Tim Vanderhyden, Candidate for Will County Board District 6
Website: https://sites.google.com/site/electvanderhyden/
Email address: electVanderhyden@gmail.com
Phone number: 815-423-5822
Facebook page: Committee to Elect Tim Vanderhyden
Mailing address: PO Box 124, Elwood, IL 60421
Age and birthdate: 52 years old, date of birth is 7/29/60
Family: Wife, Paige, who is a member of the Joliet Township High School District 204 Board of Education; daughter, Abbie, who attends Illinois State University, and sons Jay and Mark who both attend Joliet Central High School.
Education: 1978 graduate of Joliet East High School; 1982 graduate of NECA-IBEW 176 Joint Apprenticeship Program.
Occupation: Electrician
Political Party: Democrat
Previous elected or appointed offices: Jackson Township Supervisor, 2004-present; Jackson Township Trustee, 1997-2004; Will County Community Development Block Grant Advisory Board, 2005-present; Will County Public Aid Committee, 2007-present
Is there any additional experience you believe qualifies you for the position? Organizer of the Jackson Township-Elwood holiday food and gift drive, 2005-present; Elwood Park and Recreation Committee, 2000-2005; Jackson Township Planning Board, 1995-1997.
What would your priorities be if elected to this office? To continue to work under balanced budgets to keep tax rates low; to find alternative sources of revenue other than property taxes; and to fund infrastructure improvements and programs such as grants and corporate partnerships.
What sets you apart from the other candidates? I have been fortunate to have served the residents of Jackson Township and Will County for the past 17 years. My experience of operating under a balanced budget, securing grants, collaborating and working with local business and other municipalities has prepared me to serve the residents of Will County as our county continues to be one of the fastest growing counties in the nation.
What can the county do to promote job growth and draw new business to Will County? The county can do many things to promote job growth and new business such as partner with local educational institutions to prepare and offer the most qualified workforce in the region to entice businesses to locate here, as well as promote our access to transportation such as our waterways, highways and rails.
Do you believe Cook County is encroaching on Will, and how would you make sure there isn't a negative influence from the city? I don't believe Cook County is encroaching on Will County. I think with strong, quality local leadership and a good educated workforce, Cook County will have to worry about Will County encroaching on them.
Should it be Will County or a special commission in charge of a proposed airport? Why, and how would that work? Will County should create a special commission made up of Will County and local officials from the municipalities closest to the airport to provide the local residents the greatest opportunity to be involved in the project and the operations of the airport.
All candidates have lauded the current board for work balancing the budget; what more would you do to practice fiscal responsibility? The County Board should continue to request that all the department heads run under tight budgets and eliminate wasteful spending.
Besides Renewing Will County, would you propose any projects related to sustainability in the county? I am a strong support in the county's intention of being a leader in implementing sustainable development practices and provide incentives for businesses and the general public to do so.
What ideas do you have for improving the county's infrastructure and transportation? Will County should continue to improve our infrastructure and share the cost with new developers and current companies that use our roads the most.
In what ways can the county operate more efficiently and improve technologically? I have talked with Will County employees who have told me the current computer system is outdated. The county should look at the feasibility of a new system that would operate more efficiently and lower the cost of operations.
