Luke Hall: 2023 candidate for Pingree Grove Village Board, 4-year

Bio

Town: Pingree Grove

Age on Election Day: 41

Occupation: Sprinkler fitter

Employer: Hill Fire Protection

Previous offices held: Pingree Grove Village Board since 2019

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: We need to attract more retail business to Pingree Grove, which would, in turn, help provide adequate funding for the maintenance and growth of the high-quality services our current and future residents deserve. We must work together in trying to attract suitable and sustainable businesses to Pingree Grove.

We certainly have more than enough rooftops for businesses to be successful here. We must find ways to be more aggressive in pursuing the types of retail that will not only impact and improve our tax base, but also enhance our quality of life.

Pingree Grove has grown exponentially since my wife and I moved here in 2005, 18 years ago. We have raised our family here.

I'm fully aware that attracting successful retail businesses engenders a number of challenges, including competition from neighboring communities. But we must meet those challenges to remain viable going forward. I would potentially support bringing in a retail coach - who would work on our behalf.

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

A: Things are currently very stable, but we must remain ever-vigilant with village finances. We are, for example, in the process of negotiating a union contract for our police officers. I strongly support public safety. This contract will result in our officers being competitively paid with neighboring communities.

We also have plans for a new water treatment plant, as well as plans for a waste water treatment plant, the latter of which will soon be going out for bid on future construction.

We have been diligent and fortunate in securing a substantial amount of grant funding for the water treatment plant, as well as finding fiscally responsible loans for our ongoing projects, but they still come at a substantial price.

All that said, in my opinion, our current finances remain strong, but expenses are projected to increase substantially over the next few years. It is absolutely imperative that the village board and staff do everything possible to bring in as much revenue as possible.

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

A: 1.) Public safety, which means supporting our village police officers and Rutland Township firefighters. Our village has a history of safe streets, sidewalks and neighborhoods. That's our first and foremost priority, always.

2.) Continuing our road resurfacing program. Most of our roads were put in around the same time and it's imperative that we continue to maintain these roads. We definitely do not want to run into more expensive problems down the line.

3.) Finding a way to provide competitive wages for the men and women we employ in the village. They are valued. And they help give us the daily wherewithal to continue providing high-quality village services, while we maintain our commitment to fiscal responsibility.

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

A: We run a pretty tight budget, which we're justifiably proud of. I wouldn't say any spending is out of the accepted parameters for a village our size.

I do think, however, that we could potentially cut back on some of our minor day-to-day operational expenses, although I would need to discuss possible savings avenues with staff members to determine their actual validity.

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: I believe we are currently addressing the most important infrastructure projects with our water treatment plant, as well as our waste water treatment plant.

Our current plants are approaching their capacity limits as our population increases. If we were to discontinue these projects, we would run the risk of not being able to provide quality water and waste treatment needed for future growth.

We are currently paying for these projects with low interest loans and getting significant grant funding.

We have had discussions about a project that would extend a sewer line to Route 47. I think this could be put on the back burner for now, simply because it would not provide any imperative, real-life benefit to the village.

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: Over the last four years of being on the village board, I have had the opportunity to work with many different board and staff members. I'd like to think that I've grown as a board member, listening to and learning from people who gave differing points of view. I typically do not get too excited or make impulsive decisions.

Good decisions are based on an informed opinion, along with an appreciation for and empathy toward our residents. It's not about me. It's about Pingree Grove.

I try to stay away from short-term thinking. I ask myself what's best, long-term, for the village in terms of responsible growth and sustainability. I have a young adult daughter and a teenage son. My board decisions are made for and in the here-and-now, but I'm forever mindful of what's best for Pingree Grove's next generation.

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

A: I bring a different sensibility to the board. I'm a construction tradesman. I live it every day. I work hard and I know the value of our tax dollars.

I also pride myself on loyalty and honesty. I'm loyal to my family, my friends and to this village of ours. People can feel free to disagree with me on just about anything, but no one can call me disingenuous. You will never hear me saying one thing and doing another. My word is my bond.

I also have an openness to a variety of opinions and potentially different ways of doing things. I want to mention, too, that after four years in the board, I have what I think is a pretty good understanding of how our village best operates. Bottom line, I place a great deal of importance on helping others through public service.

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

A: Turning a section or section of village land into a weekend gathering spot. I'd like to see a lively farmers market, with pop-up tents for businesses, food trucks, family attractions and such. I think this would be a good way to promote local business while giving residence a sense of place in the community.