Keith Ogle: Candidate For Frankfort Village President

FRANKFORT, IL — The consolidated election, which features several local races, will be held on April 1, and early voting already started on March 17. As a way to help keep voters informed, Patch offers candidate questionnaires for all candidates in local races.

One of those races in Frankfort is the race for Frankfort Village President/Mayor. There are two candidates running for Village President. Also for Village races: there are four candidates running for three 4-year Trustee term and there is one candidate running for Village Clerk.

One of those candidates is Keith Ogle, who is the incumbent candidate running for Village President. Ogle recently filled out the Patch candidate questionnaire, and his answers can be found below:

Your name:

Keith Ogle

Campaign Website/Facebook:

www.keithogle.com https://www.facebook.com/Elect...

Office sought:

Mayor/Village President

Town/City of Residence:

Frankfort

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.

No

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

Owner of a commercial audio-visual company located in Frankfort since 2004

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

● Frankfort Village Mayor 2021-Present
● Frankfort Village Trustee 2015-2021
● Frankfort Village Clerk 2013-2015
● Frankfort Library Board (President) 2009-2015

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

The most pressing issues facing our community are infrastructure, public safety, and maintaining our high quality of life. These are the areas I am focused on, and here’s how I plan to address them.

First, our infrastructure has been a priority since I became Mayor. I introduced an aggressive street resurfacing program to the Village Board to tackle our road issues. With this year’s upcoming budget approval, we will have successfully caught up with our maintenance schedule, and all Frankfort roads will be rated as good or better.

In the realm of public safety, I’ve made it a top priority to equip our police department with the latest crime-fighting technologies. This ensures that Frankfort families and businesses stay safe. Our police force is fully staffed and has added specialized units to enhance our proactive approach to law enforcement, continuing our tradition of keeping the community secure. Frankfort is considered one of the most desirable communities in Illinois because we’ve managed to balance economic growth with preserving our historic charm. We maintain high standards through our village code and remain committed to controlled, gradual development that respects our small-town character. We approve projects based on their suitability to the community, not for growth’s sake.

Finally, we’ve managed to balance our budget without introducing new taxes or increasing tax rates. As Mayor, I will continue to ensure that our village government delivers efficient service at a reasonable cost, keeping the tax burden as low as possible for our residents.

If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board or plan to change?

I have served as Mayor since 2021

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

My campaign platform focuses on continuing the progress we’ve made over the last four years and ensuring that we are fully prepared for the next phase of growth and development. One of the cornerstones of our work is the award-winning 2040 Comprehensive Plan, which was created through extensive community input.

Titled “Your Future, Your Frankfort,” this plan reflects the vision our residents have for the future of our village. A key element of this plan is the new Pfeiffer Road extension, and over the next four years, we will prioritize development along the Route 30 corridor, specifically between Mariano’s and Pfeiffer Road. Another critical issue is our Sewer and Water Utility, which is projected to require multi-million-dollar upgrades in the near future. This includes improvements to the force main, regional plant expansion, and potentially the construction of an additional wastewater treatment plant south of town—an estimated cost of $80-100 million. We have already commissioned a facility study to explore the best options and ensure that we have the capacity to support future growth.

Additionally, we’ve secured millions of dollars in grant funding, allowing us to complete important local projects without draining village resources. One such project is the addition of the Sauk bike trail, supported by a $2.2 million grant (with an expected $1.6 million from the state). We are also in the process of updating our Bicycle Transportation Plan to enhance connectivity across our community and plan for future needs.

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

I believe the voters should look at the promises I made and the tangible accomplishments we’ve achieved under my leadership.

Running village government requires a deep understanding of internal operations, and with the support of our dedicated staff, and the Village Board, we’ve made significant strides in improving our infrastructure and serving the community since 2021. Here are some key achievements:

 38 miles of roadway resurfacing and rehabilitation - $26.4 million, which includes the addition of new sidewalks at all intersections to meet ADA requirements.

 11,000 linear feet of water main replacement - $3.7 million, addressing the replacement of aging water mains that had experienced frequent breaks.

 53,000 linear feet of sanitary sewer cleaning and televising upstream of the Jackson Creek lift station, ensuring the integrity of our sanitary sewer system.

 Construction of two new downtown parking lots on Smith St. and White St. - $1 million, with $560,000 secured in Department of Commerce and Economic Development (DCEO) grant funding.

 $400,000 in manhole rehabilitation to remove stormwater from entering the sanitary sewer system upstream of the Jackson Creek lift station.

 New playground equipment at Prairie Park, along with path reconstruction and resurfacing (scheduled for completion in Spring 2025). This project was funded by a $600,000 DCEO grant.

 Saint Francis Rd. resurfacing from LaGrange Rd. to 88th Ave. - $944,000, with $755,000 secured in STP funding.

 Completion of the Pfeiffer Road extension - $3.75 million, with $1.17 million from Rebuild Illinois funding and $750,000 from DCEO grants. This project won the American Public Works Association’s Public Works Project of the Year award and is a key component of our award-winning 2040 Comprehensive Development Plan.

 Construction of a new fresh water well #18 with a water treatment plant - $5.7 million, with $500,000 in federal ARPA funding. This project will help meet the village’s growing water demand.

 Replacement of all lead service lines at no cost to homeowners, using a $1.8 million 100% forgivable loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).

 $6 million in this year’s upcoming roadway maintenance program to bring all our roads up to a “good” or better rating, fully catching up on the maintenance curve.

 $1.3 million in STP funding secured for the resurfacing of Wolf Rd. from Route 30 to Laraway Rd., scheduled for construction in 2029.

 In addition, we’ve fully staffed our police department, and we’ve issued more than 130 new business licenses. A new steakhouse, the Frankfort Chop House, located at Laraway and Wolf Rd., will be coming before our Plan Commission on March 27th.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I have a proven track record of delivering on the promises I made four years ago. I ran on a platform, and I not only met those goals but exceeded them. Additionally, with nearly two decades of public service to the village, I have built a reputation for making decisions that prioritize the best interests of our residents.

I have always been committed to leadership that is both accountable and transparent. While tough decisions are sometimes necessary decisions that may not always be popular, I have consistently put the well-being of our community ahead of personal preferences.

The people of Frankfort can trust that I will always work to maintain the high standards we’ve set and will never compromise on what’s best for our town. I also have no financial interests that could be considered a conflict of interest.

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

I don’t believe there is any single accomplishment that would define my term as a success. Instead, there are several key initiatives I aim to complete during my next term. Successfully finishing these projects would provide me with a great sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that we’ve made significant progress for the future of our community.

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

My approach to fiscal policy, government spending, and the handling of taxpayer dollars is rooted in fiscal responsibility and living within our means.

Frankfort has a long-standing tradition of operating without accumulating debt. We have consistently balanced our budgets without introducing new taxes or tax increases.

I treat village tax dollars with the same care and attention as I do my own. This commitment is reflected in our financial record, as Frankfort has been awarded the highest-level Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association for 35 consecutive years.

While we maintain healthy surpluses, much of these funds are already earmarked for future projects. For example, our Utility Capital Fund, which cannot be used for day-to-day operations, is set aside for utility-related expenses.

 Remaining capital funds are dedicated to ongoing capital expenses and future projects, including essential equipment.
 Depleting this fund would force the village to issue bonds, which could increase the tax burden on residents to cover additional costs.
 This year, our capital fund is projected to experience a $3.5 million deficit due to significant investments, such as the street resurfacing program.
 Additionally, we have a fund balance policy that sets aside 25% of the operating budget ($6-$7 million) to ensure financial stability, and this portion cannot be used for other expenses.

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?

We are fortunate that the crime rate in Frankfort remains very low. However, I have made it a top priority to ensure that our police department has the latest tools and technologies to keep our community safe.

We’ve implemented body cameras, in-car cameras, AEDs (defibrillators) in all patrol vehicles, license plate readers, and we are introducing a new public-facing crime mapping and data analysis tool. This will allow residents to access a visual representation of where crimes are occurring, providing greater insight into patterns and trends across the community.

Our officers receive training at 4 to 5 times the state-mandated requirements, making them highly qualified and exceeding the standards set by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. The police department is fully staffed and has implemented several specialized units to enhance public safety while continuing our tradition of proactive policing.

The Frankfort Police Department is also deeply embedded in the community, building strong relationships through involvement in local schools, events, and outreach programs. Some key initiatives include the D.A.R.E. Program in schools, Neighborhood Watch and Business Watch programs, Coffee with a Cop events, Youth & Senior Safety Initiatives, and the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program.

Additionally, we have reactivated our K9 program to assist with detection and tracking, while also strengthening ties between officers and residents. Officer "Pax" is currently in training with his handler to further enhance our department’s capabilities.

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development?

Frankfort is a thriving and highly desirable community, and that’s because we maintain high standards. I was elected four years ago to uphold those standards and protect what makes Frankfort unique. Since 2021, we’ve issued over 130 new business licenses while maintaining these high standards.

We also have several exciting residential developments on the horizon, including the Reserve of Copper Creek, which will be built on the former Borg-Warner property. This project represents a significant transformation from a long-time industrial site to a beautiful residential community, and it is scheduled to come before the Plan Commission on March 27th.

Our approach is guided by our Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Maps. We are committed to ensuring that any development is the right fit for the location. For example, we’re excited to welcome Chick-fil-A to Frankfort, where they will be appropriately located in a busy commercial corridor near Emagine Theater and Home Depot on Route 45.

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?

While Frankfort has a very low vacancy rate, we continue to collaborate with private property owners of vacant commercial spaces to attract the right tenants. Their leasing agents are among the largest and most established in the industry.

Recently, we were excited to welcome Planet Fitness to Frankfort on Route 45. The Village remains committed to fostering economic growth by utilizing development tools that encourage new construction, business attraction, and expansion.

These efforts, aligned with the Village’s comprehensive plan, will guide our long-term growth and ensure Frankfort is well-prepared for future opportunities.

A common request we receive from residents is for more park district amenities. It’s important to note that Frankfort has three distinct park districts, each governed by its own independent board. While we all want the best amenities for our families, the Village does everything we can to support our park districts without interfering with their autonomy. There is often confusion between park "districts" and park "departments". Park districts are separate taxing bodies with their own boards of commissioners, whereas park departments fall under a municipality's authority.

Additionally, the Village does not determine or change the allocation of tax revenue between the different taxing bodies, which is a common misconception.

One amenity frequently requested is a community center. However, building such a facility would require taxpayers to approve a referendum to increase the park district tax.

We will continue to work closely with our park districts to ensure that the needs of our community are met while respecting the authority and independence of these entities.

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

No

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

One of the most important things I want voters to know is that throughout my many years of service to the village, I have never given in to pressure tactics and have always made decisions based on what is best for Frankfort.

Unfortunately, my opponent and his supporters have launched one of the most defamatory and misleading campaigns that Frankfort voters have ever encountered. This is not the way we elect leaders in our community, and I encourage voters to critically evaluate the news sources spreading these false narratives and consider who benefits from them.

Voters have a clear choice in this election. I have full faith that the residents of Frankfort will see through these distortions and re-elect leaders with proven records of service, integrity, and commitment to our community.

(If you are a candidate in the upcoming April 1 election, please email andrea.earnest@patch.com for a candidate questionnaire to share your positions with readers)

Frankfort Election Guide: What’s On The Ballot, What To Know

Here are the candidates for:

Village of Frankfort

• Village President (vote for one)
  • Keith Ogle (incumbent)
  • Justin Ozinga
• Village Clerk
  • Katie Schubert (incumbent)
• Village Trustee (vote for three)
  • Michael Leddin (incumbent)
  • Daniel Rossi (incumbent)
  • Eugene Savaria (incumbent)
  • Todd Morgan