Arlington Heights, IL — In a pivotal election for Arlington Heights, the Daily Herald has endorsed Trustee Jim Tinaglia for the position of village president, highlighting his extensive experience and leadership qualities as essential for guiding the village through upcoming transformative developments.
Candidates Overview
The village faces significant decisions, notably the potential $5 billion development of a Chicago Bears stadium on the former Arlington International Racecourse site. The three candidates for village president bring diverse backgrounds to the table:
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Jim Tinaglia: An architect and three-term village trustee, Tinaglia has been recognized for his vocal yet collaborative approach to various village matters, including housing proposals and infrastructure projects.
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Jon Ridler: Serving as the executive director of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce, Ridler possesses executive experience and insights from working with a board of directors similar to a village board.
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Thomas F. Schwingbeck Jr.: A self-employed manufacturing executive and current village trustee in his second term, Schwingbeck has also served on the village’s zoning board.
The Daily Herald’s editorial board emphasized the necessity for the next village president to have a robust blend of municipal government experience, business acumen, and leadership ability. While acknowledging the strengths of all three candidates, the board found Tinaglia’s depth and breadth of experience particularly compelling, especially in light of the potential Bears development.
Tinaglia’s business leadership experience and his proactive approach to complex village issues were cited as key factors in the endorsement. His tenure on the village board has showcased his ability to navigate sensitive housing proposals and intricate infrastructure matters effectively.
Despite the endorsement, there are concerns over Tinaglia’s accessibility and responsiveness to constituents. On Saturday, September 14, 2024, I sent an email to Jim Tinaglia, along with the Board President and other trustees, regarding an important issue. However, Jim failed to address the matter or take any action, instead offering no response whatsoever. At the time, I was a resident of Arlington Heights, directly impacted by the issue at hand.
In addition to this email, I have recently made further attempts to reach Jim Tinaglia, including sending an open letter to all candidates, hoping to engage him in a meaningful conversation. Unfortunately, I received no response to that either. This lack of engagement is not a one-time occurrence; it has been an ongoing issue.
Although I no longer reside in Arlington Heights, my platform, available without a paywall, is open to all. It would benefit Tinaglia greatly to engage with anyone who reaches out with questions or concerns.
Leadership is not just about making decisions; it is about being present, accessible, and accountable to all members of the community. Ignoring outreach, whether from residents, former residents, or others concerned about the village’s future, is not the mark of a strong leader. Tinaglia’s failure to respond, whether through direct outreach, an open letter, or other efforts, demonstrates a significant shortcoming in his ability to lead effectively.
As Arlington Heights stands on the cusp of significant change, the Daily Herald believes Jim Tinaglia is best equipped to lead the village forward. However, for the community to truly thrive, leaders must be responsive and accessible to all, not just those with powerful platforms or paid endorsements. Strong leadership is demonstrated through engagement and accountability—qualities that Tinaglia needs to work on.
