Louis Hacker: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Louis D Hacker

City: Gilberts

Office sought: Trustee, Village of Gilberts

Age: 72

Family: Gayle, my wife of 46 years; 2 children, William and Kristen; 5 grandchildren, Abraham, Daniel, Honor, Malachi and Ellie

Occupation: Retired after 40 years, Information Resource Manager, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Education: 90 hours of computer hardware, Lansing Community College, Lansing Michigan

Previous elected offices held: Trustee, Village of Gilberts

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? Yes, first elected 2011

Issue Questions

What are the most important issues facing your community and how do you intend to address them?

The new Conservancy Development of over 900 homes will nearly double the size of Gilberts. We must insure that upgrades to Village Water Treatment facilities are installed in accordance with engineering timeline recommendations. Additionally, input from the first Conservancy residences must be considered before changes to housing plans and land usage are approved by the Village Board. Finally, we must continue efforts to expand our nonresidential tax base. In the last few years, 1,000,000 sq. ft. of commercial and industrial projects have been approved. These users pay taxes without impacting schools and parks etc. They help offset costs that would otherwise be placed on residents.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I managed a large organization of 78 employees over 8 states while I was the Information Resource Manager for the Federal Aviation Administration. I know that making good decisions requires listening to all available input and considering that input when selecting the best course of action. I have been a voice of fiscal restraint and responsible spending during my entire time of service on the Village Board. I worked my way into being prepared for this position by first serving on the Village Planning Commission. I think it is important for Board candidates to make an effort to become involved in the community before running for office so that they are up to speed and most effective when they take office.

Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing actions and decisions with your village board or city council.

I am a good listener and present my position on issues after careful consideration. I encourage input and differing positions. I am a team player and will support the groups decision once that final decision is made.

How would you describe the condition of your community's budget, and what are the most important specific actions the town should take to assure providing the level of services people want?

The Village budget is in excellent shape and has received several awards from our auditors for excellence in fiscal management. Additionally, the Village has followed all recommendations from the state of Illinois and our Pension Board concerning contributions to the employee retirement funds. The Village Board established a 20 year road refurbishment plan, during my 8 previous years as a Trustee. Roads that were badly deteriorating over the past 30 years were the first to be resurfaced, and now over half the Village roads have been rebuilt. The Board plans to finish the resurfacing project within the next few years. We have made significant investment in our parks. including the very popular and well attended splash pad at Town Center Park. Those improvements were funded by developer contributions collected by the Village. As the conservancy development grows, added dollars will be available to make even more improvements.

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

I suggested that a walking path be established around The Prairie Business Park which was completed a few years ago. I would like to see something similar around Town Center Park. Additionally, activities like shuffleboard, horse shoes, tennis/pickle ball would be beneficial to the community. I believe expanded amenities for seniors is an area that needs more attention.