Andrew Herrmann: 2025 candidate for Libertyville village board

Bio

Office sought: Libertyville village board (Vote for 3)

City: Libertyville

Age: 54

Occupation: Real estate broker

Previous offices held: Current Economic Commissioner for Libertyville

What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the village board respond to it?

One of the most serious issues Libertyville will face in the coming years is balancing growth and development while preserving our town’s unique character and quality of life. As more people are drawn to our vibrant community, excellent schools, and ideal location, the demand for housing, commercial spaces, and infrastructure will rise.

To address this, the village board must pursue thoughtful growth that enhances our community without compromising its charm. This means listening to residents and local businesses to understand their needs and concerns. It involves smart zoning and planning to ensure new developments align with Libertyville’s character.

Additionally, preserving our green spaces and prioritizing environmental sustainability will help maintain the high quality of life we cherish. By approaching growth thoughtfully, we can keep Libertyville the vibrant, welcoming community that makes it the capital of Lake County.

As village trustee, I’m committed to ensuring Libertyville grows responsibly, preserving our past while embracing our future.

How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?

Libertyville’s finances are stable due to responsible fiscal management and a strong local economy. Strategic budgeting is essential to maintaining this stability as our community grows.

Top spending priorities include:

• Infrastructure Upgrades: Maintain roads, public facilities, and utilities to support growth and daily life.

• Public Safety: Invest in police, fire, and emergency services for community safety.

• Economic Development: Support local businesses and attract new ones to strengthen our economy.

• Parks and Recreation: Enhance green spaces and amenities to maintain our quality of life.

To ensure fiscal responsibility, we must regularly review budgets to identify outdated expenses and reallocate resources to priority initiatives.

As village trustee, I am committed to maintaining Libertyville’s financial health through responsible budgeting and strategic investments, supporting thoughtful growth while preserving our community’s charm and prosperity

What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

Libertyville must address the most critical infrastructure project: upgrading and maintaining our roadways, utilities, and storm management.

As our community grows, reliable transportation and public services are essential for residents and businesses. Well-maintained infrastructure supports thoughtful growth, attracting new families and enterprises while preserving our town’s charm.

To fund these upgrades, we should use a balanced approach, combining local tax revenues, state and federal grants, and public-private partnerships. Prioritizing projects based on urgency and long-term impact ensures efficient use of funds without overburdening taxpayers.

Meanwhile, nonessential projects, such as cosmetic enhancements to public buildings or parks, can be put on hold during uncertain economic times. While these improvements add community appeal, they don’t provide the same immediate value as critical infrastructure updates.

As village trustee, I'm committed to investing in projects that directly impact residents’ quality of life and safety while maintaining fiscal responsibility. This balanced approach will help Libertyville grow responsibly and sustainably.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board.

My experience on the Libertyville Economic Commission and in real estate has given me valuable practice working in group settings to reach agreements among diverse stakeholders. Whether developing economic strategies or negotiating contracts, I prioritize collaborative problem-solving and active listening to understand all perspectives before making decisions.

My policy discussion style fosters open communication and respectful debate, ensuring all voices are heard. I work to build consensus by finding common ground while staying focused on the community’s best interests.

I also take a fact-based approach, using data and research to guide decisions. This keeps discussions focused on actionable solutions and ensures practical and effective decisions.

This collaborative and informed approach will be practical on the village board because it builds trust, encourages transparent decision-making, and leads to balanced policies that reflect the community’s needs.

As village trustee, I will create an environment where productive discussions lead to meaningful actions that benefit Libertyville.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I am the best candidate for village trustee because of my deep Libertyville roots, commitment to our community, and understanding of the importance of building strong relationships. As a lifelong resident and active local activity participant, I understand our community's values and needs.

My service on the Libertyville Economic Commission has given me valuable experience in fostering economic growth while maintaining the town's unique character. With over 25 years of real estate experience, I bring strong negotiation, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills. I am committed to thoughtful growth that balances development with preserving Libertyville's charm.

I value collaborative relationships, whether with residents, local businesses, or fellow officials. I ensure that decisions reflect the community's best interests by listening and building trust. I am dedicated to maintaining Libertyville's high quality of life while supporting responsible growth and economic vitality.

As a village trustee, I will leverage my relationships, leadership, and vision to help Libertyville thrive while preserving its legacy as Lake County's capital.

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

One idea to better the community no one is talking about is creating a quarterly networking forum for Business Excellence Award winners. As the person who had the idea for the Business Excellence Awards, I see untapped potential in bringing these successful businesses together to discuss market trends, share marketing ideas, and collaborate on labor challenges.

These top local businesses could exchange best practices, adapt to market changes, and innovate together by meeting quarterly. Themes like marketing innovation, workforce development, and economic adaptability guide discussions, fostering collaboration and driving growth. Workshops and brainstorming sessions would encourage new partnerships and solutions.

This forum would also strengthen connections between business owners, local government, and residents, building a more resilient and supportive community. By empowering Libertyville’s best businesses to collaborate, we can help them stay competitive while enhancing the community’s economic vitality.