John Argoudelis For Plainfield Mayor: Candidate Survey

PLAINFIELD, IL — Four candidates are looking to become the next mayor of Plainfield.

In the April 1 Consolidated Election, voters will be asked to choose between incumbent mayor John Argoudelis, current trustees Margie Bonuchi and Cally Larson and former trustee Kevin Calkins for the head role in the village.

RELATED: Plainfield 2025 Consolidated Election: Who Filed For Mayor, Trustee

Patch sent surveys to Plainfield candidates ahead of the election. Responses will be published as they're received. Take a look at Argoudelis's answers below:

Your name: John Argoudelis

Office sought: Mayor

Campaign website: www.ArgoudelisForMayor.com

Town of residence: Plainfield

Party affiliation: Independent

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: Attorney (35 years) and current mayor (4 years).

Previous or current elected or appointed office: Mayor of Plainfield, Will County Board, Will County Forest Preserve, Plainfield Township Supervisor

The most pressing issues facing Plainfield are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them. As a Village that has grown substantially, traffic issues are a prime concern. We adopted a 10-year Transportation and Mobility Plan under my watch and have spent over $30 million on roadway improvements. At long last we commenced the extension of 143rd Street to alleviate the congestion in town. We will continue to spend tens of millions of dollars to expand our roadways and improve the flow of traffic. We are constantly seeking out grants and federal and State money to minimize the burden on our taxpayers.

Real Estate tax diversification is crucial. We cannot put this burden on our homes. We've reduced the tax burden on our homes from 88% of our real estate tax revenues to 80% and will continue to work hard on attracting businesses to bear the tax burden.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? All of my opponents have failed to articulate a vision and seek to turn back the clock to their era of cronyism, exclusion and small-town thinking. They've each served on the board for years and never led an initiative, but rather have reacted to situations. We are a Village of 50,000. We must have vision and leadership that gets things done. More has been accomplished under my watch the past 4 years than they have ever accomplished in their years of service.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. Since I first became Mayor, the inclusion of all of our residents has been a priority. in my opponents' era, you had to be part of their club to have a voice. I've appointed all sorts of residents to various positions and support all of our businesses, people and organizations. This is the hometown of every resident. You are welcome and valued, and you have an equal voice to everyone.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I listen to residents, experts, our staff and all who have insight as to every issue. Then I formulate a plan to address the needs of our community. We've done this with economic growth, roadway/traffic improvements, parking in our downtown. We've kept Plainfield safe as I've appointed a Chief who is well respected by his team and our community. We've promoted the preservation and expansion of green space and trail. No one works harder than I do. I lead.

Why should voters trust you? In over 15 years of executive office experience (Township Supervisor and Mayor), I have led with honest and integrity. I have the track record. I'm very accessible through social media and my cell phone is listed on our website. I respond to every resident inquiry via e-mail and phone calls. I attend all sorts of events in our Village and shop local. If you have a concern or question - you can always reach me directly for an honest answer.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success? To continue the progress we've made in economic growth, supporting our businesses, continuing our efforts to improve traffic flow, keeping our Village safe and expanding our amenities, green space, and trails.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? We have a great and experienced staff that has kept our budget in the black. We have lowered the Village tax rate on our homes during my term. I describe myself as fiscally responsible. People expect us to deliver high-quality services and we must do so responsibly. As in your personal life, you budget your money and seek out multiple bids to ensure you're getting the best price for the product.

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? As earlier mentioned, Plainfield consistently rates as one of the safest communities in the State of Illinois. We fully support our police department financially and with the most modern crime-fighting tools. Great leadership is paramount and in our current Chief, we've hit a home run.

What is your view of the village's approach to commercial and residential development? I think residential development should not be a priority at all and we should not seek to approve more residential development into our farmland areas. Most of the residential development we see today was approved by my opponents before my time, but the developers are only building it now. We must diversify our tax base and the only option to do so is through retail and industrial growth. If we fail to do this, the future tax burden will fall on our homes. I will not place the burden of maintaining our high quality of life in Plainfield on the homeowner.

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?

Our residents want a safe community in which to raise their children, quality schools, a thriving economy and great amenities. We have supported all of these things over the last four years and have actively sought them out. New restaurants, festivals and greenspace.

We came up with the idea of a GreenBelt, a new area of green space to buffer our homes from industrial growth. This GreenBelt is being paid for by the developers and not your tax dollars. They will also pay to maintain it. It will include trails and other public amenities.

Building 143rd Street to contain this traffic is key. We are investing close to $100 million to construct this road to keep the heavy traffic and the industrial growth contained to this corridor so the rest of the Village will continue to be the quiet and safe community we desire.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family? None. I'm very fit and am an avid cross-country skier and cyclist. I'm blessed to have no current health issues.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I have articulated and executed a vision for Plainfield to be the best version of itself in every way possible. The Best Plainfield. No other candidate has such a vision. The Best Plainfield is one that is responsive to its residents, continually works to solve traffic and addresses real estate tax issues. A Plainfield to which every resident is a valued member of our community. Of the candidates running, only I have the proven vision, leadership and dedication to make the Best Plainfield for all of us.