Adam Jason Hagg: 2023 candidate for Pingree Grove Village Board, 4-year

Bio

Town: Pingree Grove

Age on Election Day: 41

Occupation: Sales

Employer: Self-employed at Hagg Press Inc.

Previous offices held: None

Q&A

Q: What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the village board respond to it?

A: Business growth is the next hurdle for Pingree Grove. We as a village need to address code, zoning and infrastructure to attract businesses to our community.

Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?

A: Pingree Grove has a well-balanced budget as of 2023.

Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?

A: Pingree Grove needs to invest in road and utility infrastructure near our major highway corridors.

Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?

A: At this moment I am not aware of any overspend in any specific area by the village but if elected, I intend to do a deep dive on the budget.

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: The village must address infrastructure, specifically utilities, which need to run and support the properties around the Route 47/72/20 corridor. This will help attract brick and mortar commerce.

Most of Pingree Grove, being a builder development, is 15 going on 20 years old.

Current projects like a second water treatment facility and other upgrades and replacements to infrastructure are due. At this time, I do not see any projects that can afford to take a seat on the back burner.

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.

A: I am the owner of a small business and have been since 2011. I have also worked with my brothers and father at a commercial printing company in Elgin since 2005. Both examples have provided me with a deep understanding of business management, finance and human resources.

I believe my tenure will provide valuable expertise in small government as I have worked closely with customers, vendors and employees throughout the years. I have also been an active member in the community, working with local nonprofits and groups to organize and work various events within Pingree Grove. My strongest skillset is definitely working with people. My approach is direct and to the point.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: I am a passionate person who has called Pingree Grove home for 15 years. I love my community and have developed many genuine relationships with friends and neighbors during that time. I look forward to helping Pingree Grove grow and thrive in the coming years, using the experience I have earned in the business world, since graduating from Northern Illinois University's School of Business in 2005.

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

A: I would like to explore sharing resources with other close-by towns. This is a broad reach but as we grow and our needs grow, there could be economies of scale savings that we might not be thinking about, available to Pingree Grove