Post Messenger Recorder -

Dale Yurs

Age: 33

Occupation: Public School Teacher

Years lived in village: 5

Incumbent? Current Village Trustee

Have you been on the village board or held any other public office before? If so please describe: Yes, I am currently finishing a two-year term as a Village of Belleville Trustee. As a Trustee, I have served on the Finance and Personnel Committee, Plan Commission, and the Emergency Management Committee. Before moving to Belleville, I was elected twice to the Verona City Council. I also have served the Village of Belleville as a member of the Fire Department.

Why are you running for village board president? I am running for the office of Village Board President because I am excited about what lies ahead for the Village. We are a growing community, and we need to make sure we continue to grow responsibly. As a community we can achieve that goal by creating and maintaining a larger vision for the community and implementing responsible growth practices. These two ideas will allow the Village to grow and maintain our current hometown feel.

What issues do you find most important to the village board? List your top three priorities: The biggest issue facing the Village of Belleville is how we handle the period of growth we are currently moving through. We can best manage our growth by:

1. Creating and maintaining a forward-thinking comprehensive plan.

2. Ensuring that we have a diverse and equitable housing market that allow all families to call Belleville home.

3. Harnessing and encouraging the public energy for our community. This energy will bolster downtown development.

By working together and building collaborative relationships throughout the Village, we can make Belleville a cultural destination with niche business that highlights our heritage and natural beauty.

If you could reverse one village action, what would that be? While I am more focused on the future of Belleville and how we can accomplish that, I want to see the Village remove the blinders that only allow you to see the current situation and look to a larger vision for the community. This mindset will help steer the Village away from making decisions that will obstruct our future.

Any additional comments? I want to thank the community for the opportunity to serve as a member of the Village Board and for giving me the opportunity to meet and listen to so many of you. Together, we can continue to strengthen our community and its values – the same values that made my wife and I decide to raise our family here.