Miller seeking re-election as East Dundee mayor

Lael Miller is proud of the list of accomplishments East Dundee has achieved in his first four years as village president.

The village of about 3,200 people has attracted dozens of businesses and created hundreds of jobs in the community, he said. The redevelopment of its core downtown area is well underway, and officials have improved their marketing strategies to showcase the village and bring more people downtown.

Despite the significant change East Dundee has undergone in a short amount of time, Miller says his list of goals has only grown since he first took office in 2013, causing him to seek a second term in office next April.

"We've taken some big steps. We've made a huge difference in the last (few) years, and I'd like to see that continue," he said. "What I really want to do is keep my foot on the pedal."

Miller said he first ran for village president after Wal-Mart announced it was closing its East Dundee store on Route 25. Knowing the loss of a big-box retailer would be a hit to the village's finances, he said, he wanted to proactively fill the potential hole in the budget by broadening East Dundee's tax base.

So far, Miller said his strategy has been working. As a result of recruiting diverse businesses to the area, the village has also been able to keep its property tax levy flat.

If re-elected, Miller said he wants to continue that momentum. The village, for example, is negotiating with developers interested in vacant properties such as the Wal-Mart site and the River Valley Square shopping center - projects he'd like to see through to the end. He wants to continue creating a shopping and dining experience for the visitors of downtown East Dundee.

Additionally, he said, the village has gotten a new fire station, repurposed a building for a new police station and has plans to redevelop the village hall.

"There have been a number of huge accomplishments," Miller said. "But there are a number of things I'd still like to see completed as well."