WILMETTE – Wilmette residents will be heading to the ballots in April to vote for three new village trustees in a contested election. Four candidates — Kathy Dodd, Joel Kurzman, Steven Leonard, and Reinhard Schneider — are running for three open trustee positions. Bob Bielinski is running unopposed seeking a second four-year term as village president.
The three trustee seats opened up after trustees Ted McKenna and Cameron Krueger decided to retire. Carol Ducommun is leaving her position as trustee to return to the New Trier Township High School Board 203, where she previously held a board seat.
So who are the candidates for trustee and why are they seeking to serve the community? DailyNorthShore asked each of the candidates to answer a few questions about who they are and where they stand on relevant issues. Here they are, in alphabetical order:
Kathy Dodd.
Kathy Dodd:
DNS: Please explain who you are, e.g., how long you’ve lived in Wilmette, your interests, involvement in the community.
KD: I’m Kathy Dodd and I have lived in Wilmette for 23 years. I enjoy playing tennis and paddle tennis, walking my dogs and spending time with my family. I have been an active member of our community including serving on the Village Business Development Advisory Group.
DNS: Why did you decide to run for trustee and what do you hope to accomplish?
KD: I love Wilmette and the people and that’s why I’m running. If elected my top priority will be to keep Wilmette a great place to live, raise a family and own a business. My key goals include demonstrating financial restraint in all village operations, maintaining the village’s unique character and addressing the aging infrastructure of our sewer/roads.
DNS: What is your position on the stormwater proposal?
KD: The storm water proposal is one of most important issues deserving the board’s attention. I feel the board needs to take action on this issue in a thoughtful and cost effective manner.
DNS: In addition to stormwater, what do you view as the most important issue Wilmette faces?
KD: Other key issues facing the village include the deterioration of our roads and alleys and the State Budget crisis.
Joel Kurzman.
Joel Kurzman:
DNS: Please explain who you are, e.g., how long you’ve lived in Wilmette, your interests, involvement in the community.
JK: I’ve lived in Wilmette for 12 years with my wife, Allison, and my two children. I’ve attended many Board meetings and budget planning sessions over the years as a resident, so I’m prepared to hit the ground running.
DNS: Why did you decide to run for trustee and what do you hope to accomplish?
JK: I am fortunate to have my family life and career on solid footing such that I could consider giving back to the community. I want to collaborate with returning Trustee priorities, while also adding new energy and ideas from my Stewardship campaign.
DNS: What is your position on the stormwater proposal?
JK: Although I propose creative financing to reduce cost for residents, I support the stormwater plan in concept because it’s the only plan that provides 10-year storm protection to all Wilmette.
DNS: In addition to stormwater, what do you view as the most important issue Wilmette faces?
JK: My Stewardship campaign addresses pedestrian and vehicular safety, Village transparency and accountability, intergovernmental cooperation, and storm water. More information is available on these issues at www.joelforwilmette.com.
Steve Leonard.
Steve Leonard:
DNS: Please explain who you are, e.g., how long you’ve lived in Wilmette, your interests, involvement in the community.
SL: As a 30-year resident of Wilmette I am very excited to have the opportunity to serve as Village Trustee if elected. My wife and I have raised two beautiful children in Wilmette and have been very pleased with its schools, recreational facilities and commercial offerings.
DNS: Why did you decide to run for trustee and what do you hope to accomplish?
SL: Given my background in commercial real estate, I can offer a unique perspective to the Board allowing it to maximize our commercial spaces, and hopefully make better quality land use and economic decisions.
DNS: What is your position on the stormwater proposal?
SL: Stormwater is an ongoing problem in Wilmette requiring an efficient, affordable solution. Thoughtful, thorough analysis will be required prior to committing any long term funds.
DNS: In addition to stormwater, what do you view as the most important issue Wilmette faces?
SL: Our commercial spaces are also very important to me. The Central Business District has improved greatly. My background will help to manage that growth attracting the best possible tenants to the Village. Improving the 4th & Linden and Ridge corridors will also be a high priority for my time as trustee.
Reinhard Schneider:
Reinhard Schneider
DNS: Please explain who you are, e.g., how long you’ve lived in Wilmette, your interests, involvement in the community.
RS: My family and I have lived in Wilmette for 36 years. Our two children attended Wilmette schools as well as New Trier.
DNS: Why did you decide to run for trustee and what do you hope to accomplish?
RS: I decided to be a candidate for Trustee because I believe with my background and experience I can help guide the Village through difficult decisions over the next few years.
I have served the Village in various capacities: eight years on the Plan Commission, the last four as chair; as a member of the Business Development Advisory Group; briefly on the Transportation Commission; and for the past three years on the Zoning Board of Appeals.
My professional background includes experience as an architect, as chief financial officer, and in commercial real estate finance. I am a graduate of the University of Illinois with graduate degrees from M.I.T.
DNS: What is your position on the stormwater proposal?
RS: The West Wilmette relief storm sewer proposal, as now conceived, will be a massive and expensive undertaking, possibly the most significant capital project in the village’s history.
DNS: In addition to stormwater, what do you view as the most important issue Wilmette faces?
RS: Important issues that the Board will need to deal with in the near term are:
- Decision on the West Wilmette storm water irrigation proposal.
- Allocating sufficient funds to maintain village infrastructure (roads, sewer, etc.) in good condition while minimizing fee and tax increases
- Decision on the affordable housing project planned on Wilmette Road.
- Decision regarding Loyola parking expansion and enrollments capacity.
The Board will need members that have technical and financial experience to evaluate such complex issues and projects.
I appreciate the support and endorsement of:
- Chris Canning – former Village President
- Nancy Canafax – former Village President
- Heidi Vorhees – former Village Manager