Jon S. Ridler: 2025 candidate for Arlington Heights village president

Bio

Office sought: Arlington Heights village president

City: Arlington Heights

Age: 57

Occupation: Chamber of Commerce executive director

Previous offices held: Arlington Economic Alliance Commission

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? Also, what makes you the best candidate for the position?

I am running for mayor of Arlington Heights because I am deeply invested in our community’s success. Our village is more than businesses and development — it’s families, neighborhoods, and the people who make it special. I bring thoughtful leadership that prioritizes smart growth, strong public services, and a high quality of life for every resident.

For over 20 years, I have worked toward these goals — serving on the Arlington Economic Alliance Commission, leading the chamber of commerce and local nonprofits, and collaborating with schools, community groups, and cultural organizations. I understand the challenges families, seniors, and young professionals face, from housing affordability to public safety and overall well-being. My leadership has always been about listening, finding solutions, and making decisions that benefit the entire community.

As mayor, I will ensure responsible governance, strengthen public services, and guide strategic growth while building a strong future for Arlington Heights.

What is the most serious issue your community will face in coming years and how should leaders respond to it?

The most serious issues Arlington Heights will face in the coming years is managing growth while preserving the character and quality of life that make our village special. With major developments, increasing housing demands, and shifting economic conditions, we must ensure growth is strategic, balanced, and beneficial to all residents.

We must prioritize smart development by ensuring infrastructure — roads, public transportation, public safety and green spaces — keeps pace with growth. We also need affordable and diverse housing options so families, young professionals, and seniors can continue to call Arlington Heights home.

By listening to residents, planning thoughtfully, and making forward-thinking decisions, we can embrace growth while keeping Arlington Heights a strong, vibrant community.

What economic incentives, if any, should Arlington Heights be willing to offer the Chicago Bears to attract the team's stadium project to Arlington Park? Please explain your reasoning.

Arlington Heights should approach any economic incentives for the Chicago Bears with fiscal responsibility and a focus on long-term community benefits. While the stadium project could boost economic growth, create jobs, and generate local revenue, any incentives must be strategic, transparent, and protect taxpayers, ensuring input from all stakeholders.

If incentives are considered, they should be performance-based, requiring the Bears to meet benchmarks — such as job creation, infrastructure investment, and community engagement — before receiving benefits. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) or infrastructure cost-sharing could be viable if they prevent financial risks to residents.

Direct subsidies or tax breaks that shift costs to taxpayers should be avoided. Instead, negotiations should prioritize public-private partnerships where the Bears contribute significantly to infrastructure improvements that benefit the entire community, including roads, public transportation, and emergency services.

Ultimately, any agreement must protect taxpayers, enhance public services, and ensure economic stability through revenue certainty.

If the Bears succeed in developing a new stadium in Chicago instead of Arlington Heights, what type of development would you want to see on the Arlington Park property? How would you see that benefiting the community?

I would advocate for a Mixed-Use Innovation District that integrates business, entertainment, housing, and green spaces. A technology and innovation hub could attract high-paying jobs by partnering with research institutions and tech firms. A regional sports complex with privately owned facilities for youth and amateur sports tournaments would generate tourism and tax revenue. Additionally, a concert and event venue, hotels, and conference centers would bring year-round economic activity.

A thoughtfully designed retail and dining destination, including a food hall featuring local talent, would support small businesses and create a vibrant social space. Mixed-income housing and public parks would make the area more accessible while maintaining Arlington Heights’ welcoming character.

With a focus on sustainability and transit-oriented design, it would position Arlington Heights as a forward-thinking, regional destination while preserving the site’s historic legacy. Engaging residents and businesses in this vision will ensure it reflects the community’s needs and values.

How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?

Arlington Heights has sufficient cash reserves, a stable tax base supported by a thriving business community, and a high bond rating, but responsible spending and revenue diversification remain essential to keeping property taxes sustainable.

With 80% of the village’s budget allocated to personnel, it is crucial to maintain high-quality services while managing the remaining 20% efficiently, adjusting spending as necessary if revenue projections fall short.

A continued focus on water and sewer repairs and replacement must remain a priority each year to ensure long-term infrastructure stability. Public safety and emergency services must be fully supported to ensure public works, police, fire, and emergency response teams have the necessary resources to protect residents.

Over the years, some responsibilities have shifted from community-led volunteer efforts to village staff, increasing costs.

It is important to reassess these roles and transition certain initiatives back to volunteers or public-private partnerships where appropriate to reduce expenses while maintaining strong community engagement.

What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

The Arlington Park property will be the most significant infrastructure challenge Arlington Heights will face in the coming years. Depending on the final vision for the site, a mix of private and public funding will be necessary to support essential infrastructure, such as roads, utilities, and transit connections, without overburdening taxpayers.

At the same time, it is critical that Arlington Heights continues moving forward with its regular development projects of water and sewer repairs and replacement, roads, traffic management, and transit improvements. Having ongoing discussions with the village department directors will address any projects that could be tabled or delayed as needed.

Through responsible planning and investment, Arlington Heights can continue to enhance infrastructure and public safety without jeopardizing its strong financial position.

Describe your leadership style and explain how you think it will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board.

The current village board is divided about its desired leadership direction, as reflected in recent endorsements. Arlington Heights needs a mayor coming from outside the village board with no political ties who can foster a collaborative leadership team while empowering individuals to leverage their expertise and drive meaningful progress.

As a transformational leader, I know how to encourage, inspire, and motivate those around me to achieve a shared vision. True leadership isn’t about authority — it’s about engagement, innovation, and results. A strong, engaged team leads to better decision-making, forward-thinking policies, and a government that truly serves its residents.

Transformational leadership means leading by example, inspiring a shared vision, challenging conventional thinking, and valuing the strengths of every individual. By embracing these principles, I will ensure that our village board works together effectively, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and forward momentum.

What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

By creating sustainable housing solutions for residents 55 and older who want to downsize from their single-family homes, we can ensure that seniors who have contributed to our community for decades can remain in town, stay engaged, and continue to work, serve, and volunteer.

A strategic approach would be for the village to purchase land on the Arlington Park site and partner with a developer to build high-quality, budget-effective condos and apartments specifically for seniors. To qualify, residents would sell their homes only to first-time homebuyers, young professionals and families looking to establish themselves in Arlington Heights.

This initiative would provide a win-win solution — giving longtime residents a place to stay connected, while making homeownership more accessible for younger generations.

Bringing in new families and young professionals strengthens our community by increasing local spending, supporting schools, and fostering a new generation of engaged residents and volunteers.

By implementing this plan, Arlington Heights can create a more balanced, inclusive housing market while maintaining the strong sense of community.