Algonquin Village Board Trustee Candidate: Robert Smith

Name: Robert Smith

Age: 52

Family: Wife two Daughters      

Occupation: Midwest Regional Manager for International Freight Forwarder

Previous elected or appointed offices: Village Trustee from 1993 to Present

Position sought: Re-Election as Village Trustee

Campaign Website: bobsmithalgonquintrustee@weebly.com 

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I have had the privilege of representing the people of Algonquin for the last 20 years.  I have been a part of the growth and development of Algonquin making it the type of community we can all be proud of.  I am running for re-election because I feel that I still have a lot to offer.  I have the experience and leadership to help keep Algonquin moving forward.     

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? 

I will continue to work to keep Algonquin a safe and Healthy community to live and raise your family.   The job of a Trustee is to be the representative of the people of Algonquin.  I will continue to listen to the residents and work with them to find real solutions to the challenges we face.  

What are the top three issues facing Algonquin residents?

Traffic is always an issue we are dealing with.  Both at 62 and 31 and 62 and Randall Rd. With the Western Bi-Pass under construction we know that this will help with the traffic at 31 and 62 when it is completed.  Randall Rd and Algonquin are County roads we are working with McHenry County to see what can be done to improve this intersection also.  Speeding in the neighborhoods is a major issue that we are also working on with the Police Department.  With the current economic situation we are still bringing in new business.  We are working to bring in more business to the corporate campus that will bring more jobs.  Over the years we have worked to keep our Taxes low while growing and improving our community.  The Village has a balanced budget.  We have continued to make capital improvements by having long range planning and saving. 

We are proud to state that we have an AA+ bond rating.    

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

The 20 years of experience I have as a Trustee will be of value to our new Village Manager, my fellow Board Members and most importantly our Residents.  In my professional life I have over 30 years of customer service experience.  During my time on the board we have made great improvements opening the lines of communication with the residents.  We have streamlined our meetings to make them more efficient and easier for residents to come and speak out on the issues.  I have been able to work with my fellow board members to make the difficult decisions needed to move forward.  Over the year I have proven to be a leader for our community.

What is your favorite thing about Algonquin? What is your least favorite thing about Algonquin?

My Favorite thing about Algonquin is the People.  We have true sense of community here.   Algonquin has a long and rich history.  We are respectful of our history and the people that helped shaped Algonquin from the beginning. My least favorite thing would have to be the traffic at the busy times during the day.  

What needs to be done with Riverside Plaza?

A part of the plan for Downtown is for the development of new businesses and more residents living in the Downtown.  We are working very closely with the developer to see that they stay on track and meet their time commitment for completion. 

What is your hope for the future of downtown Algonquin?

What needs to be done to make this happen?  We have adopted the plan for the re-development of the Downtown.  The goal is to make Downtown a destination point.  We will look to work with developers, local business and the residents.  Once the Western Bi-Pass is open Rte. 31 will become Main Street and be the center of the Downtown.  

Overall, what does Algonquin need to do to attract more businesses in the future?

We are still bringing in new business to the community.  The growth has slowed down due to the economy but we are still a very attractive opportunity for developers.  We have approved new housing developments on both the East and West sides.  We will continue to working with developers looking to bring business to the corporate campus.

Do you think video gambling machines should be allowed in businesses in Algonquin? 

I believe we need to support our local small businesses and see that they get to compete on an even playing field with our surrounding communities that have already approve video gaming.  The business will have to be approved by the State before they can receive the required license.  If approved the Village will see to it that all steps are in place to prevent and violations to the law.

I also support Presidents Schmitt’s proposal for any new revenue from video gaming to go to our Recreation Department.   

Do you support a Continuous Flow Intersection at Randall and Algonquin roads? Why or why not?

Randall and Algonquin Rd are County Roads we have to work with McHenry County on any improvement.  The biggest issue is the time it will take to make an improvement.  We cannot wait 15 years for a major project.  We need to be able to see an improvement that can be put on a fast track.

What improvements, if any, would you like to see in the way village government is run in Algonquin?

 A good line of communication is the best way to ensure that the Residents needs are being addressed.  I will continue to work to see that we are utilizing as many tools and opportunities as possible.

Anything else you would like to add? Additional Comments:

I will continue to work to provide our residents with the highest level of quality services. I will keep working to keep our taxes down. I will continue supporting the Recreation Department and improving our parks and open space.