Bob Bachner: 2025 candidate for Lombard Village Board District 6

Bio

Office sought: Lombard Village Board District 6

City: Lombard

Age: 57

Occupation: Mechanic

Previous offices held: Lombard Village Trustee District 6 since 2021; Lombard Park District Commissioner

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

I don’t see any serious issues surfacing in the coming years. Without being able to forecast an earthquake, fire or civil unrest, the village is in a solid position for day-to-day breakdowns, emergencies and operations. I feel the village is in very good standing right now with infrastructure, finances and local economics.

All three things are important to remain in the forefront. We’ve made quite a bit of progress improving business in the community as well as stabilizing finances and the budget

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?

Village finances are well balanced and are always budgeted on the conservative side. We are continuously pursuing outside funding from state and or federal programs.

However, there is always concern on future revenues and grants partly due to state funding being delayed or not arriving at all.

Fortunately, in the four years I’ve been trustee we have been operating with a small budget surplus which has enabled us to save funds for our future public safety buildings and has permitted us to pay down our pension debt obligations.

In turn, our credit rating has improved which allows us to seek bonds at more favorable rates, rather than raising taxes to fund future projects.

What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community 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?

Two important infrastructure projects that are coming in the near future are public safety buildings and new water mains in District 1.

For years we have had undersized water mains in a small part of town which could be detrimental if we were to happen to have multiple structural fires in the same area at the same time. These restrictive water mains could potentially not be able to supply enough water.

To address this issue, we have plans in place to upsize the diameter of the water mains. We have also been experiencing extended response times for fire and paramedic services in the central area of the village.

The board had a public safety research study done which helped determine that adding another fire station centrally located within the village would greatly improve those response times.

To avoid going to the residents by raising taxes, the water main project is being funded with dedicated capital improvement funds while the fire department project will be funded with additional capital improvement funds, savings, and bonding. Quite often we reprioritize projects to ensure solid budgeting, without jeopardizing the quality of services we provide.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board.

Working in a group determining policy is very natural for me due to being open to suggestions, new ideas and new technology not only from the board, but staff and village residents as well. By giving residents a voice, there is an opportunity to entertain new ideas.

We as a group are stronger together in making good board decisions. I am also not afraid of making the tough decision once informed of all possibilities. The board that I’ve been fortunate to serve alongside of has been focused on insuring good policy decisions are made which positively impact all residents of Lombard.

Good policy provides for solid budget planning, ensuring the village is headed in the right direction economically, and planning for a stable and productive community in the future.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I feel I am the best candidate because of my personal history within the village. My many years of volunteering in and service to the community has led me to where I am today.

Living, working and raising my family in the community for 27 years, I bring lifelong connections and experiences to the table. My contributions and record are evident.

I am very knowledgeable in public works, public safety and infrastructure. I have extensive board level experience. Being on the boards of the Lombard Park District, Glenbard Wastewater Authority and Village of Lombard, I have more than 10 years of municipal budgeting experience.

I pride myself on the relationships I have built with the residents throughout the village. Residents know I am approachable and can be reached most any time. I am known for answering phone calls, responding to emails in a timely manner and if necessary, I will meet in basements, yards or kitchens whenever a resident has an issue.

Additionally, I will continue to bring strong morals, ethics, values and transparency to the village board. While ensuring public safety throughout Lombard making it a safe place for all residents and families within the village.

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

No comment.