Gilberts candidates on engagement, development

The four candidates running for Gilberts village board generally agree on economic development, but have varying opinions about whether the village needs to get residents more engaged.

Incumbents Guy Zambetti and Nancy Farrell, and challengers Dan Pace and Jeanne Allen, are vying for three open seats in the April 4 election.

Allen, a 13-year-resident, said she wants to give back to the community. "I'm a decision-maker and I lead by example," she said.

Pace said he's lived in the village for 28 years. "I listen a lot," he said. "As an elected official, it doesn't really matter what my feelings are, but the feelings of people that elected me."

All the candidates said it's important to expand the village's nonresidential tax base.

Zambetti, elected in 2005, and Farrell, elected in 2009, said the village is having successes. They pointed to businesses such as Wesco, which in turn sparked plans for a new Shell gas station and the move of Dunkin' Donuts into a stand-alone building at Route 72 near Tyrrell Road.

They also touted the community festival Gilberts Days, which has grown over the years.

Gilberts will need to set aside tax revenues generated by new commercial and industrial developments for capital projects and equipment replacement, Allen said.

"Any kind of commercial tax base is good," but the village should never rush to OK new development, Pace said.

Zambetti said he wants to ensure the village keeps its small town feel by engaging in "responsible growth," which the others agreed with. Farrell said she'd like village staff members to reach out to businesses, listen to any concerns and report back to the board.

Pace said the village could benefit from more accountability and objects to no-bid contracts, but couldn't point to specifics. Allen said it's important to try to balance retail, commercial and industrial development.

The village needs to get residents more engaged in decision-making, Pace said. He suggested videotaping board meetings and holding a town-hall meeting before the budget is approved.

Allen and Farrell agreed, but said getting people to participate is easier said than done.

"People have lives, they are all busy and full of schedules," Allen said.

The board could consider the idea of a town hall, but even open houses about past referendums on the ballot didn't attract many people, Farrell said.

The village already informs people via its website, Facebook page and newsletter, Zambetti said.

"There are other things that maybe we could spend energy on, instead of communicating more," he said. "If people have a problem, they typically let you know."