February 15, 2009
Trustee candidate Craig Chapello wants to move Hinsdale forward again
1. Why are you running for Trustee?
I am running for Trustee because Hinsdale needs effective, common sense leaders who can begin to move Hinsdale forward again. Hinsdale’s history has been that of innovation and progress, but these have waned in recent years. Hinsdale needs to progress again as soon as possible. Getting Hinsdale moving again means: 1) handling our finances in a responsible way; 2) revitalizing our business districts and rebuilding our tax base; 3) improving our deteriorating infrastructure; and 4) restoring civility, trust and respect to our Village.
From my perspective, doing nothing is not an option. It will mean further neglect and deterioration of the features we have come to enjoy and cherish. Doing nothing is not preserving and doing nothing is not changing. It is just nothing. Whether we choose to preserve or change any physical or other aspect of the Village, it always means we must do something. I am willing to help lead this effort.
2. What unique skills or qualities do you feel you will bring to the office if elected?
One of the most important skills a Trustee can have is the ability to gather all the facts given, ask the right questions from numerous sources and parties to fill in open issues and then analyze the facts, policies, history and circumstances in a thoughtful, fair and responsible way to make a good decision that will benefit the most residents in the Village.
I have learned this skill through my professional background as an attorney for almost 30 years as well as a small business owner and operator. Additionally, my involvements with civic and community causes and trade groups have allowed me the opportunity to hone this skill in unique settings. Essentially each of these roles is really based on the ability to act as a problem solver and a creative thinker for solid, helpful resolutions and strategic planning.
I will apply this ability to the job as Trustee so that I can make the best decisions possible and take residents’ views into account while moving Hinsdale forward. Even though Hinsdale is a great place to live, I believe, as most residents do, that Hinsdale can be even better.
Marge and Craig Chappelo and their children
3. Do you have any previous experience in Hinsdale Village government?
I have experience with Hinsdale government as an observer, commenter and invited member of the Village Electric Task Force that was able to obtain substantial investment from Commonwealth Edison in our electrical infrastructure.
From this involvement, I have been able to develop a good understanding of the way multiple aspects of Village government work, the issues facing us, the people who are involved, and what should be done to re-energize the Village. At the same time, I still have the perspective of an outsider who has not been a part of the groups who have steered Village policy to bring us where we are today. I think that a fresh perspective on how to approach the future of Hinsdale is what is needed right now.
4. Do you have any ideas as to how to revitalize our downtown?
In the competitive environment we face today, Hinsdale has to demonstrate a new clear image of being friendlier and more welcoming to business for our downtown to succeed. Our processes have to be better defined to make businesses want to come here, to invest resources here, and to flourish here.
We have to work with businesses and to value them -- rather than just assuming that Hinsdale is the only place they can go. The reality is that many surrounding suburbs offer outstanding choices and many initiated strategic efforts to work with businesses years ago, forming long-term relationships and community support. Thus, we are at a disadvantage now. This is especially evident in the numbers of restaurants other communities have attracted, compared to the few we have seen come to Hinsdale.
The Village should intensify its economic development efforts to promote Hinsdale as a great place for small businesses to locate. This creates more opportunities for residents and non-residents to shop here. The new www.distinctlyhinsdale.com site is a good step in the right direction. If we promote good businesses that we want to frequent, we will increase our enjoyment of the downtown while also increasing its tax revenue.
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 >