David Kielpinski

Age: 63

Office sought: Village President of Richmond

Bio: Richmond Village trustee since 2007, and 2003-2005; past village zoning board member; Spring Grove village trustee 1995-99; Professional photographer; BA in American History from WIU, post graduate work in 19th century American History.

1. What are your top priorities?

There are several priorities for the village: 1. Stabilizing the village financial situation; 2. settling the lawsuit with Peter Bell; 3. revitalizing the downtown and bringing more retail and industry to town; 4. getting the by-pass finished; 5. be more open to businesses interested in coming to Richmond; 6. find money to keep infrastructure healthy. These aren’t in any particular order as solving one or two of them could help solve the others.

2. The addition of a Richmond village administrator position for years ago was met with much criticism from residents. Has it proven itself useful and necessary? Would you, as President, recommend keeping the position or would you eliminate it?

There has been some usefulness in the administrator position, however I don’t think that the usefulness has outweighed the costs. I feel that Richmond is too small to absorb that kind of cost that the position brings to the table. If there was a way to half the cost then maybe it could be effective. As the position stands now, I would recommend to eliminate it.

3. What’s your plan to attract more businesses and commercial initiatives to Richmond?

To start with I would work with developers, rather have a them versus us attitude. Also, Richmond has a low interest loan program and I would try again to put a package of tax incentives together to help attract business. And I would aggressively go after businesses rather wait for someone to show up at the door.

4. Why are you seeking public office?

The office of village president is something that I thought I would never be seeking. I was happy working hard as a trustee to get things accomplished for the community. However, the present administration has done nothing to advance Richmond and, I feel, has actually pushed our town in the wrong direction. Businesses have looked here, but have become discouraged by the general anti-business attitude. In addition the residents’ questions and needs are not responded to in a timely fashion at village hall.

5) Why are you the best person for the office that you are seeking?

I am the best choice because I am an average resident living in a small home with certain expectations of what the municipality should deliver. I also own a business in town and have been a business owner my entire adult life. I understand what business wants and needs are; the current administration doesn’t. I am very forthright and to the point, with my dealings with people, whether in a business setting or one with residents.