'Even The Best Can Get Better': Hinsdale Leader

HINSDALE, IL – Greg Hart experienced an interruption during his speech Wednesday after being sworn in as Hinsdale's new village president.

It was his young son, George. He walked up to the podium to see his dad.

Hart asked for help.

"I tried my best," he said. "Love you, buddy."

The audience laughed.

The 37-year-old – believed to be Hinsdale's youngest president – took the oath before an audience of more than 150 people outside Village Hall. Many government officials from around the suburbs attended, with DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin serving as the master of ceremonies.

Hart, who ran unopposed for president, announced a new key-to-the-city program. He wants to recognize up to five residents a year for their service and leadership to help improve the village.

Alex Hart smiles before her husband Greg Hart's swearing-in ceremony as Hinsdale's new village president Wednesday outside Village Hall. Her husband is to her right. (David Giuliani/Patch)

He presented the first such award during his speech.

"In my view, the spirit of community is best embodied by my predecessor, who is here tonight. Let's give it up for Tom Cauley. Tom led with thoughtfulness and strength for 16 years," Hart said. "You set a high standard, and we're all better off for it."

Hart said he would form a new public safety and transportation committee, which would involve residents.

Its work, he said, would be informed by a local pedestrian safety study that is underway.

"It will prioritize high-use areas near schools and parks. We will implement these recommendations with care and urgency," Hart said.

He also made a special mention of Hinsdale's Richards family, who lost their son, 14-year-old Sean Patrick Richards, in a 2023 crash next to Fuller's Car Wash. The family, he said, experienced an "unimaginable loss."

"Your advocacy has brought focus to this issue," Hart said. "We hear you, we see you, and we will take action."

He said the village will invest in "unseen but essential" infrastructure.

"Additionally, we will start challenging ComEd to explore a long-term plan for finally burying above-ground power lines," he said to applause. "Yes, that topic is complex, and, yes, it will take time. But we owe it to the community to examine what's possible with transparency and fiscal responsibility at the forefront."

He noted that post-pandemic, more residents are working from home and spending dollars closer to home.

"Let's make it easy for those residents to stay here for dinner, coffee and shopping," Hart said. "We'll support our existing businesses while at the same time recruit more to broaden our sales tax base and reduce pressure on property taxes that residents need to pay."

He called Hinsdale "the finest community in Illinois."

"But even the best can get better," he said. "We will preserve what makes us special while also embracing smart, forward-looking improvements."

Hinsdale Trustee Alexis Braden shakes the hand of village attorney Lance Malina before Wednesday's swearing-in ceremony for a new village president. (David Giuliani/Patch)

A crowd attends the swearing-in ceremony for new Village President Greg Hart on Wednesday outside Village Hall. (David Giuliani/Patch)

Hinsdale Trustee Luke Stifflear (left) gets ready to shake the hand of outgoing Village President Tom Cauley on Wednesday outside Village Hall. They were at the swearing-in ceremony for Greg Hart as the new village president. (David Giuliani/Patch)

Hinsdale trustees Michelle Fisher (from left, facing camera), Scott Banke, Neale Byrnes and Matt Posthuma stand outside Village Hall on Wednesday before the swearing-in of a new village president. (David Giuliani/Patch)

Western Springs Village President Heidi Rudolph speaks Wednesday with attorneys Michael Marrs (left) and Lance Malina before the swearing-in of Hinsdale's new village president. The attorneys belong to the firm that represents both Hinsdale and Western Springs, among other towns. (David Giuliani/Patch)

Greg Hart greets well-wishers Wednesday before he is sworn in as Hinsdale's new village president. (David Giuliani/Patch)

Greg Hart, Hinsdale's incoming village president, is with DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin shortly before Hart's swearing-in ceremony Wednesday. Berlin was the master of ceremonies. (David Giuliani/Patch)