Nicolas Boatner: 2023 candidate for Campton Hills Village Board

Bio

Town: Campton Hills

Age on Election Day: 41

Occupation: President

Employer: TubToday

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: Campton Hills is on the verge of taking a major pivot or sustaining itself as the beautiful rural community which it has always been. Current trends in rezoning and additions of micromanagement proposals will affect the town's future if they are not swiftly hedged with community input.

Whether you live in one of our gorgeous neighborhoods or on a decades old parcel, you moved here for the open spaces, fresh eggs, local honey, horse pastures and countryside views.

If allowed to continue operating at the status quo, the village board may constrict your freedoms and utilize models for structure and development that are more suitable for our eastern suburbs and the city of Chicago.

We are not a community that fits into a mold, and we need to hold all members of our village board accountable for their actions by demanding that equitable value propositions are provided whenever the village is making decisions that affect you, your property, your expenses, your business and your community.

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

A: Campton Hills works extremely hard to spend within its means. Preparation for unexpected expenses like the Illinois SAFE-T Act need to be at the forefront of our planning. Campton Hills does not levy for property taxes or assess utility taxes they are dependent on sales tax, grants and fees.

Being prepared for handling new expenses as they arise is something that should be addressed now so we are prepared when they surface. As far as property taxes are concerned, our assessor is always willing to discuss property tax matters by appointment.

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

A: 1. We must implement a strong strategy for village communication. Considerations for the addition of a dedicated communications director or an enterprise on retainer who can make efficient work of weekly website updates, monthly village wide email blasts and monthly newsletters in print. Prioritize communication.

2. Board meetings should be viewable via the web and in real time. In an age of YouTube and Zoom, this is a major oversight and should be done immediately. The cost on such a venture would be minimal.

3. I would like to see any funds/grants that the village receives offered to the community with value added options for their review. Offer these lists through the monthly newsletters and email blasts so that future spending can be viewed by the community, and the decisions will ultimately be made based on the community's input.

4. I would focus on the SAFE-T Act and our police department, focus on how we can internally manage the changes and continue to support our officers.

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

A: I am not opposed to cuts and curtailments as they come up. I believe the village can and will prioritize to work within its means.

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: We recently renovated city hall. My friends, family and associates were completely unaware of this project.

Currently, the only way to access village information is by attending the board meetings in-person or downloading a 50-plus page copy of the meeting minutes.

I would like to see major projects like this unveiled ceremoniously as a monumental achievement and an award to the community.

Projects of maintenance and infrastructure should never be put on the back burner neither should negotiations with our service providers. I will make it a priority to have competent negotiators at the table and to get deals done on time. Campton Hills deserves first class service; we have all earned it.

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: My background is in contracting and business management. I have had many accomplishments throughout my life, each of which came from hard work and sticking to what I believe is right.

One of my major accomplishments in life was being able to move my family to Campton Hills. This major accomplishment was one of peace, security and a future for my family.

I could rest assured I had settled in the best place to foster a memorable childhood and strong family values that would complement my aspirations for them.

At my company, we have a line that every staff member asks themselves whenever they are in doubt, "What is better for the customer?" As village trustee, I will always ask myself this same question, "What is best for the Village of Campton Hills residents" whenever I am faced with a challenge or decision.

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

A: I am not a candidate who is running in response to any one issue or any particular agenda. My family has been living in this community for four generations. This town and its future are a part of who I am. I will take on this role graciously and with the utmost respect for the residents of the village. I will take great pride in this role, and I will work relentlessly to represent the community to the highest standards.

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

A: My grandfather came up with the idea years ago to install the Christmas trees on the light poles in downtown St. Charles. On Thanksgiving night, our family would wait for them to be lit for the first time. It offered so much civic pride to our family.

I would like to brainstorm with the community on a way which we could have a Campton Hills holiday tradition like this, an annual display that offered a taste of civic pride. A display every family would admire as they drove into town. Politics does not need to be all pen, paper, and bickering. The village board should support the community and offer a means of excitement and pride around the holidays.