Age: 71

Occupation: Retired

Years lived in village: 71 years (whole life)

Incumbent? No

Have you been on the village board or held any other public office before? If so please describe: Belleville Plan Commission-10 years. Belleville Fire Chief-Retired.

Why are you running for village board? I have an interest in some of the decisions made by the Board in the past and the only way to have a direct say is to run and become part of the Board. There are many difficult decisions to be made in the near future because of the villages projected growth and I would like to represent the voters in having a voice in those decisions. While the current board has had to make some difficult decisions, input from public has been lacking.

What issues do you find most important to the village board? List your top three priorities: 1: Economic Development-Bring in new businesses to help our tax base. 2: Vacant Buildings- Current library and old grade school (belongs to the School District). Do we have any plans or possibilities on usage for these buildings. 3: What are we doing about the old Train Depot - We have already spend money on this building which now sits vacant - Do we have a master plan for that building.

If you could reverse one village action, what would that be? The one action that I would reverse would be the location of the new Library/Community Center. I absolutely agree that Belleville needs to new library and community center but the placement, in my opinion, is very questionable. The location is right next to the Fire Station and from my own experience, firefighters are coming from all directions to answer an alarm. This is an accident waiting to happen with kids and adults not only crossing a state highway but also wanting to know what's going on. Additionally, some of the parking for the new building is in the parking lot next to the Fire station thereby limiting parking for the firefighters when there is already a shortage of FD parking and they are having to park anywhere they can. The site does not have adequate parking for the building usage but consideration was not given to emergency services and their parking needs in putting a building on this site.

Any additional comments? I would appreciate your vote on election day but by all means please exercise your right to vote. Thank you for your consideration.