100 days on the job for Elburn's village president

Aug. 11 was Dave Anderson's 100th day in office as Elburn Village President. Anderson replaced Jim Willey, who stepped down after 12 years.

We spoke with Anderson on how life has been after a little more than three months on the job.

Q. What has been the highlight of your first 100 days in office?

A. "I guess the installation of the wayside horns in the village. ... I personally or the new board really had no part in that, but it is nice to see something come to fruition." The automated wayside horns, installed at both railroad crossings, will eliminate the need for trains to blow their horns at least a quarter-mile in advance of the crossings. The stationary wayside horns are designed to concentrate the horn sound on vehicles at the crossings, resulting in overall less noise for the town.

Q. What has been a disappointment?

A. "The budget. No money." Sales and income taxes, which together make up 25 percent of the village's revenues, are down due to the downturn in the economy. "I hope Walgreens, which is due to open in the next month or so, will help."

Q. What unexpected challenges or difficulties have you faced?

A. "I don't think there has been anything unexpected." Later in the interview, however, he talked about cutting back the building department, due to lack of work because of the economic slowdown. "The toughest thing was having to do away with the building department. ... It was hard to tell people their position is being eliminated," he said. Anderson noted, however, that they were able to transfer some people into vacancies in the public works department.

Q. How many hours a day are you working now compared to your pre-presidential days? Or, are you finding it more difficult to find enough hours in the day to get things accomplished?

A. Anderson said he committed, for the first year, to being in his office at village hall at 8 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday - and also that he would take Thursdays off. "I kind of hang around until I've gone through the mail and met with any appointments. I'm usually out of here between 10 and 11 a.m."

Q. Have you considered (or implemented) any methods to help streamline government or the governmental process?

A. "Nothing major. The attitude issue ... there have been some changes made and people seem to be more comfortable, in and out of the office." During his campaign, Anderson called for elected officials and village workers to be more positive.

Q. Now that you're president, are you finding more people approach or call you with their concerns?

A. "Not really. Because I'm me. I've always been accessible." (Anderson served on the Kaneland school board, the Elburn village board and as Blackberry Township supervisor). "I welcome comments and concerns and ideas. I haven't changed."

Q. Do you regret any of your actions so far?

A. "No. I've been upfront. What you see is what you get. I'm a firm believer that all knowledge comes through error."