Election 2013 Candidate: Mark S. Langan

Name: Mark S. Langan

Position Sought: LaGrange Village Trustee

Campaign Contact Information: www.KeepLaGrangeWorking.org / Langan4lagrange@sbcglobal.net

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?: In our strategic planning session the village board identified that our highest priority is to maintain and improve the quality of life for our residents. This can be achieved through continued conservative budgeting with sound financial policies, economic development (west end and south gateway) and funding infrastructure (water/sewers/streets). I will continue to work with our board, our professional staff, residents and members of the business community to keep La Grange moving forward.

Home Address: 601 Ninth Avenue, LaGrange, IL 60525

Family Members:

Married since 1981 to Eileen Roche Langan
Children: Colin 29, Marikate 26 & Bridget 22, All graduates District 105 and L.T.H.S.

Education:

Bachelor of Science degree in FINANCE, with minor in Management awarded from Eastern Illinois University

Political Party Affiliation: Citizens for La Grange – Organization supports the candidacy of Mark Langan, Bill Holder and David McCarty for Village Trustee, John Byrnes for Clerk and Tom Livingston for President.

Why are you seeking office?: I am committed to maintain and improve the quality of life for our residents. I support our cost containment plan, economic development (e.g. the parking garage and support of the movie theatre) and the ability of our staff to continue to deliver community services at the highest levels. As a La Grange Trustee I will continue to work with our residents, board, professional staff and members of the business community to keep La Grange working.

What sets you apart from the other candidates (if applicable)?: I take my role as a Trustee very seriously and do the work to prepare for the decision making process in representing all of the residents of La Grange. I am very visible in the community attending meetings and events as a representative of the village to determine the priorities of the residents. I then act to make policy to support those priorities through a sound decision making process involving residents, staff, board, the business community and other key people.

What are the other issues you plan to address in this position, and how?: Potential issues include but are not limited to; public safety, revenue enhancements/lost revenue streams, economic development, transportation issues, land use development, potential collaborations/partnerships, staff development, staff compensation, sewer/water issues, unfunded mandates from the state and federal government, continued funding of pensions and more. However, it is critical that we listen to residents and use good process in the decision making process, as we never know exactly what will come to the board.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign:

My philosophy is that I am a community volunteer and it is my responsibility to work hard to make La Grange a wonderful community. I am responsible to the residents to make policies that will provide services at the desired levels at a reasonable cost. It is my role to be well informed, well-educated and well prepared for discussions of policy. It is also critical to understand the role of Trustee is that of a policy maker (not micromanager).

See also:

Election 2013: Village of La Grange Board