February 15, 2009
Longtime resident Bill Seith believes he can make a positive difference in the lives of residents
1. Why did you decide to run for Trustee?
As a lifelong resident of Hinsdale, I have a strong desire to see our village be the best that it can be. In the 1960’s, most of my block was ranch style homes. In the 1980’s, I saw a surge of redevelopment that continues today with smaller homes being replaced by much larger ones. I participated in the discussion involving the Junior High’s replacement in the 1970’s and again in the 1990’s.
There is much to be done. We must tend to the Village’s infrastructure needs, revitalize our business districts and protect our park land for all to enjoy – always mindful of using taxpayer dollars wisely. As a business owner, I understand the need to manage our finances prudently, especially in the face of difficult economic times.
I believe I can make a positive difference in the lives of our residents and help ensure that Hinsdale remains a vibrant community for future generations. My background in public service, broad community involvement and personal experience make me a good fit for the office. I am committed to helping restore civility and a sense of common purpose to the community that has given so much to me.
2. What unique skills or qualities do you feel you will bring to the office if elected?
The ability to be an effective Village Trustee requires at least three things:
• The ability to remain impartial while researching all sides of an issue
• Sensitivity to people’s concerns
• Knowing how to build consensus
As Deputy Director of the Illinois EPA, it was essential that I have all of those qualities. Part of my responsibility there was to manage the Office of Community Relations, an office devoted to meeting with the public and reaching consensus on controversial projects. I served as the point person in numerous public meetings, which helped me become very comfortable appearing before large crowds of people with differing opinions. The projects always required well-researched solutions that solved a knotty community issue with the maximum possible community support. I have devoted most of my career to using these skills effectively every day. As your Trustee, I will come to the table with an open, analytical mind and the ability to move the Village forward through thoughtful and respectful consideration – whether the discussion centers around budget issues, infrastructure needs, business development, park lands or zoning questions.
Carol and Bill Seith with sons
3. Do you have any previous experience in Hinsdale Village government?
I have observed the workings of Hinsdale Village government for many years and have a good understanding of the dynamics of how that government functions – and how I believe we could be doing a better job of serving the families who call Hinsdale “home”.
I have had the privilege of working on the Drainage and Woodlands Improvements Task Force, a group of dedicated individuals charged by the Board of Trustees with researching and developing a plan to alleviate storm water issues in the southeast sections of the Village. Together, we painstakingly reviewed every possible solution until we were confident we had the one that would really work and, at the same time, be the least costly.
Most recently, I have worked with the Village Board on other storm water issues related to Illinois EPA regulation of overflows to the Flagg Creek Water Reclamation District. Although I acted as the Village’s environmental attorney and was compensated for my work product, I was also successful in bringing a potentially $60 million project down to a more reasonable $17 million – thus saving us all far more than the cost of my services. I have enjoyed the time spent working with my neighbors and the Village Board on these matters.
4. What do you like most about Hinsdale? What would you do to insure the survival of the quality for future generations?
I love the tree-lined streets, the charm of the historic downtown and the memories of growing up with good friends and neighbors to guide me. Hinsdale is a very special place. Have you noticed how many of those who were raised here
return as adults to raise their children here as well?
Having lived in Hinsdale all my life, its history and traditions are a part of who I am. That gives me a sense of how Hinsdale can remain a vital community with significant roots while evolving to fit today’s lifestyles and economy. As a leader of my Boy Scout troop at Union Church as a youth in the 1970’s and again as an adult over the last several years, it has been a pleasure helping young boys to become tomorrow’s leaders. In much the same way, I plan to use those leadership skills, my business experience and commitment to community service to foster an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect. Moving Hinsdale into a prosperous future demands financial stability, sound infrastructure and a community working together. We owe our children nothing less.
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 >