist our residents. Trails can be a great way to drive economics downtown but we have to give them a reason to go downtown. Right now we lack that vision!

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I have lived in South Elgin literally my entire life and worked in local government for 19+ years in South Elgin. Working for the Village of South Elgin in one capacity or another I truly believe I see things from a different angle. The consensus around the Village when you talk to residents who have been here for years is that the town is changing but not for the best. We have taken the hometown feel away from South Elgin and are attempting to make it St. Charles, Batavia or Geneva. This isn't meant as a knock to any of those great river communities but South Elgin is just simply different with a different demographic and, altogether, a different DNA. Residents don't all think the changes are positive. When you are in trenches working under the Village Board, as an employee, you see certain things and say to yourself, "if I was in charge I would have done it this way or that way and here is why." I truly just have a different perspective. I want to bring some fresh eyes and fresh ideas to the Board.

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.

I have lead people in my career for years. When it comes to leadership you are either born with leadership qualities or not - period! Some people aren't meant to lead and that is OK as we need all kinds of people in this world. However, not all leaders care, and not all leaders are doing the "right" things for the right reason in South Elgin. Leaders should not be self serving and be involved for a particular neighborhood or specific demographic. I am simply a hometown kid that wants to help. I hate politics and I don't care about power; I just want to put my head down and go to work for the residents of South Elgin!!!! I have a great working knowledge of the Village and how it operates, both internally and externally due to my time employed there so that will make the transition easier than for most.

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?

In my time working for South Elgin I was heavily involved with preparing the Fiscal year budget for the Parks & Recreation Department. I was also at all budget meetings with the Village Board. In the past the budget has been conservative ... until recently. That isn't meant as a dig to anyone in particular as infrastructure improvements have dictated an increase in funding needs. Additionally, the Parks & Recreation Department created a detailed Parks Repair/Replacement Plan the Village Staff is working diligently to adhere to which is putting increased pressure on the budget as there is no direct funding source for playground replacement. The Village is currently trying to pass a half percent sales tax increase to assist with road improvements and continue to be creative with playground funding.

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

Building SEBA Park Phase II downtown South Elgin would make an immediate impact on the quality of life for individuals with special needs. My son is affected by Autism and SEBA Park is a space that encourages people of all abilities to visit, play and enjoy what South Elgin has to offer. SEBA Park is also an economic driver with economic impact. The existing playground gets tons of foot traffic, buses from various schools and is a destination in the Fox Valley. The power of play is special and I intend to continue to push the power of Parks & Recreation and the importance of it for a community! South Elgin continues to have one of the best park systems in the Fox Valley and offers a wide array of programs for every age demographic.