Michael W. Hardiman: 2025 candidate for Des Plaines City Council Ward 5

Bio

Office sought: Des Plaines City Council Ward 5

City: Des Plaines

Age: 63

Occupation: Retired electrician

Previous offices held: Electrical commission

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

Post-COVID-19 mental health issues. Access to therapy. Cyber crime.

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?

Favorable. Work on Teska and ass. on blueprint for new downtown development. They always need to be watched. Fortunately, the revenue from casino has allowed the city to reinvest in future projects. Working with council and community together gets that done.

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?

Lead water pipe replacement. I believe it’s started. Pay as you go on all projects. I would rely on public works and city engineering. They have the most knowledge.

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 city council.

My experience comes construction job meetings. Depending on the job, location, safety, job difficulty. I will use those skills in community and council.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I Love the City of Destiny. The best years of my life are here. I’m the son of a former alderman; my mother worked for the city. I have an understanding of how it works. I’m retired and have time for the job. I will use all my past experience to be the best alderman I can be.

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

I would like see a farmers market/crafts on Sunday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. downtown. I would like the community input for location. I also would like to plan for next year. I would like to see a couple adults and youths help set up and take down. It would be inclusive. It gives everyone a chance to be involved.