Ruben Pineda: 2025 candidate for West Chicago mayor

Bio

Office sought: West Chicago mayor

City: West Chicago

Age: 65

Occupation: Sales engineer

Previous offices held: Alderman 3rd Ward, West Chicago

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?

I have a passion for this job. I’ve dedicated 50 years of my life to this community. I’ve had 14 years as an alderman and 13 years as mayor.

I feel the city has and will continue to move in a very positive direction with the councils we’ve had and have to present day. I want to leave this community better than when I came here, and that was 64 years ago.

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

The redevelopment of the downtown. We have responded to it by planning and including it in our comprehensive and strategic plans. We have funding available to continue this effort.

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?

We are very healthy at this time. We have planned to work on and commit to improving our industrial streets which have been neglected.

Working on cleaning up the former scrapyard for future downtown development.

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?

The lead pipe removal project. We are working to receive forgivable loans from the Illinois EPA to expedite the project by 10 years.

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

I have always had an open-door policy. I’m very accessible, not only to the city council and staff, but also to all the residents of the community.

Together we have been able to accomplish many things, that has put West Chicago out front as a leader, with initiatives and programs across the county, state and the country.

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

To improve the Roosevelt Road corridor to attract more businesses. To improve and beautify the stretch of Roosevelt Road that runs through West Chicago.