Rodney S. Craig: 2025 candidate for Hanover Park village president

Bio

Office sought: Hanover Park village president

City: Hanover Park

Age: 76

Occupation: Retired

Previous offices held: Hanover Park Fire Trustee and President; Hanover Park Village Trustee (2001-07) and Village President since 2007.

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? Also, what makes you the best candidate for the position?

Running for mayor, I continue my passion serving the residents and the business community of our hometown. I'm motivated to continue to work to keep our taxes manageable and off the backs of our residents. I am proud that for nine years we have presented a zero increase in our tax levy.

Quality policing and fully certified men and women has contributed to our lowest crime rate in the history of our fine town.

Our exceptional fire and EMS team of men and women are responsive supporting the health of those who require their training and skills.

I believe I’m the best candidate with the experience of working with federal, state, county and local elected officials to continue to make Hanover Park the best place to work and raise a family.

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

I believe the state’s ongoing failure to restore our fair share of the income tax revenue is an ongoing concern. The most pressing issue facing Hanover Park is the funding to restore our infrastructure, water mains, and street restorations. We will continue to work with our state and federal legislators as we find ways to set aside dollars for projects that are needed.

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?

Again Hanover Park has presented a balanced budget. Our goal to continually reduce the tax rate, as we work to increase our equalized assessed valuation. Lower tax rates open opportunities for new development. We are excited to announce the John Park Development of 80 new town homes in 2025.

What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you 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?

As Hanover Park is aging, replacing our water mains as many have reached or exceeded their life expectancy is our most important project for the foreseeable future. The state and federal government offer grants and low-interest loans for us to pursue.

Hanover Park has a history of saving for large projects, having just completed our $9.3 million fire station paying cash and saving millions in bond and interest fees. We will be needing to replace the village hall and expand our public works department. Planning is our goal for the coming year. Our staff continues to work “Project Ready” plans to assure we are prepared to meet community demands.

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

My leadership is based on collaboration decision making and also assuring each board member is heard and is given the opportunity to articulate their position. Working with other communities as past president of DuPage Mayors & Managers, current president of Northwest Municipal Conference, Metra Board member, director of Illinois Municipal League, vice president of DuComm, and a regular visitor to the classroom reading to our children. All give me the opportunity to interact with leaders.

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

Growth of our Education initiative via the Education and WorkNet Center (EWC) to enable our residents discover higher education. Thereby enabling them to earn a living in a job as head-of-house for their family.

Having worked collaboratively with Elgin Community College, Harper College, state Rep. Fred Crespo creating a Welcoming Center is highly motivating for the area in the EWC.