Michael J. Light: 2023 candidate for Glendale Heights District 3 Village Trustee
Bio
Town: Glendale Heights
Age on Election Day: 58
Occupation: Frame and body tech
Employer: Royal Coach Ltd.
Previous offices held: Glendale Heights District 3 village trustee since 2011
Q&A
Q: What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council or village board respond to it?
A: Economic uncertainty. We as a village will need to focus on retention of all our businesses in town and the growth of new businesses to ensure a stable and balanced future. Also to find ways to help residents deal with the rising cost of living and possible job loss.
Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?
A: We as a village have a diverse selection of businesses in town that help stabilize a balanced budget. Even during the pandemic shut down we were able to maintain a strong general fund. In conjunction with a balanced budget we will be able to continue to be vigilant in preparing for our future.
Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?
A: Focus on various areas of the infrastructure. Aging roads, sewers and water lines are plaguing all towns, and ours is no different. A proactive approach to these issues will ensure a less disrupted life for our residents.
Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?
A: Spending and budget cuts are a never ending battle in all our departments. We as a village will make adjustments during the budget process to make sure we are properly using our residents tax dollars and not wasting them.
Q: What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?
A: Roads are at the top of my list. Some of the smaller road projects we can do in house by the village and larger road projects going out for bid to obtain the best price. All the road projects will still need to be within the budgeted amount we approved during the budget process and to help offset some of the cost we apply for grants that can helps us reach our goals.
Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.
A: I find the attentive ear and respect to others and the opinions they have along with the willingness to have an open and frank discussion will bring people together. With different ideas each person has in regards to solving a problem can make it difficult to reach a solution and that is where my willingness to talk to each person to bring out the strengths of each board member can bring us to a unified solution.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I believe what makes me the best candidate for the position of trustee of district 3 is my experience serving the residents of Glendale Heights and understanding the problems of the community that we all share. I have watched my hometown grow over the last 50 plus years and I am so very proud to be a resident of Glendale Heights.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: An entertainment stage. A movable stage that has lights and a sound system that can be moved from place to place as needed. We as a village do many events for our residents like park parties, Glendale Heights Fest, National Night Out, car show and many cultural events. We could even expand to music in the park during the summer. Maybe even involve local schools to showcase the talented kids we have. There are so many possible opportunities for this stage.