Terry Kringle

Age: 77

Occupation: Retired Belleville 7th and 8th Grade Science Teacher

Years lived in village: 52

Incumbent? Yes

Why are you running for village board? I offer you my longtime commitment to continue to work towards making the Village of Belleville a place businesses and private individuals want to be.

I have served the Village of Belleville as a trustee for 10 terms, with five breaks between terms, and as Village President for two terms. While in elected office I have been a member all of the standing committees at various times. I have also served on non-elected Village committees including Planning Commission and Emergency Management. I was a Belleville EMT for 20 years.

I am again running for the position of Trustee because I believe my experience and knowledge of how our municipal government works is needed to move the Village ahead in a positive direction. I firmly believe that in order to have good government there needs to be a combination of experience and fresh ideas. My perspective on what has already been accomplished and what I believe needs to be done in the future will help the Village move progressively forward.

My present term of office has been without a doubt the most difficult I have experienced. The Village has been in the throws of a "perfect storm" the past two years. We have been faced with COVID and all its complications, a complete turnover of Village Hall staff, hiring a new Public Works Director, the State requirement to reduce phosphates in the Sugar River, a reduction in available revenue sources and expenses not previously part of the budget.

If you could reverse one village action, what would that be? In hindsight I would make three changes. We should have been more proactive in addressing the increasing need for staff and developing long-term plans, 5 to 10 years, for infrastructure and equipment such as snow plows, lawn mowers, computers, software, etc.

With the help of our new Administrator, a complete staff and an improved budgeting process, I believe we can accomplish these goals in the next two years.

Any additional comments? Although I would like to you vote for me, please take the time to vote for the candidate of your choice on April 5.