James J. Bertucci: 2025 candidate for Arlington Heights village board

Bio

Office sought: Arlington Heights village board (Vote for 4)

City: Arlington Heights

Age: 65

Occupation: James J. Bertucci, CFP®, RICP®, ChFC® Financial Advisor

Previous offices held: Past Board President Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, Past Board President Arlington Heights Board of Library Trustees, Past Board President of Arlington Heights Rotary Club, Past Board President Arlington Heights Crime Stoppers, Past Board Vice President Arlington Heights Historical Society, Past Board Vice President of Performing Arts Metropolis

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 significant challenges Arlington Heights will face in the coming years is achieving a clearer picture of the development of the old Arlington Park property. This project has the potential to greatly impact our community in terms of economic growth, infrastructure demands, and overall quality of life. Addressing it will require collaboration, strategic decision-making, and proactive planning from the Village Board, staff, and stakeholders.

To ensure a positive outcome, I would advocate for ongoing discussions with the property’s current owner, emphasizing the need for comprehensive studies on the development’s fiscal, environmental, and traffic impacts. We must also engage residents and local businesses to gather input and ensure their concerns are addressed. Additionally, strong partnerships with state and regional governments and agencies will be essential for securing necessary resources and infrastructure improvements. By taking a data-driven and community-focused approach, we can make informed decisions that support long-term sustainability and maintain Arlington Heights as a desirable place to live, work, and thrive.

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?

Arlington Heights maintains a strong and stable financial position. Essential services (such as public safety, utilities and infrastructure), in addition to services that are responsive to the needs of the residents and businesses, are provided while ensuring responsible fiscal management. Over the next few years, top spending priorities should focus on:

Public Safety Investments — Keeping Arlington Heights a safe community remains a top priority. Continued investment in our police and fire departments, along with proactive safety initiatives, will help maintain the high level of security our residents expect.

Water Main and Lead Line Replacements — Upgrading aging water mains and replacing lead service lines is critical to maintaining a safe and reliable water supply. Investing in these improvements will ensure the long-term health and well-being of our residents.

While these essential projects take precedence, nonessential services can still be provided, but some may need to be delayed or cut after prioritizing services to meet our budget. However, we can and will maintain the exceptional quality of life our residents enjoy while remaining fiscally responsible.

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?

One of the most important infrastructure challenges Arlington Heights faces is the future of the Arlington Park property. If the Chicago Bears proceed with development, we must carefully evaluate its impact. I will not support any plan that does not provide a clear return on tax dollars invested in infrastructure and services.

We will consider TIF (Tax Increment Financing) as a funding tool, but no incentives will be offered until we determine the true benefits for residents and businesses. Pros of the project include economic growth, increased tourism, and a stronger community identity. Cons include traffic congestion, financial risk, and potential neighborhood changes.

Thorough studies on fiscal and traffic impacts must guide our decisions. Collaboration with the village board, staff, and residents is essential to ensure responsible development that aligns with our long-term vision while maintaining Arlington Heights’ quality of life.

What economic incentives, if any, should Arlington Heights be willing to offer the Chicago Bears to attract the team's stadium project to Arlington Park? Please explain your reasoning.

At this stage, it is premature to determine what, if any, economic incentives Arlington Heights should offer the Bears for a stadium project. A thorough evaluation of research studies is necessary to understand things like the fiscal impact (property tax revenue, infrastructure costs, etc.) and the traffic impact (locally and regionally).

TIF (Tax Increment Financing) is an optional tool, but no incentives will be offered until we have a clear understanding of the long-term benefits for residents and businesses. Our priority is ensuring any investment provides a strong return and does not place undue financial burden on taxpayers.

By conducting a comprehensive analysis, we can make an informed decision that balances economic growth with fiscal responsibility. Arlington Heights must remain strategic, ensuring that any agreement enhances our community while protecting public funds.

If the Bears succeed in developing a new stadium in Chicago instead of Arlington Heights, what type of development would you want to see on the Arlington Park property? How would you see that benefiting the community?

If the Bears choose to develop their stadium in Chicago, The Arlington Park property remains a prime location for a multipurpose development that maximizes its regional value, just as Arlington Park did for decades.

With excellent transportation access, including a dedicated train stop, the site is ideal for a mixed-use development featuring residential, retail, dining, entertainment, and green spaces. A well-planned project could attract businesses, create jobs, and generate tax revenue while enhancing quality of life for residents.

By prioritizing smart growth, we can ensure this property serves as a long-term economic and community asset, maintaining Arlington Heights as a vibrant and desirable place to live, work, and visit.

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.

In my experience working in group settings to determine policy, I prioritize open communication, collaboration, and active listening. I believe it's crucial that all voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process. By fostering a respectful environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas, we can work together to craft policies that reflect the diverse needs of the community.

My style is inclusive and solution-oriented, always focused on finding common ground to reach consensus. I’m committed to thoroughly understanding the perspectives of my colleagues, residents, and stakeholders to make well-informed decisions.

This approach will be effective in the village board producing actionable outcomes and sound decisions. By encouraging collaboration and focusing on shared goals, we can ensure that our policies are practical, forward-thinking, and ultimately beneficial for the community.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

With 37 years as a Financial Advisor and 35 years of hands-on involvement and leadership positions on other Arlington Heights boards. I bring a well-rounded perspective. I don’t just sit behind a desk — I’m boots on the ground every day, engaging directly with residents and businesses.

My key priorities are sound fiscal policies and public safety. I have years of experience in both of these areas.

By combining my financial expertise, community experience, and a proactive approach, I will work with the village board to make thoughtful, effective decisions that strengthen our community for the long term

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

In light of the concern for public safety, we need to better understand, educate and prepare for the risks of fire and explosions from alternative forms of energy. We now know that fires and explosions from battery charging of electric vehicles can seriously damage building infrastructure. Do we need to limit how many charging stations we allow in public and private parking garages to keep buildings and residents safe? Do we need to require buildings be reinforced to handle such an explosion? Then there is Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tanks and the fires and explosions they have created around the country, including in Arlington Heights. Certainly educating the public about these risks and preventing these risks would help to make the community a safer place to live.