Jeffrey Magnussen: 2021 candidate for Hampshire village president
Bio
City: Hampshire
Age: 56
Occupation: Print Sales at Alphagraphics, Crystal Lake
Civic involvement: Usher at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church; Knights of Columbus #13034; first vice president of Hampshire Little League, established in 2005, now known as Northwest Little League; past president of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce; volunteer scorekeeper for St. Charles Borromeo girls and boys basketball for more than 10 years.
Q&A
Q: How do you view your role in confronting the pandemic: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents - even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state and federal authorities?
A. We decided early on to work with our businesses, especially our restaurants, to insure that they were conducting their business following CDC safety protocol guidelines. The restaurants early on adapted to carry out or curbside pick up only, but business was down by 80% to 90%. The village received negative feedback from some people who think we allowed indoor dining to return too early, ahead of State and County metrics. It is my belief that had we not done so the damage to some of the restaurants would have been irreversible. These decisions were not made lightly. We also received many positive comments from people who appreciated the freedom to make their own choices to attend or not to attend their favorite dining establishment. Social distancing, masks and sanitizing are still the norm in the village.
Q. Did your town continue to adequately serve its constituents during the disruptions caused by the pandemic? If so, please cite an example of how it successfully adjusted to providing services. If not, please cite a specific example of what could have been done better.
A. I believe the staff did an excellent job adapting to the ever changing guidelines early on. The police department continued their usual stellar work throughout the pandemic. Village hall staff made adjustments to work schedules, really practiced social distancing and sanitizing. We closed village hall to visitors for a period of time and encouraged residents to pay utility bills and file for building permits online. Public works also adjusted schedules, made sure to social distance, stopped riding together during work hours and worked split shifts when possible. I am very proud of the job everyone has done during this pandemic.
Q. In light of our experiences with COVID-19, what safeguards/guidelines should you put in place to address any future public health crises?
A. We now have the protocols in place to confront a crisis like this pandemic. I'm sure we will learn more best practices as we continue through this pandemic. Some of the practices will continue after the pandemic has passed. I think you will find more meetings will be held virtually. I think social distancing will remain. Hand sanitizers will be on every desk.
Q. What cuts can local government make to reduce the burden of the pandemic on taxpayers?
A. We run a very lean budget as is. If anything we have had to spend more money to combat the pandemic. I do not see an opportunity on the local level to save taxpayers money related to the pandemic.
Q. What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what infrastructure project can be put on the back burner?
A. The most important infrastructure project is connecting our north and south drinking water systems. We have worked with Sen. (Donald) DeWitte and Rep. (Dan) Ugaste to secure about $900,000 in grants for the project. The rest of the money will come from the general fund. We also need to replace aging water pipes in the village. This will need to be done over many years as the initial costs are over 15 million dollars worth of work. This will be addressed in our 5 year capital plan that will be ready this upcoming budget year. All of these projects can be delayed, but we run the risk of incurring greater costs in the future.
Q. Do you agree or disagree with the stance your board/council has taken on permitting recreational marijuana sales in the community? What would you change about that stance, if you could?
A. I have always supported recreational marijuana in the village. I wouldn't change my stance on this issue.
Q. What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A. Apartment buildings. We have very few apartment units in the village and in my opinion need more. We currently do not have housing stock for younger residents who want to live in the village and can't afford a single-family house. We need to retain our young residents.
Q. What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A. I have led the village through the 2008 financial crisis, a blizzard, massive flooding, 4 village administrators and dealing with COVID 19 currently. I don't think there is a challenge out there that I haven't faced. I have not done it alone, I have surrounded myself with great people, but as a former President once said "The buck stops here." All my children are grown and have either graduated or are in college. I have more time now to dedicate to the village than I did when I first started 16 years ago. I love this village and the people that call it home. I want nothing but the best for our residents and will continue to do my best in the next 4 years and beyond.