Timothy W. Morgan Sr.: 2021 candidate for Campton Hills village trustee

In the April 6 consolidated election, five candidates are vying for three, 4-year terms on the Campton Hills Village Board. The candidates are incumbents James McKelvie and Michael D. Millette, and newcomers Timothy W. Morgan Sr., Ed Muncie, and Kimberly Weiss

The Daily Herald asked the candidates several questions about issues facing the village.

Below are Morgan's responses.

In-person early voting begins March 10 only at the Kane County Clerk's Office, 719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. B, in Geneva and the Aurora satellite office, 5 E. Downer Place, Suite F. In-person early voting at locations throughout the county begins March 22. Learn more at www.kanecountyclerk.org/Elections.

Bio

Town: Campton Hills

Age: 59

Occupation: Chief operating officer at Spanesi Americas, Inc.

Civic involvement: Kane County Adopt-A-Highway for Corron Road, financial support for Police Dog Koda, private community supporter of local schools and police, $30,000 donation for Waubonsee Community College equipment, supporter of End a Child's Hunger and Wasco Fastpitch

Q&A

Q: How do you view your role in confronting the pandemic: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents - even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state and federal authorities?

A: I run a corporation that has been deemed essential by the federal government since we are a crucial part of the transportation system with exposure in North and South America's Divisions for an Italian company based in over 100 countries. It was a concern from the beginning in January because I had information from our China office.

So what direction to follow? I informed my employees early on of the situation coming. Italy was another hard-hit region in advance of COVID hitting the United States. I prepared my staff, our associates, and customers to prepare. I moved potential "risk" employees to "home offices," consulted with all employees of their concerns, and offered work-at-home alternatives for the positions that could be off site. Informing my staff of exposure risks and trying to build a "bubble" to cover employees and their families without the risk of exposure. Company paid for catering in lunches for four months to stop the risk of exposure in a drive-through or traffic, shortened work hours to not be exposed to high-traffic times.

We built the "bubble" at work that the employees took home and added to the bubble and followed protocol from work to home to protect our larger circle. I believe my employees were dedicated to follow direction of what we all agreed to protect our employees, and families at the same time. Total result, 125 employees and direct associates and one case of COVID. At the end of the day, it should be up to the individual to pick their path, not a mandate. But I think this has helped people realize personal space, and the area it represents.

Q: Did your town continue to adequately serve its constituents during the disruptions caused by the pandemic? If so, please cite an example of how it successfully adjusted to providing services. If not, please cite a specific example of what could have been done better.

A: I have not heard one thing from the village trustees since moving to Campton Hills, let alone in a pandemic. I have to give a "shout out" to Police Chief Steven Millar for his leadership. He is the only voice that is heard. His community policing efforts checking in on people. The chief has a network of people that supply gift cards, gift certificates, and serve other needs. And I am proud to quietly be one of those supporters.

Q: In light of our experiences with COVID-19, what safeguards/guidelines should you put in place to address any future public health crises?

A: First problem is varied opinions of what is safe. Even the scientists, doctors, and experts can't agree! The vaccine will help those who feel it necessary, others will use a homeopathic method or their own ideals. Let's not forget, the United States is home of the Free and Brave!

Lockdowns and restrictions have done more harm in my opinion than they have saved lives! More domestic abuse, more drug use, more alcohol abuse, depression, and other dysfunctional activities happening. I have not seen my own mother in the nursing home to hold her hand but once in 12 months! Heartbreaking.

Q: What cuts can local government make to reduce the burden of the pandemic on taxpayers?

A: Cuts? Most municipalities right now including school systems are at a surplus. Our own community in a finance meeting announced an $800,000 surplus at the end of the fiscal year, which is April. And what was discussed in that meeting, how to spend it! Six hundred thousand was COVID-related money not used, but let's remodel village hall.

Don't get me wrong, some things need to be done there, but sometimes save money for the rainy day. We do need to invest in separation between police department and the village office after the new IL3653 Bill signed into law by our governor gave more rights to criminals than it did to victims and the police. We need it in Campton Hills and not wait five years until it is mandated, but protect our officers today not in five years to meet the minimum.

Q: 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 infrastructure project can be put on the back burner?

A: Projects in the community of Campton Hills? As a trustee if appointed I will listen to what everyone wants. Be the voice for everyone. You are elected to represent, not dictate. And especially not your own agenda.

Q: Do you plan to address businesses that don't adhere to the governor's order to close or restrict business?

A: All businesses are essential! Employees and their families need what the business brings! No government has the right to restrict business operations, or deem essential and nonessential! It's like saying your lives don't matter. As a business operator, I drive through Campton Hills and surrounding communities counting the empty buildings. It's terrible! Who needs office space now? We need to reinvent office space to a purpose as most office people are now remote.

Q: Do you agree or disagree with the stance your board has taken on permitting recreational marijuana sales in the community? What would you change about that stance, if you could?

A: Never say no! Maybe not now. We are too small of a community to have that inside and St. Charles and surrounding areas can handle the demand. Near my factory in Naperville is a facility. To me it seems like a nuisance at this time, traffic, and congregation of people. But does everyone realize, even if there is not a cannabis site in Campton Hills income still comes in through joined tax income? So what no one ever told you, Campton Hills receives money from cannabis whether they inform you or not. The numbers show it.

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

A: 1. My salary, $2,500 a year for the trustee position, will go into a fund whether the village does it, or have to be done personally to help the people in need. Chief Steven MIllar's Community Policing Project: I will personally match that $2,500. and hope the community will continue the project of helping the community.

2. Campton Hills is the largest equestrian community in Chicagoland. Yet certain areas are blocked from horse travel! Why, even some community land from Campton Township ownership within Campton Hills. The deed of my house declares I must maintain a bridle path. If I have to, everyone should. We must allow our animals to flourish in our community. Currently counting chickens and animals, including dogs, is a hot topic.