Michael Tyrrell: 2023 candidate for Campton Hills Village President
Bio
Town: Campton Hills
Age on Election Day: 72
Occupation: Retired and Current Village President
Employer: Retired
Previous offices held: Village Trustee
Q&A
Q: What do you consider the primary responsibility of the community's "chairman of the board?"
A: First, to provide leadership which supports the vision and principles of a broad community. Second, to ensure that our decision makers are supplied with factual information. Third, ensure that we have top tier staff which will service the needs of the Village.
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: We are a community with a blend of suburban, semi-rural and large areas of active farming. The residents are clear that this is the desired mix, for now, and into the future. Stewardship of the environment is also essential. Consideration of any future development(s) will need to be evaluated on this platform.
Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?
A: EXCELLENT. We are a community that is DEBT FREE. Additionally, we are the largest municipality in Kane County which does NOT have a municipal tax. That is certainly a relieve to our residents.
Our financial reserves have doubled in the past 3 -1/2 years allowing us to focus on major projects, such as roads.
Campton Hills is one of only two municipalities in Illinois with a fully funded Police Pension Fund.
Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?
A: We are in the final phases of converting a former law office into a proper Village Hall and Police Department.
Isolating police operations and detainee areas from the Administration have been critical for safety and security. That is nearly complete.
Roads are next. We've implemented an analytical process to target where our money is most needed. Doing so, we have been increasing the number of miles that we can replace each year.
Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?
A: We are a very fiscally focused Village. We have a very talented and credentialed team of residents who provide oversight and guidance on our Financial Committee. Our budget is carefully constructed, reviewed and managed.
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 project(s) can be put on the back burner?
A: With the pending completion of the Village Hall there are no infrastructure projects in the near future. Again, there will be no loan/debt once completed.
We will continue to focus on roads.
A: Leadership. A focus and drive to bring a collective of ideas and needs to the finish line.
Fostering a collaborative environment. It revolves around bringing talented people, with a desire to give their best to our community. This covers the spectrum from staff to committees.
We have six Village Committees that are staffed by citizen volunteers. Nearly, 30 in all.
I look for talent, knowledge, levels of expertise and enthusiasm. Matching those traits with the right committee is essential for gaining the value to the Village and for the achievement of success, value and reward for the resident volunteer.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: How to galvanize and secure our future. Working with Kane County and the Township to expand our Open Spaces.