Robert Margetts: 2025 candidate for Glen Ellyn village board
Bio
Office sought: Glen Ellyn village board (Vote for 3)
City: Glen Ellyn
Age: 61
Occupation: Business systems analyst
Previous offices held: Historic Preservation Commissioner, Glen House Food Pantry Board, Grace Lutheran Church Council (all current)
What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the village board respond to it?
A broad health safety issue that will affect us and our community, is the unfunded state mandate for lead pipe replacement. Every lead pipe residential and business needs to be replaced by 2042 as indicated on village website
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?
Based on the village’s “State of Village” presentation that I attended, all is well with the community finances and is backed up by a triple A bond rating. The lead pipe issue is the top priority. Again, this an unfunded mandate.
The replacement of lead pipes is a long-term project and should be top priority each and every year until completion. A review of future staff hires is needed to justify the pension liability that will be incurred. Currently, the police pension is underfunded.
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?
Based on the state mandate 1.) Lead pipe replacement. 2.) The “streetscape project” involving the train station and the pedestrian underpass along Crescent Blvd. This project has been in the works for many years and should be in its final phase in 2026. This project has a long-term effect on how our village looks.
The pedestrian underpass will give residents, commuters, and the disabled better and safer access to the downtown area.
Long-term bonds are an option to minimize the tax increases. Conversely the two projects that I am aware of that could possibly be delayed are the vacated U.S. Bank property and the requested new fire station from the fire department.
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.
Collaborative analysis. Gathering data, analyzing the data, and working together to consider the options. Listening and considering solutions that are outside of the box.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
As an analyst, I have critical listening skills. I know that when considering solutions, sometimes you must dig into the weeds to understand the process to make the best selection of the solutions provided.
What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
Home gardens that contribute to not only the homeowner, but also to the community. Excess fruits and vegetables could be donated to the local food pantries, veteran’s organizations, senior centers, etc. Essentially where ever there is need. Those with an entrepreneurial spirit could sell at the Glen Ellyn French Market.
Collaboration with the historical society could be done and used for a class on canning foods. No government taxes. The village could provide education and promotion to encourage participation. Neighbor helping neighbor, becoming more responsible for ourselves and others.