February 7, 2009
Experienced Plan Commissioner Laura LaPlaca will listen and balance interests as Trustee
1. Why are you running for Trustee?
I’m running for Trustee because we can be better as a community than we have been. Hinsdale is a wonderful Village full of interested, committed and concerned citizens. The Village government has to do a better job of working with the community, and fostering trust, at all levels. I would like all of the members of the Hinsdale community to feel informed and involved. The next four years hold many challenges for the economy and our town and we’re going to have to do a better
job of working together, in a cooperative and transparent manner, to solve the issues Hinsdale will undoubtedly face. I’d very much like to be part of a responsible leadership that recognizes the value of the contribution that each stakeholder in the Village can make in this process. I believe that when people feel involved and valued in a fair process true progress can be made.
2. What specific skills do you bring to the office of trustee?
As a member of the Plan Commission since 1997, I’ve developed a detailed working knowledge of the Village Zoning Code. So much of what the Board does involves application and interpretation of the Code and my understanding of the Code will be a valuable asset in this position. In addition, I’ve also learned as a lawyer--and a mother--to listen carefully. That is a skill I value the most—to listen and to balance interests. It’s critical that each Trustee, and the Board as a whole, be receptive to the input of the community as well as the input of other Trustees and Village Commissions. These two skills of listening and balancing go hand-in-hand. A Trustee must listen and ultimately balance respective, and sometimes competing, interests of the community within the legal constraints of the Code.
Laura LaPlaca with husband Craig Culbertson and their children
3. If you are elected, at the end of your tenure what would you like your legacy to be?
I would hope to restore a cooperative, trusting atmosphere in a vital, healthy community. At the end of my term, I want members of our community to feel good not only about where they live, but also to feel that they are a recognized and important part of this town. With community leadership comes the responsibility to leave the community better than the way one found it. I would like my legacy to be that I was a responsible steward allowing Hinsdale to move forward, as it has for so many generations, as a stable, charming, idyllic community where people want to settle to raise their children and anchor their lives.
4. What has your experience as Plan Commission chair taught you?
Much of what it has taught me I’ve already said. I’ve gained an invaluable understanding of the Hinsdale Zoning Code and its legal and practical application. In addition, I’ve spent a lot of time working with the Village staff and feel knowledgeable about the day-to-day workings of Village government. I’ve also gained an appreciation for the perspective that community residents, other community stakeholders and
fellow Commissioners bring to the numerous issues that have been brought before the Commission. I have learned to never presuppose a matter or my opinion on a matter because invariably I hear or read something during the course of a meeting that impacts my thinking. I have learned to be patient and how very important it is to let everyone have an opportunity to provide their full input before any decisions are made. It’s very clear to me that when people feel that they are being listened to and that they are being treated fairly and respectfully, they respond accordingly. By that I mean that giving respect earns respect. Probably a good life lesson in any arena but I believe it to be especially important right now in our community.
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 >