Herb Porter: 2023 candidate for Hanover Park Village Board trustee
Bio
Town: Hanover Park
Age on Election Day: 69
Occupation: Retired
Employer: N/A
Previous offices held: Two-term trustee.
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: Finding sustainable and equitable solutions to the growing immigrant population.
Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?
A: Healthy due to sound fiscal manage by the administration and staff.
Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?
A: Infrastructure; hire a grant writer; WI-FI connectivity.
Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?
A: The fact we have not raised taxes in six consecutive years indicates spending is under control.
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: Water main replacement and service. Paid for by a nominal increase in water/sewer service fee.
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 believe in working toward a consensus while being true to my core beliefs and principles. I work with the knowledge that every opinion has merit to the opinion holder and must be respected as such.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: As a 40 year resident of the village and a two-term trustee and deputy mayor, I bring to the table an ability to examine policy proposal with an eye toward DEI and collaboration that result in developing procedures that enhance the viability and vitality of the village.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: A hometown high school to help develop a sense of community pride and identity.