April 2 election offers choice for trustee position

By Patricia Bogumil

Editor

The Trustee No. 3 position on the Village of Union Grove board pits incumbent Ron Bogard against challenger Adam Graf in the April 2 election.

While the two candidates may be a generation apart in life experience, each promises to approach the trustee job from a strong, fiscally conservative position.

Information provided by each candidate follows.

• Ron Bogard, the incumbent, said he is running for re-election to continue working on matters of unfinished business to improve the village.

“With my background and experience, there are many areas in the village that I can help improve,” he explained.

Among the most pressing issues the board must address, Bogard names village growth and development; jobs; helping current businesses expand and succeed; controlling spending while maintaining the current level of services; and capping taxes.

He points to his extensive 35-year background in public works and services, including everything from road construction, water and storm water projects, to playground maintenance.

“It’s given me the knowledge I need to effectively deal with all issues facing the village,” Bogard said.

Having been a small business owner, Bogard added, he can relate to and help solve the issues facing small business today.

Bogard points out that his life experiences include raising a family, owning a home, paying taxes and wondering if his job will be outsourced or if his paycheck will make ends meet this month.

“I think about retirement and its financial challenges. I am concerned about the rising costs of health care, fuel prices, taxes, groceries – just everyday life,” he added.

These are concerns that everyone shares, Bogard said. “As your trustee, this is what I keep in mind every time I make a decision that affects the village and its residents.”

      • Adam Graf said he hopes to be elected to the trustee position to serve the people of Union Grove, be an advocate for business owners and ensure public safety.

Among the most pressing issues the board must address, Graf names the need for the village board to hold the line on property taxes.

“The board also needs to be more proactive in the recruitment of new businesses in the village,” Graf added.

He said the village board needs to work to be more responsible with budgeting and also be more open and honest with business owners and citizens regarding their concerns, Graf said.

He said he will bring a fiscally conservative approach to the trustee position when determining whether or not to spend additional tax dollars.

“I am also very personable and would enjoy meeting community members and business owners in order to hear any concerns or positive commentary they may have regarding the village,” Graf said.