Election 2011: Pete Heinz

Editor's Note: This is the fifth in a series of profiles of the seven candidates for the Montgomery Village Board. Each candidate had the opportunity to answer the same questions, but were asked to abide by a 75-word guideline. The answers will be provided here unabridged.

• Position sought: Montomery Village Trustee

• Phone: 630-906-6873

• Age: 74

• Family: Wife Sally, daughter Gina and sons Jerry and Jody
• Length of Residence: 44 years.

• Education: Two years of high school, left to help family

• Occupation: Retired after working 31 years for Caterpillar

• Political party affiliation, If any:

• Previous elected offices: None before Village Board.

• Related experience: Been a village trustee for 24 years.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I am running for re-election because I feel that the people of Montgomery need better representation than what they have been getting. I like to work with business owners to see more high-paying jobs for residents in our area. I answer to no one at Village Hall except the residents.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

I would like to see Montgomery get back to a village administrator form of government. We don't need a village manager. It belongs to the elected officials to tell the people what's going on, not a manager. One person should not have all that power. It's not right.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

My years of service on the board, being honest and upfront and not beating around the bush.

What's your favorite thing about the village of Montgomery?

Working with the residents and giving back to the residents, not always taking. That's why I want to keep Montgomery Fest going. We can't keep taking from the people, we have to give something back. I love to work with the residents.

What is the biggest problem in Montgomery?

We spend too much money. We are not spending money to fix our roads and replace our vehicles. We could do a better job if we had more police officers and public works employees. The people in Montgomery pay taxes for public service and I feel we have forgotten that, and it needs to change. As long as I am on the board I will represent the residents all the way.