Michelle Fisher, Hinsdale Trustee Candidate

HINSDALE, IL – Incumbent Michelle Fisher is one of the four candidates for three seats on the Hinsdale Village Board.

Here are her responses to the Patch questionnaire:

Name:

Michelle Fisher

Town of residence:

Hinsdale

Age:

47

Campaign contact email:

No answer

Family:

● Hinsdale is home and Hinsdale has been our home for over 10 years.
● My husband grew up in town and and we feel very blessed to have the privilege of raising our family in a community filled with support, encouragement, shared values, a beautiful downtown, and great schools.
● We have 3 children;
○ Jack is 16 years old and at Benet Academy,
○ Chloe is 14 years old and at Clarendon Hills Middle School and a rising d86 Freshman, and
○ Colin is 8 years old at Monroe Elementary School.
○ Buster, our furry cockapoo, is 1 year old.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I am very proud of my sister. She was recently appointed as a Judge in New Hampshire.

Education:

● Loyola University Chicago, BA, 1999
● Loyola University Chicago School of Law, JD, 2002

Occupation:

Attorney

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

Village of Hinsdale Board experience matters! My experience is as follows:

● Village of Hinsdale Board, Trustee, 2021-present
● Village of Hinsdale Outdoor Dining, Board Liaison, 2021-present
● Village of Hinsdale Tree Board, 2021-present
● Village of Hinsdale 150th Celebration Committee, 2023-2025
● Village of Hinsdale Plan Commission, Commissioner, 2019-2021
● The Garden Club of Hinsdale, 2021- present, serving as Civic Co-Chair
● Monroe Elementary School, PTO, Yearbook Committee, 2015-present

The single most pressing issue facing the village is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it. My priorities and focuses for the Village remain as follows:

● Ensuring Parks and Fields meet the needs of families and athletes ● Support Village Public Safety
○ Village-wide Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Study / board item in February 2025
● Enhancing Central Business District and Outdoor Dining Programs

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

Village of Hinsdale Board experience matters!

● Together, Trustee Byrnes, Trustee Posthuma and Trustee Fisher (myself) represent more than 25 years of experience serving on Village Boards and Commissions.
● We have proven positive track records and our dedication to this great Village is unwavering.

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

Village Board experience matters! I have a proven positive track record of accomplishments as your Trustee for the past 4 years. My priorities and accomplishments are noted below:
● Spearheaded the Village of Hinsdale Memorial Building Plaza Renovation and Restoration
● Support of E-Bike Safety Enforcement and Education
● Outdoor Dining-Board Liaison
● Focus on beautification projects for our Parks and Central Business District Parkways
● Collaborate with Staff to provide guidebook for businesses and developers to streamline use of new Landscaping Code and Ordinance
● Prioritizing Village-Wide Safety- 2025 Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Study
○ (Board item/February 2025)
● Continuously working to ensure Village Parks and Fields meet the needs of families and athletes
● Longtime D181 PTO volunteer
● Mom with 3 school-age children

Are the village government's taxes too high, too low or just about right? Explain.

● Our current Village Board works very hard to meet Village needs while continuing to maintain a responsible budget and protecting our AAA financial credit rating.

What is your view of the village's maintenance of its infrastructure?

Excellent.

● Maintenance of our Village infrastructure is always a top priority.
● The Public Services Department successfully resurfaced and reconstructed over 92% of our Village roads since 2009.
● Public Services also keeps our Central Business District looking beautiful and the Outdoor Dining streetscape in top shape.

What is your assessment of the police department's performance?

Excellent.

● Chief King works tirelessly to ensure we live in a safe community.
● The Police Department has my FULL support.

Was the village right to provide incentives for owners of historical homes? Why or why not?

● Village-supported historical preservation programs and incentives help protect the history, culture and charm of our diverse streetscape.

Should the village allow video gambling or recreational marijuana sales in town? Why or why not?

● No.

State law requires towns such as Hinsdale to submit affordable housing plans, but the village is late by nearly a decade. Should the village turn in a plan? Why or why not?

● The deadline to submit a plan under the Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act (AHPAA) is June 2025. The Village intends to comply with that deadline.

How do you feel about gated neighborhoods?

● Evaluate on a case-by-case basis.

Should the village president and trustees take political contributions from village contractors or those with zoning or other matters before the board? Why or why not?

● I am a self-funded campaign. I am not accepting political contributions.

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?

TRUSTEES FISHER, BYRNES AND POSTHUMA….. We currently serve as Village of Hinsdale Trustees. We will continue to provide trusted, balanced and professional leadership. We are dedicated to Hinsdale and will energetically work to preserve and enhance our beautiful Village. Our responsibilities have been AND will remain clear:

● SUPPORTING POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS & VILLAGE SAFETY
● MAKING PARKS & FIELDS MEET THE NEEDS OF FAMILIES & ATHLETES
● MAINTAINING OUR AAA FINANCIAL CREDIT RATING
● PRIORITIZING VILLAGE INFRASTRUCTURE
● SUPPORTING OUR VIBRANT BUSINESS DISTRICTS & OUTDOOR DINING PROGRAMS, and,
● INCENTIVIZING HISTORIC PRESERVATION.