Adam Hopkins: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Adam J. Hopkins

City: Bartlett

Office sought: Village Trustee

Age (on election day): 39

Family: Wife, 2 young children, 1 on the way

Occupation: Electrician

Education: Trade School/ Apprenticeship

Civic involvement: Knights of Columbus

Previous elected offices held:

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? Yes, 2015

Website:

Facebook: Facebook.com/AdamHopkinsTrustee

Twitter:

Issue questions

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

We are a great community and we have very competent staff in place to deal with a number of issues that arise daily. A few of our current issues relate to video gaming and the perception that we are not a business friendly village. I feel strongly that we need to put restrictions on video gaming. I will help craft regulations that will meet this objective while maintaining our current establishments. Another issue we have is the perception that we are not business friendly. I will continue to work with the community and staff to ensure we support businesses that benefit our community. We have improved communication and have used our video gaming revenue to help business owners start and expand their businesses in Bartlett.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I believe my career as a union Electrician and a lifelong Bartlett resident positions me well to make educated and competent decisions for our residents and business owners. I take great pride in working well with other Board members throughout discussions and debates, even when I am not in the majority. As a long-time Bartlett resident currently living in town with my wife and young children, I have a vested interest in working with the community. I pride myself in listening to residents when they reach out and always have the community in mind during any decision making.

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

My leadership style is being straightforward and upfront. I first assess the issue and learn more about the background and varying perspectives. I then think of creative solutions for the problems that face our community. I always listen to our discussions as a board or with residents, ask the hard questions if needed, and make decisions to support our community.

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?

I have made it a priority to cut wasteful spending while still providing top level services to our residents. We cut the unfair utility tax and have kept a balanced budget since I have been on the board. The levy has not been raised for 7 years, keeping taxes lower, thanks to the hard work of staff and previous and current board members.

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

While getting signatures to run for re-election I was able to talk to residents about issues facing them. There is a consistent concern about the need for an overpass or underpass on West Bartlett Road. Increased train traffic has had a negative impact on the residents that live near that area as well as those that commute in that area. I am optimistic that a long term solution can be implemented to help that area deal with the increased train traffic. It is only when community members reach out to me that I am able to truly hear what is most important to them.