Experienced volunteer with a passion for Hinsdale, Trustee Candidate Bob Saigh hopes to give back to the community
1. Why are you running for Trustee?
My running for trustee is an outgrowth of: (1) my years of involvement in village affairs, generally in matters having to do with redevelopment, zoning and preservation; (2) my interest in the direction of the village as it affects me, my neighbors and the broader community; and (3) my desire to help secure Hinsdale as the uniquely attractive community that so many residents are proud of, help to maintain in various ways and genuinely feel obliged to pass on as something truly special to future generations. The current economic climate and other conditions have created a particularly challenging time in which to manage the village’s considerable resources, but the prospect of doing that with engaged and committed residents inspires and energizes me.
2. What specific skills do you bring to the office of
trustee?
My professional background is in program management in the field of communications, where throughout my career I have had to think and plan both strategically and tactically; act in innovative, attractive and responsible ways; and produce results that are verifiable, helpful and lasting. I’ve used these skills and others in serving four years on the Zoning Board of Appeals, five years on the Historic Preservation Commission, 10 years as a member and officer of the Hinsdale Historical
Society, and in volunteer roles with other community organizations. My experience has been both mainstream and grassroots and has exposed me to methods, procedures and processes that result in success. For example, I’ve prepared and presented detailed applications to the Zoning Board, the Plan Commission and the Preservation Commission that were approved, and I’ve successfully petitioned the village Board and the Parks and Recreation Commission on issues important to the community and to me personally. In short, I know and appreciate the perspective of constituents and the perspective of those who make the decisions that affect constituents, having been in both roles.
3. How can Hinsdale strike a balance between historic preservation and redevelopment?
I think there is plenty of evidence that Hinsdale is finding a balance between preservation and redevelopment in multiple ways on a case-by-case basis. The interests of “traditional” if not purely historic Hinsdale were effectively presented by residents in the recent cases of the proposed Maple Street row houses and the Sedgwick/55th Street and County Line Road developments, and in the multi-use Hinsdale Club project. A similar situation involving the former Amlings property at Ogden Avenue and Madison Street is currently playing out, and a third attempt at a major development at the corner of First Street and Garfield Avenue in the village’s historic downtown will again test development and preservation interests. Preservation concerns were a factor in the decision a few years ago not to proceed with the installation of cellular telephone antennas on the venerable Union Church, and in a decision two years ago by the Zoning Board of Appeals to grant a variance for an iconic Hinsdale house at 116 S. Stough
St. that allows the house to be moved on its lot so it can undergo extensive renovation, and thus be spared from likely demolition. Preservation and redevelopment both can be said to have been served in the just-completed rehabilitation of the 109-year old Immanuel Hall, at Third and Grant Streets, and in the relocation four years ago of the 85-year old R. Harold Zook home from its original site, 327 S. Oak St., to KLM Memorial Park, each of which I was actively involved in.
There are other examples of how development and preservation are lately coexisting in Hinsdale. The situation is evolving, but it seems to be off to a solid start, and that certainly is better than nothing, which is mostly what Hinsdale had before historic preservation became institutionalized with the passage of the Hinsdale Historic Preservation Ordinance in 2000.
The Saigh family: Daughter Ashley (left), Bob and Patti
4. If you are elected, at the end of your tenure what would you like your legacy to be?
I’d be pleased if my legacy could be the example of someone who initially became involved in the community for mostly personal reasons, then quickly saw how those reasons were
linked with and a part of values and beliefs that were widely shared with others in the community, many of whom had pursued their concerns in various effective ways for years, while always keeping focused on “what’s good for Hinsdale.” Like so many in Hinsdale, I’d like to think that I contributed to keeping the village the special place it is, and that my involvement helped to “pay it forward” to those who come after me and will themselves be entrusted with Hinsdale’s future. If it’s said of me, “He’s a good guy” – meaning fair, honest, diligent, knowledgeable, considerate and the like – I’ll be grateful.
Read interviews with candidates previously featured in the Hinsdale Monitor You Choose 2009 series. (Click on photos below to link to each candidate's interview and biographical information.)
Candidates for Village Government |
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President |
Board of Trustees |
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Tom Cauley* |
Doug Geoga* |
Laura LaPlaca* |
Bob Saigh* |
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| Mike Woerner | Bill Seith | Craig Chapello | |
Cindy Williams |
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| * Candidates who have been endorsed by the Hinsdale Village Caucus and Hinsdale First. | |||
| NOTE: The Hinsdale Monitor does not have a profile on Presidential Candidate Cindy Williams, who did not respond to our invitation to be interviewed. | |||
What is the Hinsdale Village Caucus?
Serving the community for 75 years, the Hinsdale Caucus has provided a non-partisan method of identifying and supporting the best candidates for local elections.
More about the Caucus and other Caucus-endorsed Candidates on the Hinsdale Village Caucus web site >
What is Hinsdale First?
Hinsdale First is a political committee registered with the Illinois State Board of Elections. "[Hinsdale First] was formed in 2008 to advocate for the adoption by our Village government of policies and programs consistent with the platform of our organization," according to the web site.
More about Hinsdale First >