Update (March 24, 2025, 2:37 PM):
This article has been updated to include documents obtained through a FOIA request submitted to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.1A-1147139
Arlington Heights, IL — In preparation for the upcoming April 1, 2025, municipal election, AH Town Square extended an open invitation to every candidate appearing on the ballot. Each was offered the same opportunity: a fair, one-on-one recorded Zoom interview—a chance to speak directly to residents and share their platforms in their own words.
As a grassroots, independent media outlet, our mission is to inform the public through accessible, transparent reporting. While some candidates embraced the opportunity to engage with voters, others chose silence. That silence—particularly from current officeholders—speaks volumes.
Village President (Mayor) Candidates
Jon Ridler: The Only Candidate Who Showed Up
Among the three candidates running for Village President, only Jon Ridler accepted our invitation. He participated in a candid, 40-minute interview in which he shared his platform, goals, and philosophy of leadership. Ridler demonstrated not only a willingness to engage, but also a professional readiness for the role. With a strong blend of experience, leadership skills, and a collaborative mindset, he has the professional backing to lead Arlington Heights effectively. His campaign reflects the values of transparency and accessibility—core principles for any mayoral hopeful.
Jim Tinaglia and Tom Schwingbeck, Jr.: Silence from Sitting Trustees
Both Jim Tinaglia and Tom Schwingbeck, Jr., Ridler’s opponents in the mayoral race, are current Village Trustees. Yet neither has responded to interview requests or from AH Town Square. This lack of engagement from two sitting officials is deeply concerning.
Even more troubling, both Tinaglia and Schwingbeck were copied on an email sent by an Arlington Heights resident to the full Village Board in September 2024, raising a matter of public concern. Neither trustee replied or acknowledged the message—despite their responsibility to engage with constituents as elected officials.
Tinaglia’s candidacy also raises potential ethical concerns due to his private business, Tinaglia Architects, which has worked on projects in Arlington Heights. If elected as Village President, the risk of a conflict of interest becomes more than theoretical.
Transparency and communication are not optional qualities for those seeking the highest office in local government. The refusal by both Tinaglia and Schwingbeck to participate in dialogue—either as candidates or current trustees—should give voters serious pause.
Village Trustee Candidates
Candidates Who Participated
Two Village Trustee candidates—Martin Bauer and Jim Bertucci—accepted our interview invitations and demonstrated a willingness to engage with the community.
- Martin Bauer came to his one-on-one interview with a clear, well-prepared perspective, demonstrating a solid understanding of the trustee role. He emphasized transparency, responsible development, and long-term planning as core priorities. Bauer also highlighted his commitment to staying accessible to residents and informed on local issues. With a professional background as an actuary and a direct, analytical communication style, he showed he has both the experience and the mindset to serve Arlington Heights with accountability and clarity.
- Jim Bertucci, an incumbent Village Trustee seeking re-election, brought a steady and experienced voice to his one-on-one interview. Known for his approachable style and thoughtful leadership, Bertucci emphasized the importance of transparency, fiscal responsibility, and open communication with residents. He spoke with confidence and clarity, demonstrating a strong understanding of both the challenges and opportunities facing Arlington Heights.
However, it’s important to note that Bertucci, like his fellow trustees Tinaglia and Schwingbeck, did not respond to the September 2024 email sent by a concerned resident to the entire Village Board. The lack of acknowledgment or follow-up raises questions about his consistency in addressing constituent concerns, even as he seeks another term.
Stay Connected with Arlington Heights!
Candidates Who Did Not Respond
The following trustee candidates failed to respond to multiple outreach efforts from AH Town Square:
- Anargyros “Argie” Karafotias Initially agreed to an interview but exited the Zoom call the moment he learned the recording would not be stopped—despite being informed in advance that all interviews are recorded. Before leaving, he accused this reporter of discrimination and refused to continue. For the record, all interviews are recorded for journalistic accuracy, mutual protection, and to uphold transparency. It is also worth noting that if elected, Mr. Karafotias would be required to operate in full view of the public, including during recorded Village Board meetings.
This is a response found on the Golden Brunch Google reviews, allegedly from the owner, Anargyros “Argie” Karafotias, addressing the complete remodel of Golden Brunch.
Illinois Liquor License FOIA: 1A-1147139
These documents were obtained through a FOIA request submitted to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.
Additionally, AH Town Square received tips regarding regulatory issues at Karafotias’s restaurant, Golden Brunch, including a lapse in his Illinois liquor license. When contacted, Karafotias provided a text response claiming the license was current and that the state was merely late in issuing a physical copy. However, official records from the Illinois Liquor Control Commission and a direct call to the state confirmed the license was indeed expired at the time of inquiry. Other public records indicate no remodeling permits filed for work completed at the restaurant’s location. Follow-up inquiries sent via email and Facebook Messenger went unanswered.
- Michelle Hunter, who has publicly emphasized her commitment to “transparency and integrity,” has not responded to any of our inquiries. When a supporter of her campaign, Chris Reckling, was asked if he was affiliated with her effort, he replied, “I’m a resident of Arlington Heights, and Michelle is a neighbor. That should be good enough for your inquiries.” Despite efforts to clarify the nature of our request—a non-combative, community-focused interview—Mr. Reckling questioned our outlet’s political leanings and asked to see questions in advance. The encounter reflected a troubling unwillingness to engage with independent local media.
- Carina Santa Maria, of all the candidates in this election cycle, Carina Santa Maria initially stood out. Her campaign materials presented a compelling blend of professional experience and civic-minded values, suggesting she could offer a thoughtful, inclusive approach to local leadership. Her platform emphasized community inclusion, responsible governance, and transparency—issues that resonate deeply with residents seeking accountable representation.
However, that promise has been undermined by her consistent lack of engagement. Despite repeated outreach through multiple channels over an extended period, neither Ms. Santa Maria nor her campaign responded to any inquiries. This silence raises concerns about how sincerely those stated values are reflected in practice. For a candidate seeking public office, engaging with local, independent media is not optional—it’s essential. AH Town Square exists to provide residents with direct insight into those who wish to lead them. Choosing not to participate—or ignoring opportunities to do so—calls into question the candidate’s commitment to public dialogue and accountability. - Greg Zyck is widely praised by residents and described as genuine, approachable, and trustworthy. I believe those accounts. But like others, Zyck has not responded to any outreach from AH Town Square. Public service requires more than likability—it demands visibility, communication, and follow-through.
- Colin Gilbert and Bill Manganaro also declined to respond to any inquiries. Both missed the opportunity to introduce themselves to voters through a grassroots, independent platform created specifically to foster open, non-partisan dialogue.
In a town like Arlington Heights, where local decisions shape daily life, voters deserve candidates who are willing to show up, speak openly, and engage with the people they hope to represent. Silence—or selective participation—speaks volumes.
At AH Town Square, we are committed to creating a space where residents can hear directly from the people seeking to represent them. That commitment doesn’t end on Election Day, and it won’t evaporate just because the campaign signs come down. One has to wonder: do some candidates believe that this platform—or the reporter behind it—will simply disappear after the votes are counted?
This April, voters should remember: showing up matters. Words on a campaign flyer can say anything—but it’s the actions behind those words that reveal how a candidate might serve once elected.
AH Town Square – Voter Recommendation Form
| Trustee Candidate | Vote Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Martin Bauer | ✅ Yes |
| James Bertucci | ❌ No |
| Colin Gilbert | ❌ Hard No |
| Michelle Hunter | ❌ Hard No |
| Anargyros Karafotias | ❌ Hard No |
| Bill Manganaro | ❓ Maybe |
| Carina Santa Maria | ❓ Maybe |
| Greg Zyck | ❓ Maybe |
AH Town Square – Voter Recommendation: Mayor Race
| Mayor Candidate | Vote Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Jon Ridler | ✅ Yes |
| Tom Schwingbeck, Jr. | ❌ Hard No |
| Jim Tinaglia | ❌ Hard No |
