Robert Straz, Candidate For Mayor Of Palos Heights: Election 2025

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — Bob Straz is running for his seventh term as mayor of Palos Heights in the April 1 election. Early voting starts March 17.

Your name

Bob Straz

Campaign Website

Bobstraz.com

Office sought

Mayor, City of Palos Heights

Town/City of Residence

Palos Heights

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)

None

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

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

Community banker (retired) 46 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Mayor - 24 years
Recreation Advisory Board - 20 years
Police Pension Board - 12 years

The most pressing issues facing our board is continuing to find and develop funding sources for future projects , whether it be Harlem Avenue or infrastructure replacement to our 60 year old water and sewer system _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

We will develop past sources along with new ones. This may be the established Business District tax, Or TIF. The infrastructure costs will come from acquired reserves, grants and low-cost government loans

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

My leadership style as a team builder, not a bully. Work toward a conscientious for the good of the city. Listen to others’ opinions. I have worked in this market as a banker for some 46 years. For at least 25 years of that time I had my office in town. I know the needs and wants of the residents, and have helped address them and many levels.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

NA

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

My financial management skills, as shown in financial performance of the city over the past 24 years. My vision for the quality of life that I have brought to the city. Ability to bring matching grants to the city through my established relationships with leaders at state and federal levels.
This will continue with my re-election

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

Again, through strong financial management, we have run at a surplus for 24 years. We have taken those funds and have been able to acquire over $12M in state and federal matching grants, with another $1.2m in the pipeline through my efforts.

We initiated programs that enhance the quality of life in town. i.e. Farmers’ Market, Car Classic, 4th of July and Santa parade to name a few. This is in addition to esthetic improvements such as Arts throughout town, new streetlights, street signs, and enhance landscaping.

We have added a senior bus in town and added children’s programs, to serve all age residents.
We can’t forget the new Recreation center.

Why should voters trust you?

I have always put the interest of the city as a number one priority. I have never done anything to shake the resident’s belief in me. I do this job because I just want to help people; that has been my approach in life always. You can see that in my civic involvement

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

Continued improvement in the quality of life.

But the one thing that I want to see is the opening of Pete’s Market at 127/Ridgeland. I started meeting with Pete’s management over 10 years ago. They bought the center; now, if they would just get the store going

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

I would say that I am conservative in my fiscal policy, while always looking for funding sources outside of taxes to benefit our residents

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in Palos Heights?

We have a low crime rate in Palos Heights. We have established programs to keep it that way.

Furthermore, we have added body cams on all officers. I am a firm believer in License Plate Readers as a proven crime fighting tool. We have numerous officers who are and have served of various Federal agencies, giving invaluable training and a funding source from drug asset forfeitures.

We have established a model Critical Intervention Unit, hoping to deal with problems before they escalate

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

We work with developers interested in coming into Palos Heights. I have a long history in my banking career in helping make this sort of thing happen. One of the major problems that we have is that we have so many small individual property owners, especially along Harlem. The only building updates we have had such as Franklin House, and Advocate is when there has been a change in owner ship. We were active in those. Short of that, we have had a façade, landscaping and sign grant program in place for a number of to encourage updates to properties.

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?

An updated Harlem Avenue business corridor, to that end we have acquired 4 properties for current and future parking in accordance with our 2019 Comprehensive Plan. We have started the Business District, which will be the source of funding for the improvement in that district.

What city policies do you believe need updating or rescinding? Explain why.

We should look at the Ordinance Code and determine if changes are needed to the codes and committee structures.

Should there be term limits on municipal boards? Why or why not?

No Term limits do not guarantee a better government; a conscientious informed electorate does

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?

I do this because I want to help people and continue to make our home of 47 years a great place. I serve in many capacities in organizations in the area for that reason. I’m not looking for accolades, I just want all our residents to enjoy living in Palos Heights as we have.