Thomas Rychlik: 2021 candidate for Hawthorn Woods village council

Bio

City: Hawthorn Woods

Age: Candidate did not answer

Occupation: Civil Engineer at Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc.

Civic involvement: Village trustee

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: I would fall in the middle of these. Listen to county/state/federal guidelines and develop an appropriate course in collaboration with our staff, that would be best fit our town.

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: In my opinion, the staff has served the community above expectations during the pandemic, expanding both the working hours and workweek to provide both a safer workplace and increase service to the towns. Once provisions were in place, all logically available services have been reinstated.

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: While not in my area of study or expertise, I believe if we all take something to heart from the last year, it's that we should all wash our hands more. Further, many of us learned how to effectively work using video conferences, which allow for flexible working arrangements, and more efficient meetings when appropriate.

Q: What cuts can local government make to reduce the burden of the pandemic on taxpayers?

A: Local governments and area districts have seen their revenue reduced because of the pandemic; and most have trimmed their operations accordingly.

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: As an engineer, I am regularly in favor of advancing infrastructure projects, such as road rehabilitation, drainage improvements or other needed maintenance. As new infrastructure, I would be in favor of pursuing the path network improvements outlined in the comprehensive plan.

Q: Do you plan to address businesses that don't adhere to the governor's order to close or restrict business?

A: I would leave that in the hands of the police department as I understand the village has addressed complaints as they came in.

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 feel the board decided as they felt best represented the town's opinion. The village has a temporary moratorium on sales in town, which is scheduled to be revisited this summer.

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

A: I am a fan of creating a network of walking and bicycle paths to connect the public spaces and even restaurants in town. I am interested in seeing the path system outlined in the towns comprehensive plan come to fruition. Incorporation of a Pedestrian Oriented District, (POD) potentially along Midlothian Road, may also encourage walking and biking to get around.