Brett Hopkins: Candidate For Crystal Lake City Council

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — Ahead of the April 4 consolidated municipal elections, Patch.com provided questionnaires to all city council candidates on the ballot.

In Crystal Lake, five candidates are running for three open seats on the Crystal Lake City Council. Here are the responses for Brett Hopkins:

Name: Brett Hopkins

Age (as of Election Day): 59

Town/City of Residence: Crystal Lake

Office sought: Village board or city council

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for: Other than myself, I do not have any relatives that work in politics or government.

Education: I have a degree from Western Illinois University in Education and a minor in Computer Science

Occupation (Please include years of experience): I have over 20 years in the eCommerce Industry. I'm currently part of the Senior Leadership team at Syndigo

Campaign Website: www.bretthopkinscitycouncil.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Crystal Lake City Council - 2007 - 2022. Crystal Lake Planning and Zoning - 2000 - 2007

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

I feel that the most pressing issue is how to move our city forward given our rapidly changing world and how the post-pandemic economy has reshaped the way we work, live, and shop in Crystal Lake. Communities that can adapt to this changing environment will have a competitive advantage, while those that do not prepare for the future will decline.

I understand that successful communities work to define a sustainable future blueprint because those that do so are always more successful than communities that leave their future to chance.

Plans to revitalize vacant areas within Crystal Lake are just now being developed through innovative mixed-use development. I have been an advocate for these types of uses because of the changing demographics of Crystal Lake - specifically the demand for high-quality, compact walkable communities located next to desirable amenities.

Most recently, properties like the "old Walmart" and the corner of Crystal Lake Avenue and Main Street are being tagged for this type of development. I respect Crystal Lake's unique small-town values, historic character, scenic beauty, and sense of community, and will continue to balance the charm of Crystal Lake with a smart, sustainable, and prosperous economy.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I feel that the qualifications to be a City Council member requires a combination of skills, experience, and personal qualities. I would like to highlight my qualifications rather than disparaging other candidates.

Experience - Understanding of local government is an important aspect to be qualified. For the past 23 years I have had the pleasure of representing the citizens of Crystal Lake by being elected to the position of City Council and prior to that, a member of the Planning and Zoning commissions. These experiences have helped me understand the needs and concerns of my constituents and navigate the complexities of city government.

Collaboration – As a member of the City Council, it is important to work as part of a team. Throughout my tenure, I have been able to build consensus, find compromises when appropriate and work toward a common goal of representing the best interests of the citizens of Crystal Lake

Dedication to Public Service - I have also had the distinct pleasure of being a co-founder a wonderful community organization called the Crystal Lake Strikers. For the past 15 years, the Strikers have performed nationally and has seven different educational community programs focused on students throughout McHenry County. These programs provide a range of educational experiences for different learning needs.

The combination of my experiences continues to help me make sound decisions on a variety of issues that affect the city, such as budget allocation, land use, public safety and community development.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Outside of the questions that are asked in this survey I believe that rather than governing through a single lens or political agenda, the importance of collaboration between the citizens, the City Council, and the City Staff is the key component to creating a vibrant community.

For the past 16 years, this spirit of collaboration has been at my forefront so that individuals with varying disciplines, experiences, and interests work together through healthy debate with a shared telescope - to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Crystal Lake. I recognize that collaboration brings greater success and accomplishment than could otherwise be achieved individually.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

How you deal with adversity under extreme situations is certainly evidence regarding how an individual will handle the responsibilities at the City Council level. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on communities and the city worked with the McHenry County Health Department to mitigate the spread of the virus while also providing support to residents and businesses during this difficult time.

To provide business support, the City Council approved a Business Task Force to help provide support and information to businesses which were impacted by the pandemic. Almost immediately, myself and the rest of the City Council approved a grant program to provide financial assistance to businesses and nonprofits affected by COVID-19. For residents, the city provided updated information on their website regarding COVID-19 case numbers, testing locations and other information related to the pandemic.

Myself and the rest of the council approved the opening of a vaccination clinic in the heart of town and provided details regarding how to schedule appointments. Restaurants were particularly at risk during this time. To help mitigate the risk, the City Council quickly enacted a process by which restaurants could be approved for outdoor seating administratively rather than applying for a Special Use permit and waiting for a regularly scheduled City Council meeting for approval. As a council member, it was my responsibility, as well as others on the board to quickly explore creative solutions to not only mitigate the spread of the virus but also provide support to the residents and businesses that were affected by the pandemic.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I have a track record of accomplishment and demonstrate a commitment to the community. I have been a consistent advocate for important issues, and I have collaborated with other elected officials and stakeholders to achieve common goals.

Ultimately, voters should trust a council member who demonstrates competence, integrity, and a genuine desire to serve the community's interests. These are the traits that I have tried to exhibit, and voters can have confidence I will continue to improve the quality of life in Crystal Lake.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

One of the primary responsibilities at the Council level is to develop and implement policies that serve the interests of their constituents. Passage of policies that promote economic growth, build coalitions and work with others to achieve common goals, engaging with the community to understand their priorities, and managing the finances of their community to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively and efficiently are all key success criteria for a successful term in office. In addition, I would also see additional amenities at Three Oaks as well as the complete buildout of the old Walmart partial as criteria for success in my next term.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

I will continue to support a culture of spending control which has resulted in Crystal Lake's portion of a property owner's tax bill being amongst the lowest when compared to surrounding communities. Only 11% of the property tax bill is attributed to municipal services, yet through sound practices that I encourage, the city still provides the highest quality of amenities for the citizens. I am certainly committed to providing fiscally sound services, programs, and facilities for all the citizens of Crystal Lake with a keen eye for efficiency so that the high quality of life that citizens and businesses experience today can be enjoyed for years to come.

Do you support the Illinois assault weapons ban, and would you support a local assault weapons ban in this community?

Banning weapons is not a policy that can be determined at the municipal level but rather at higher levels of government. As it stands today, Illinois does incorporate some of the strictest gun control laws which includes background checks and waiting periods. The question of whether a ban is a good idea is a complex one with arguments for and against. From my perspective, complex scenarios cannot be solved with a “silver bullet”. Gun control laws in combination with other solutions such as better mental health care and increased community outreach may help reduce gun violence. The question of whether Illinois’ weapons ban is effective will take time. Ultimately, policy decisions regarding gun control are made at the state level and not at the municipal level.

Do you support the SAFE-T Act? Why or why not?

Much like weapons control, the SAFE-T act is not a policy that can be determined at the municipal level but rather at higher levels of government. Historically I have been supportive of both our police and fire departments by ensuring that adequate funding is in place officers so that they have the resources to perform their duties to the best of their abilities.

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town?

While crime can occur in any city, Crystal Lake is a very safe community. When comparing Crystal Lake to other cities of similar size within the state of Illinois, Crystal Lake has a lower crime rate. In fact, Crystal Lake has a lower crime rate than both the national and state averages. While there are several contributing factors to low crime within the city, having an effective law enforcement agency is certainly an important element. The dedicated men and women employed at Crystal Lake’s police department work to prevent and investigate criminal activity. In addition, they also collaborate with other law enforcement agencies and community organizations to address crime and safety concerns continuously. The department is accredited by Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), which is a voluntary accreditation program that establishes national standards for law enforcement agencies. I’m extremely proud of both our police and fire departments because they are committed to providing quality services and work collaboratively with the community to address safety concerns.

When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? What will need to be done to make this happen?

Crystal Lake has been successful in helping existing businesses expand as well as attracting new businesses using creative incentives. I believe that it is important to be proactive in attracting new businesses by utilizing a combination of tools, technology, and creative marketing techniques to showcase the important demographic information that potential businesses find attractive. Crystal Lake's economic execution, population stability, and school district performance are all important factors that influence the caliber of the workforce that continues to make Crystal Lake a "Good Place to Live and Work." For the past several years, Crystal Lake has reaped the benefits of these programs that I have supported. Other opportunities for development achievements in Crystal Lake I have answered in other questions.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

Crystal lake is my home and I intend to serve my full term in office.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The following is a card that was given to me from my wife in college. It’s still in my wallet today.

Think Positive
If you THINK you are beaten, You are.
If you THINK you dare not, you don’t
Success begins with your own will…
It’s all in your state of mind.
Life’s battles are not always won
By those we are stronger or faster:
Sooner or later the person who wins
Is the person the THINKS he can!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a lifelong resident and have raised four children in Crystal Lake taking advantage of the wonderful parks and schools.

Crystal Lake has seen significant progress over the past decade ranging from the opening of the award-winning Three Oaks Recreation Center; major economic development by attracting retail, mixed-use, and commercial projects; an assortment of dining options from local cafes to national chains; and continued investment in its top-ranked downtown.

All of this has been achieved through a collaborative City Council working passionately with the city staff to increase the quality of life for residents and attract new businesses.

Although we have seen significant progress during my tenure in City Council, there is still much left to achieve. Therefore, I am seeking to be re-elected to the City Council to serve the residents of Crystal Lake with the same passion, integrity, professionalism and unwavering commitment as I have done so for the past 16 years.