Clarendon Hills Leader Rejects Call To Delay Major Action, Criticizes Candidate Slate

CLARENDON HILLS, IL – The Clarendon Hills village president on Friday rejected a candidate slate's call to delay major decisions on long-term projects until after the April election.

In a statement to Patch, Village President Eric Tech promoted the village's record in his nearly four years. But he declined to say whether he would seek another term.

"During our tenure, we have listened to residents' calls for 'Safety and Commerce First' and have been able to do that and so much more," Tech said. "We brought significant new businesses and investment to town, created safe, accessible pedestrian crossings throughout town, planted hundreds of trees, added classic entry signage, approved a new 55th Street (tax increment financing district), enhanced outdoor dining with planters in our business district and focused on infrastructure upgrades in our water systems."

Tech said stopping the progress would be a disservice to residents. He cited work on stormwater concerns and a safe intersection for residents south of 55th Street.

"Quite frankly, I find that this proposal telegraphs a slate whose bias is towards inaction," he said.

On Thursday, Patch wrote about the Clarendon Hills Clear Choice slate's request to halt major decisions, particularly downtown improvements, which have divided residents.

The other candidate slate, Clarendon Hills Together, appears more friendly to Tech's approach to downtown. It includes two incumbent trustees, one of whom Tech appointed.

The candidate filing period starts Monday and ends Nov. 23.

Clarendon Hills has not witnessed a contested village president election since the Obama administration. The last competitive Village Board election was in 2021.