Buchanan supervisor No. 4 has 2 candidates on spring ballot

Incumbent Tom Walsh is being challenged by Joann Lee for Supervisor No. 4 in the Town of Buchanan in the April 5 Spring Election. 

 

Tom Walsh 

Occupation: Project Engineer with Northeast Asphalt

Education: Bachelor of Science from Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Ill.

 

What areas do you feel the town is strong in, and which areas need improvement?

Buchanan is in competition with the neighboring communities in attracting residents and businesses. The town has explored new ways to get things done, such as the transportation utility adopted in order to help us rebuild our roads. We also work hard to identify and address the needs of the town. In July we will have a new operating yard waste transfer site that and the board has worked to secure agreements so that the site operation should pay for itself. Due to a careful planning and disciplined spending, throughout these planned improvements, independent auditors consistently confirm that Buchanan is strong in its financial approach to government and keeping our tax (mill) rate low.

 

Why are you interested in serving on the town board?

In recent years property values in Buchanan have not risen as strongly as our neighbors have. We are in competition with them and need to make improvements to the town properties, giving residents pride in their community. Keeping our property values up will help keep tax rates low and attract new residents and businesses. Buchanan also has much more age diversity than in the past. We need to bring our infrastructure (roads and parks) up to the level needed so they can be used by all ages. Improving these things will help people get outside, meet their neighbors and create a greater sense of community. 

 

What sets you apart from your opponents?

Do you have education or experience in a field relevant to the town’s operations? My college experience prepared me to be an Urban Planner. My work experience, 35 years working for municipal or consulting engineers has given me the knowledge and experience to plan and implement local improvements, avoiding pitfalls and ensuring success. My previous experience on the Plan Commission and Town Board, along with heading up the Yard Waste Committee, has taught me how to use my experience in the private sector to accomplish tasks in the public sector.

 

Among the issues that the town is currently facing, which ones interest you the most and why?

The biggest is solving the drainage problems and improving our roadways. Previous administrators have told me they spend approximately 20 percent of their time on drainage concerns. If we solve those problems, which we are in the process of doing, it will allow staff to work toward attracting new businesses and residents to our town. There are better uses of staff time. Our parks are also in desperate need of improvement so residents of any age have access to recreational opportunities, making Buchanan an attractive place to live for all.