Robert Mitchell: 2025 candidate for Lincolnshire village board

Bio

Office sought: Lincolnshire village board

City: Lincolnshire

Age: 67

Occupation: Registered investment advisor

Previous offices held: Lincolnshire Village Trustee since 2021

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

Development of open land and existing vacant office buildings. The village board will need to continue to attract builders and developers to our village to continue to enhance the housing stock and businesses in the village. The comprehensive plan that we developed last year will serve as a guide to accomplish high-quality developments.

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?

The state of the village’s finances is very strong. We maintain a balanced budget, an large reserve for our operating budget and maintain one of the highest funding levels in the state for our employees pension plans.

Our strong financial position allows the village to continue to attract top-level employees, to maintain our streets and pathways, and provide social activities that the village has come to expect.

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?

The expansion and upgrading of our storm sewer system is a key multiyear project that we have begun. It is already budgeted for and moving ahead.

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 past four years on the village board have shown that I can work very well with the other trustees, mayor, and village staff to continue the excellent operations of the village. I believe in open communication, consensus buildings, and a collegial approach to setting village policies and managing the challenges that occur every year. I encourage open dialogue with all stakeholders and work to follow up on citizen’s concerns.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

My background in finance (30-plus years) and in running my own company (5 years) have given me the experience to work well with others and to provide oversight into the finances of the village.

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

I think we are already talking about the “good ideas” I have! The past four years on the board have allowed me to advance my ideas for maintaining the high-quality of life through careful development of properties and business, the continued maintenance of roads, pathways, utilities and parks, the expansion and upgrade of our storm sewer system, and our social activities such as our annual 4th of July celebration “Red, White, & Boom!,” Halloween Boo Bash, and more.