Election 2013 Candidate: Tom Livingston

Name: Tom Livingston

Position Sought: LaGrange Village President

Campaign Contact Information: tom4lagrange2013@aol.com phone: 312-504-5838

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?: A transition in the village presidency provides a healthy opportunity to review across the board village operations with the village manager and their team. This will occur with the strong management team we have. The single most important priority after the election will be providing leadership with the village board in developing the YMCA site and strategies aligned with village wide economic development. Additionally; comprehensive, multi-year pedestrian safety projects should be pursued.

Home Address: 307 S. Edgewood Ave, LaGrange

Family Members:

Casey Livingston (spouse) 45, Will 12; Avery 10; Hayden 3
(none employed by village)

Education:

Lyons Towship High School 1985
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 1990, BA Communications
University of Illinois at Springfield 1997, Masters Public Administration

Current Occupation and Employer:

CSX Transportation; Midwest Regional Vice President Government and Public Affairs
Chairman, Civic Federation Chicago 2010-2012
Chairman, University of Illinois Alumni Association 2011-2013
Executive Committee, Illinois Railroad Association
Executive Committee, Michigan Railroad Association

Political Party Affiliation: Independent

Why are you seeking office?: I want draw on experiences I have been fortunate to have in the public and private sector for LaGrange's continued economic vitality and favorable quality of life. I enjoy being a part of a results-oriented community that is thoughful and engaged. Strategically providing affordable yet measurable benefits to our village is the spirit of public service that is important to me.

What sets you apart from the other candidates (if applicable)?: I am running unopposed at this time.

What are the other issues you plan to address in this position, and how?: LaGrange has the opportunity to address its pension and debt in village government from a position of relative strength. It will be important to review and if necessary modernize long-term pension plans. Without addressing the fiscal challenges a non-home rule village like our has; we will struggle to offer services we presently enjoy in the future. Current/Previous LaGrange village boards have been good stewards of public finances and have started meaningful reforms.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign: I have found it helpful to discuss our village's future as I have campaigned for Village President. I hope residents and businesses continue to contact me during and beyond the campaign season. After having served on the village board from 2003-2011; I was even more optimistic about our village's future as I departed than when I started. It's an honor to be on the ballot in LaGrange.

See Also:

Election 2013: Village of La Grange President