This year's elections have brought out six candidates for three village board trustees seats. Who are the people running for office? Huntley Patch asked each candidate to fill out a short questionnaire to give voters a look at what the candidates stand for and what they hope to accomplish if elected.
Rosa DeMaertelaere
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Age: 42
Family: married, two children
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Profession: urban planner specializing in economic development
Education: bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in urban planning and public policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago
Statement: I have a Master’s degree in urban planning and public policy specializing in economic development, as well as seven years experience in economic development planning. This includes positions as a planning consultant, assisting in the managing of a small business lender, supporting business attraction and business retention efforts as well as working on diverse property management projects. Throughout my career, I have been able to work with various intergovernmental agencies and the public to achieve successes in their stated missions. I have had the opportunity to evaluate programs and assist in the best way to manage resource. I believe my education and background in and passion for urban planning and economic development will serve me well in participating on the board to focus on key pertinent issues that address its preservation in achieving and maintaining our "best economic health" through well-balanced developments.
Campaign Issues
-Attract quality businesses that add to our economic tax base and provide employment opportunities, while retaining our present businesses through business retention strategies. During these uncertain economic times we have to be proactive in attracting quality businesses into our community that empower our economy and provide local employment options.
-Pursue transportation infrastructure improvements that accommodate growth. As Huntley’s growth continues to occur causing substantial increases in traffic volumes; a safe and efficient planning system of roadways has to be responsive to that growth. This provides us with an efficient street system that enhances our community and attracts more businesses. As a proactive community, long-range strategic planning must occur on a daily basis.
-Encourage redevelopment opportunities in downtown Huntley that preserve the historical character of Huntley and are in line with the "Downtown Revitalization Plan". Our present downtown looks "aging", as a developing community, developing the heart of our village will enhance our communities appeal to our residents and our visitors, it must be revitalized.
Jay Kadakia
Age: 80
Family: married, two daughters
Profession: retired environmental engineer in the Division of Water Supply at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Springfield.
Education: bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology; completed the master's requirements for environmental engineering at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, BS Chemistry/physics, India.
Statement: I am proud to have been a trustee for the Village of Huntley for the last four years. And, have supported and promoted: the widening of Route 47; construction of Interstate 90 interchange; commercial growth, with large and small businesses and mixed residential housing; encouraged open spaces, parks and Huntley downtown revitalization.
Campaign Issues/ goals for Huntley:
-Contact area colleges to establish local facility to provide educational opportunities to projected 1,000 plus high school graduates from Huntley High school at college and university levels.
-Continue to work for water conservation through implementation of guidelines set up by McHenry County. Ground Water Task Force.
-Extend Algonquin Road to Coyne Station Road and complete Kreutzer Road west to Main Street.
-Pursue a Metra train station and construction of Centegra Hospital.
Nick Hanson
Age: 31
Family: married, two children
Profession: Commercial/Industrial General Contractor (Owner of Advanced Construction Group, LLC.) Instructor at McHenry County College Construction Management program
Education: misc. College (Ohio University & Triton College) Good Samaritan Hospital School Of Paramedicine Graduate
Statement: As a resident with concerns I want to make all residents feel as if they have a voice and that someone is listening.
Campaign issues:
- Route 47 Corridor expansion
-Light industrial promotion to bring new jobs to the village
-Downtown square promotion.
JR Westberg
Age: 39
Family: married, two daughters
Profession: Business Development and Senior Staffing Specialist at Professional Staffing Services
Education: Northern Illinois University
Statement: I have lived in Huntley since May of 2005. I served in the United States Air Force for nine years and received a National Defense Service Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal. I have been a member of the American Legion for seven years and the Huntley Area Jaycees for three years, serving as president for the past two years. During my service as president, the Jaycees has raised over $55,000 for different charities. While serving our country, I was tasked with the installation of telephone cable in a communications construction group. Reading and understanding large scale blueprints, managing installation teams and deciding the plan of action was an integral part of my duty.
Campaign issues:
-Fiscally responsible growth decisions
-Not hesitant to ask the hard questions when proposed new construction ideas
- Vocally involved for ALL of Huntley
- No conflicts of interest
Niko Kanakaris
Age:
Family: married, three children
Profession: local business owner
Education: graduate of H.D. Jacobs High School
Statement: Kanakaris’s campaign flier lists his accomplishments as a member of the village board including promoting businesses, like Walmart, General RV and FYH Bearing, to town; the Route 47 widening; brought sewer and water capacity south of Interstate 90; assisted and supporting living for elderly population
Campaign issues:
-Secure construction of Centegra-Huntley hospital
-Route 47 and Interstate 90 full interchange
-Bring in more business to Route 47 commercial corridor
-Relocation of town’s post office
-Revitalize downtown area
Harry Leopold
Age:
Family: married, two children
Profession: retired
Education: undergraduate studies, Penn State, MBA from University of Chicago
Statement: Leopold lists his accomplishments as obtained funding and approval for widening of Route 47 and full interchange at Route 47 and Interstate 90; completed a new village hall; secured four light industrial business on Jim Dhamer drive; secure Walmart and out lot businesses; saw property tax reduction for village services for eight years straight; secure boundary agreements, started Farmer’s Market and begin investigation of benefit of wind energy
Campaign issues:
-Complete widening of Route 47 and full interchange
-Continue to pursue use of winder energy and other benefit services to save costs
-Pursue Home Rule
-Continue downtown revitalization
-Continue to pursue Metra train station
-Help our residential developers recover from housing crisis
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