Mundelein will have a new Mayor for the first time in 12 years. Experience matters in a first time mayor. Business and marketing experience is important, however, it is not the only thing important in running a well balanced community. Prior experience means you typically know what worked and what didn’t work when these situations came up in the past and may come up again in the future. Here are some, but not all, of the things a new Mayor should have prior experience in to hit the ground running, and keep our progress moving forward smoothly in the next coming years:

How to manage and when to implement TIF’s ( Tax Increment Financing), RDA’s (Redevelopment Agreements) with developers, incentive packages that are fair but don’t give away the shop, types of properties retailers and businesses are looking for, when and when not to utilize eminent domain, annexation, and de-annexation. Negotiation skills are a must. Knowing when kid skin or iron fisted gloves are needed is important.

Mundelein has seen and weathered both good and bad economic and market conditions, and has successfully navigated them. In good market and economic times great growth and development has occurred. The boards and staff has quickly taken advantage of the opportunities available. There can’t be an expectation of retailers and businesses falling into our laps, we have to collectively work to get them to choose Mundelein. We need to market our vacant properties and buildings that meet the requirements of businesses seeking locations. Understanding the changing market place after the pandemic and online shopping trends is a must. Learning how we can adapt to change quickly is to our advantage, as is making our processes simple, and being easy to work with.

Hard economic and market conditions require hard decisions. Developers have backed out of projects during hard times, and many wonderful projects have fallen through over the years. While we try to avoid conditions where we may have to enact layoffs, furloughs, reduced work weeks, pay reductions or smaller raises, in some cases it has been unfortunately necessary. In any of those cases we have tried to limit and rectify that as soon as we can. We have tried to minimize that there are few to no negative impacts to residents during hard times.

The need to react quickly to extreme weather situations like flooding, blizzards, heat waves and bitter cold is not something you can take your time with. Pulling together public safety organizations like police, fire, public works CERT, Red Cross and others as needed to quickly manage the situation.

Deal with all of the ramifications of pandemic or health situations both economically and from a safety standpoint. Actions must be decided and taken to assist both residents, business owners, and faltering revenues of the village.

Communicating with the residents is paramount and must be done consistently and timely. Residents need to be included in what is going on and have more input into some of the major projects that impact their quality of life. I am used to being mostly available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day (give or take).

Not only have I thought of all these things, I have successfully governed through them and many more situations like them. I have the advantage of knowing what worked and what didn’t work. I am prepared and ready for any and all of these types of situations on day 1 that I am sworn in as Mayor.

Thank you all to those that signed my petitions and those that helped collect signatures. It was truly appreciated!

Talk with the 2025 Mayoral Candidate.

If you’d like to talk one on one, or with a group of friends let me know. Here is an opportunity to really have a meaningful conversation, ask your questions and get answers from your candidate.

In your home and I’ll bring the coffee, or in a public place. Let me know your preference and we’ll get something set up. Invite your friends and neighbors.

Campaigning is not my forte. I’m not a politician that will tell you what you want to hear just to get elected. What I say is based on reality, not false promises, or campaign rhetoric.

I am retired and have the time and dedication to give to Mundelein, residents, and businesses.

This site will continue to evolve and new information may be added to provide more information about me or my positions.

I will gladly meet with you individually or in groups to give you the opportunity to discuss your issues, concerns, or to ask questions.

I’ve been asked to meet with so many wonderful people in their homes. Great discussions and questions I’ve had at every home.

It’s so much better to hear what people have to say, to address their concerns and share information. Especially in a place where you can really talk about the issues important to them, not two minute political statements at debates or election events. Your mayor works for you and should be willing to meet with you one on one after they are elected. I will do so.

Please check back often to see what you’ve missed. If you don’t see your concern addressed here, please let me know.