Hayes’ dedication still burns, as always
Earlier this week I asked Tom Hayes if I could see his copy of the 2013-14 budget for the Village of Arlington Heights. This is a 500-plus page document that details our village’s proposed $145 million operating budget.
As I expected, Tom’s version was heavily highlighted, had numerous Post-its, and many questions and comments were written in the margins. After 22 years of service to our village, he still takes his job very seriously.
Doesn’t every candidate have an obligation to educate themselves about the workings of the office they seek? Attending board, committee of the whole and budget meetings is, at minimum, what a candidate for village president should do to familiarize himself with the processes, culture, personalities and dynamics of the board and staff. These candidates are asking voters to put them in a position to lead a vibrant community with 75,000 residents and a $145 million budget. If nothing else, attending these meetings gives the candidate some credibility if they propose an alternative to the way things are done. Ron Drake did not step foot in Village Hall for one budget meeting. Mark Hellner also, not present for any budget meeting. Yet both candidates pledge fiscal responsibility and commitment to our community.
One more piece of information that will tell you a lot about the discipline and character of Tom Hayes. On Monday, April 15 Tom will run his ninth Boston Marathon, and his 23rd marathon overall. The Boston Marathon will kick off early in the morning. On that same day, at 8 p.m. in the evening, Arlene Mulder will preside over her final Arlington Heights board meeting. Tom Hayes will be in attendance ... just as he always is.
Tom Hayes for village president — the right man, for the right job, for the right reasons!
Dr. Michael B. Schroeder
Arlington Heights
Wheeling Township supervisor