John A. ‘Jack’ Tatooles: 2025 candidate for Inverness village president

Bio

Office Sought: Inverness village president

City: Inverness

Age: 82

Occupation: Attorney

Previous offices held: Inverness Village President since 1997

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 village president to ensure Inverness remains a financially strong, well-managed, and safe community. My first act as village president was passing a voter referendum to make Inverness a home rule community, giving us greater local control over finances, public safety, and infrastructure improvements. This decision has helped us keep taxes low while increasing investments in essential services.

I also led the effort to create the Inverness Police Department, enhancing public safety while saving taxpayers millions. My leadership in long-term planning, fiscal responsibility, and community-focused governance ensures that Inverness continues to thrive.

With decades of service and a proven track record, I am the best candidate to keep Inverness stable, secure, and financially sound for the future.

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

The biggest challenges for Inverness is the growing economic uncertainty in government, which can affect local confidence, along with our community’s aging infrastructure.

To maintain and strengthen trust in local government, we will continue and expand the village’s communication efforts, including weekly police reports, crime alerts, community updates, and increased financial transparency. Programs like the Residential Vacation Check and Unassigned Case Review program ensure proactive, community-focused policing that keeps residents informed and protected.

Additionally, aging roads, drainage systems, and private wells/septic systems need attention. By leveraging our AAA bond rating and responsible budgeting, the village will continue to invest in critical infrastructure, while keeping taxes and fees flat.

We will also explore additional ways to support residents in maintaining their private systems through resource-sharing and guidance, ensuring long-term sustainability for Inverness homeowners.

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?

Inverness is financially strong, debt-free, and maintains a AAA bond rating. Our responsible budgeting has allowed the village to triple road investments without raising taxes.

Our top spending priorities should be road maintenance, stormwater management, and public safety enhancements, including continued investment in police department resources and outreach programs. These investments ensure long-term community stability.

To stay fiscally responsible, we regularly curtail discretionary projects that do not benefit from the core mission of providing essential public services. By focusing on essential infrastructure and public safety, we can maintain a high quality of life while keeping our finances secure

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 top infrastructure priority is road maintenance and stormwater management. With aging roads and drainage systems, continued investment is crucial. Our budget for road resurfacing has doubled to $1.5 million, funded by savings from the expired 2008 General Obligation Bonds, allowing us to improve nearly seven miles of roads without new taxes.

Projects that can be delayed include nonessential beautification projects and unnecessary facility upgrades. While upkeep is important, we must focus on essential infrastructure and community safety first to ensure Inverness remains safe and well-maintained without financial strain

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

My leadership style is forward-thinking and collaborative. I believe in setting clear goals while empowering village staff to carry out the village board’s direction efficiently. By trusting our team, we ensure smooth operations while focusing on strategic planning.

I stay involved by overseeing projects and providing guidance when needed, ensuring that initiatives like expanded road maintenance, proactive storm sewer cleaning, and enhanced police programs are effectively implemented.

This balanced approach allows the village board to make informed decisions, adapt to challenges, and keep Inverness running efficiently.

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

As a small community, we rely on partnerships with neighboring government agencies and private organizations to share resources and enhance services. This strategy helps us provide high-quality services while keeping costs low.

A great example is our participation in the Northwest Central Joint Emergency Management System, where we train with nearby communities for disaster preparedness and emergency response. Expanding partnerships in areas like public safety, infrastructure, and community services will allow us to address challenges more efficiently without increasing financial burdens.

By collaborating with neighboring municipalities, Inverness can continue receiving top-tier services while remaining independent and financially strong.