Michael Leddin: Candidate For Frankfort Village Trustee

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 Trustee. There are four candidates running for three 4-year Trustee terms. Also on the Village Board: there is one candidate running for Village Clerk, and two candidates running for Village President.

One of those candidates is Michael Leddin, who is an incumbent running for a 4-year Village Trustee term. Leddin recently filled out the Patch candidate questionnaire, and his answers can be found below:

Your name:

Michael Leddin

Campaign Website/Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/MLedd...

Office sought:

Village Board

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.

Chief Operating Officer/National Litigation Law Firm/25 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Trustee - Village of Frankfort

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

We are fortunate to live in a beautiful safe town that provides many services and amenities to our residents. Our greatest responsibilities are finding the right balance of maintaining the charm of our Village, providing the highest level of services to our residents, keeping our taxes low, looking for ways to generate additional tax revenue, all while looking for new businesses to fill gaps and provide products and services that would be of value to our residents.

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

I am an incumbent

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

I had adopted the campaign slogan of "Forward Together", because I felt that it takes collaboration and cooperation for us to most effectively identify issues, develop the most effective solutions, and strategically implement those solutions. The initialism of "FORWARD TOGETHER" defines me and my campaign platform; (1) Fiscally responsible approach and discipline, (2) Open communication and transparency, (3) Responsible development, (4) Working for you and with you, (5) Accessible government, (6) Record of accomplishment, and (7) Dedicated proven leadership. I believe this initialism describes me, my background, and how I approach my role as a Village Trustee.

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

I am the Chief Operating Officer for a national litigation law firm, with 18 offices throughout the country. I am responsible for - Accounting, Billing, Human Resources, Information Systems, Marketing, Office Services, and Real Estate. I believe my professional experience, education, and developed skillset provide me with the tools to be an effective member of the Village Board. I have been a Trustee for the past four years and am proud of what we have accomplished and what I have contributed to those discussions and determinations. Prior to becoming a Village Trustee, I was member of the Plan Commission. I worked hard to learn about the issues that come before the Plan Commission so that I could make meaningful and thoughtful contributions and enforce the codes/ordinances of our Village. I am proud of my accomplishments and the growth I have realized in my professional career, and firmly believe that there parallels with my responsibilities as a Village Trustee.

Why should voters trust you?

I believe the following things about me demonstrate my trustworthiness; (1) in my professional role I am responsible for protecting the assets of the firm and the interests of the shareholders, I have a great deal of autonomy in my role which has been earned as I built trust over the past 25 years, (2) in my personal life, my wife trusted me to be stepfather to her three boys, knowing and appreciating how much she loves and protects her sons truly demonstrated to me how much she trusted me to be a loving, involved and caring stepdad that would be a positive role model, and (3) with regards to the Village, I do not have an agenda other than to do what I believe is best for our residents and I keep their interests (which are essentially the same as mine) in mind with each decision that I make.

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

It will not be a single thing. When I look back at what has happened over the past 4 years, including; (1) working to fully staff the police department and ensure the safety of our residents, (2) participating in the process of bringing new businesses to town, (3) identifying ways to improve the services provided to our residents, (4) working with builders on the creation of new housing developments, (5) listening to our residents as to what is important to them and doing my best to be their voice in the room when decisions are made, (6) looking for ways to keep the tax burden on our residents low (there have been no tax increases for the residents during my term), and (7) rezoning Borg Warner which will result in a beautiful single family and townhome development next to Main Park. What will define success over the next four years will be continuing to do similar things all with a look toward what is in the best long-term interest of our town and its residents.

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

In my professional role I am responsible for budgeting, revenue generation, expense management, and protecting the interests of the firm and its employees. I view my responsibilities in the Village in the same way. It is my duty to be accountable to each of our residents, to protect the assets of the Village, to look for ways to enhance revenues and reduce expenses. I have a fiduciary responsibility to the residents/taxpayers to work in their interest and I take this responsibility seriously.

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?

Fortunately, the crime rate in Frankfort is low. It is my duty as a Village Trustee to support our police department and provide them with the staffing and tools that are needed to be most effective at their jobs. Our police department is fully staffed with trained officers prepared to carryout the responsibilities of their positions and protect our residents. The Village Board has approved expenditures providing enhanced resources to our police department, increasing their capabilities to serve and protect our residents and businesses.

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

My view is not growth for the sake of growth but rather growth to meet demands and provide enhanced services to our residents. Development either commercial or residential must be thoughtful and involve input from our residents to ensure that growth benefits our Village and maintains our unique charm. As a Village Trustee, my view on the village's approach to commercial and residential development is based on ensuring that growth is balanced, sustainable, and beneficial to the community as a whole. It is important to consider the immediate needs of our residents and the long-term impact of the development on our infrastructure, service demands, quality of life, and sustainability. The Village had developed a long-term plan entitled the "2040 Comprehensive Plan." To serve as a guideline when contemplating development and growth. The Plan was created with input from residents, business owners, and local officials, "Frankfort's Comprehensive Plan is designed to guide community leaders and decision-makers on matters related to growth, development, and quality of life over the next 20 years." This Plan is a useful reference tool when considering opportunities that arises and initiative that are undertaken but it is our responsibility to use this and all information available to make the best, most informed, long-term decisions.

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?

There are some recurring themes that I have heard expressed by residents that I continue to work with the Village Board on; (1) filling in vacant retail space throughout the Village. The Village hired a Director of Economic Development to focus on attracting retailers to Frankfort, we need to evaluate this process and see what can be done to improve results, (2) residents have expresses a desire for the Village to work with the Park District to improve facilities and programming, while there are limitations on what the Village may be able to do, we need to evaluate the possibilities and prioritize these projects, and (3) we need to determine products and services that residents are going elsewhere for and determine how best to provide them locally.

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?

My wife (Tammy) and I have a combined family of six children. We have two beautiful granddaughters. We moved to Butternut in December 2017. It has been a labor of love remodeling and updating our home. When we moved here five of our children were living at home, now just one remains. Our son, Danny, is nonverbal autistic and will be with us forever (hopefully). Additionally, I am on the Board/Treasurer for a not-for-profit located in Homer Glen, I am an advisory Board Member at Missouri State University, and am a former Big Brother to twin boys. I am very passionate about our town and am proud of what has been accomplished these past four years. With the support of the voters, I am looking forward to continuing in my role and working toward protecting and improving this beautiful town we all call home.

(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