Open Letter to Candidates Running for Arlington Heights Mayor and Trustee Positions

Dear Candidates,

As we approach the upcoming municipal election in April, the residents of Arlington Heights are eager to hear from those of you seeking to serve as Mayor and Trustees. This is an important opportunity to engage directly with the community and provide clear insight into your plans, priorities, and leadership style.

With this in mind, we invite you to take this moment to address some key questions that are top of mind for many in the village. These questions touch on a variety of issues, from infrastructure and affordable housing to police accountability and transparency, all of which are vital to the future of Arlington Heights. By providing your responses, you will help voters better understand how you intend to address the challenges our community faces and the direction you wish to take the village in the coming years.

We ask that you consider the following questions, which represent the concerns of many Arlington Heights residents:

General Community and Governance Questions

1. Infrastructure and Growth:

   • As Arlington Heights continues to grow, what do you see as the most pressing infrastructure issues the village is facing? How would you prioritize improvements, and do you foresee any challenges in funding these projects?

2. Affordable Housing:

   • With rising housing costs being a concern across the region, do you think Arlington Heights is doing enough to provide affordable housing options for its residents? If elected, what steps would you take to address this issue?

3. Economic Development:

   • What are your plans for supporting local businesses and attracting new businesses to Arlington Heights? How do you envision balancing growth with preserving the community feel of the area?

4. Public Safety Beyond Policing:

   • What other public safety initiatives, aside from police-related issues, do you think need to be addressed in Arlington Heights? Are there particular community safety programs or services you would invest in to help prevent crime before it happens?

5. Environmental Concerns:

   • How do you plan to tackle environmental issues in Arlington Heights, such as sustainability, green space preservation, and reducing the village’s carbon footprint? Do you envision any new programs or initiatives in these areas?

Leadership and Vision Questions

1. Vision for Arlington Heights:

   • Looking five to ten years into the future, what is your vision for Arlington Heights? What key changes or improvements would you like to see, and how do you plan to make that vision a reality?

2. Collaborative Leadership:

   • Collaboration with both residents and other local governing bodies is crucial. How do you plan on engaging with the community to ensure their concerns are heard, and how do you intend to work with other local governments to address regional issues?

3. Fiscal Responsibility and Budgeting:

   • In times of financial uncertainty, how do you plan to ensure fiscal responsibility while also addressing the needs of the community? What is your approach to balancing a budget that supports vital services while managing taxes?

4. Engaging with the Youth:

   • How do you plan to engage with the younger population of Arlington Heights? Are there initiatives you would introduce or strengthen to ensure their voices are part of the community conversation, and how do you see them being involved in shaping the future of the village?