Asher Horcher: Candidate profile

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Name: Asher Horcher

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Issue questions

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

Wheeling's biggest issue is a representative government that does not adequately represent the best interests of the community. The job of an elected official is to view topics through an educated lens accounting for the best interests of the constituency as a whole, then voting accordingly. Currently there are trustees who do not fulfill that job requirement.

During meetings I often hear factually inaccurate statements guiding decisions, and voting founded in emotion/ego ignoring the presented facts. Wheeling deserves a capable person in office who does what is right even when it isn't what's easy. Someone who will listen and makes decisions based on facts presented rather than their own stubborn opinions. That is why I am running.

I want to serve my community utilizing my education to make factually sound decisions. When I vote it will be from a place of awareness. I am quite familiar with doing my "homework" before making any statements or decisions. I will always take into account what my vote means for the people of Wheeling making sure my decision will do the greatest amount of good, for everyone. I am a capable and qualified individual. If elected, it would be an honor to represent the people of this community to the best of my ability.

• What makes you the best candidate for the job?

As trustee, I will use the opportunity to broaden the perspectives of the board, and provide more adequate representation for the community as a whole. acting as a guardian for the village and its continued well-being. I see the position as an opportunity to be a role model for my generation and future generations to engage in politics rather than disengaging and remaining idle.

I am driven, competent, and a problem solver. My skill set allows me to engage in fact-based decision-making. I am not afraid of asking questions to ensure the interests of the village are represented. I am passionate about providing Wheeling with the representation we deserve. I believe I am the change Wheeling needs, and will always advocate for doing what is right. I will work tirelessly to make Wheeling the best it can be for every citizen which makes me the best candidate for the job.

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

I lead by example. As a leader I am confident and impartial. I am honest and direct. I call things like I see them. Issues brought to my attention are solved. Growing up on the farm I learned there is no "can't" in problem solving. Every problem has a solution, it's just a matter of finding it. Any vote I cast will carry an explanation. Decisions/votes should accompanied by sound reasoning that can be verbalized. Explanations provide transparency for the citizens, and efficiency for the board. I encourage development in the groups I work with and I am open to any new ideas that will benefit Wheeling.

I think my style will be effective in producing decisions and actions on the board because I will actively engage with my peers to resolve any villages issues. I am willing to hear alternative methods of resolution and provide my own to work as a team, all the while positively acknowledging the growth and good ideas of others. With my skill set and leadership style I believe the board will effectively flourish.

• How would you describe the condition ofyour 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 budget is doing fairly well. With the new residential development that is happening, I would embrace industrial/ commercial development to enhance the village's income. I would support the economic development department in bringing new businesses into town to generate more revenue. Doing so will support the impending population growth. The way I see it, the village is basically a home. The bigger the family, the higher the cost. Bringing in new commercial development if done properly could prevent new tax increases. Bringing in new business in means the bills will be paid and the family will prosper.

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

I think working with the park district to discuss buying what used to be Sam's Club to convert into an indoor sports/event center could be beneficial to Wheeling. It could act as an offsite rec center, have sitting/lounge areas where kids could hang out and do homework, maybe some batting cages or other paid activities like laser tag or a viewing room that citizens could rent out to project movies in or host parties in. The paid activities could be provided by businesses that rent space in the center. It could host an indoor "movie in the park" experience on an indoor soccer field. With soft turf and collapsible picnic tables, the park district could put on a weekly movie for a small fee. It could even potentially act as a convention center which would bring tourists to Wheeling, while earning the park district money.

The structure already exists and is currently an empty eyesore that could serve the people of Wheeling. The village could invite independent small businesses/ food trucks to have kiosks inside. This would promote interest for small businesses in the area. Large businesses and travelling conventions could host events there bringing attention to our town. There is enough space inside for several different venues to appeal to different age groups. The possibilities are endless.