Joseph Hirschbein: 2021 candidate for Pingree Grove board of trustees
Four candidates are vying for three, 4-year terms on the Pingree Grove board of trustees. Candidate Patricia Dulkoski did not complete a questionnaire.
Bio
Village: Pingree Grove
Age: 45
Occupation: Sales
Civic involvement: Current 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. This never became an issue.
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. Our municipal center did close several times. Residents were urged to pay utilities by logging into the village website or dropping off their payments in the drop box. The village did a great job of communicating updated throughout the community via social media, CivicPlus alerts, and the village website.
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. Village staff did a fine job keeping staff safe by instituting split shifts, mask wearing, adapting to social distancing, and safe practices.
Q. What cuts can local government make to reduce the burden of the pandemic on taxpayers?
A. We are very fortunate as the village did not need to make cuts. Also due to the CARES Act, the village still remains in budget even with loss of tax revenue.
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. Road repair is the most important infrastructure project. Pingree Grove will need to start seeking government grant opportunities, along with setting a budget line items for future road repairs and replacement. For years the village budget has been a very tight and strict budget. The village currently does not have any infrastructure projects that can be put on hold.
Q. Do you plan to address businesses that don't adhere to the governor's order to close or restrict business?
A. No. That is the responsibility of local health department and/or state police.
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 do agree as we passed an ordinance early this year. Recreational marijuana sales has a proven great means of tax revenue.
Q. What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A. The importance for the police referendum to pass.