About Myself
Background:
I worked in Construction as an Operating Engineer (Heavy Equipment Operator) for 40 years and during that time I was Administrator of the training program for Operating Engineers in Plainfield, Illinois.
Unique Talents:
I am not a quitter, enjoy fixing things, by researching and problem solving to repair items such as our refrigerator control board and replacing a battery in my Apple Watch. I like Challenge, and I like to organize projects.
Work Experience:
I was a Heavy Equipment Operator and spent 22 years with Rockford Blacktop, the same company that built the dam at Lake Summerset. I was an Operator/Forman on a few small jobs; the most interesting job was building wing dams on the Rock River across from the Byron Nuclear plant Pumping Station. All the fishermen wanted to know where the dams were because they attract Walleye. About halfway through my career, I became involved in the Training Program for Operating Engineers as a Part time, then a Full-time instructor. In addition to equipment operation, I taught OSHA safety courses and Hazardous Waste Operations classes. I was Assistant Coordinator and Trustee on the Apprenticeship Board for 2 years, was then appointed to Coordinator/Administrator where I gained experience in managing employees, working with a Board of Trustees, developing budgets, working with our law firm on discrimination cases, injury cases and depositions. I oversaw a two-year project on the design and construction of a 61-million-dollar training building and facility located on 300-acres near Wilmington, IL. I was also on the Workforce Investment Board of Will County for four years.
What brought you to Lake Summerset?
Retirement and looking for a recreational community.
Why are you seeking a Board position and why are you the best candidate?
I’m seeking re-election because after moving here in 2016 and joining the Bocce Club. I decided I wanted to take things one step farther and get more involved.
I’ve served as a Board Director for the last 3 years, currently chairing the Ad Hoc Roads Committee, liaison to CRC, member of Long Range & Facilities Planning, and an OCLUD Trustee. I’ve led real improvements: road repairs, utility oversight, facility upgrades with focus on benefiting all LSA members. Why am I the Best Candidate? Because of my 40+ years as an Operating Engineer and Training Administrator—managing 60 employees, an $8–10M budget and building a multi-million training center, all of which gave me expertise in infrastructure, finance, and governance. I’ve handled legal compliance, labor issues, and sat on public boards. I’ve also supervised rebuilding parts of our Bocce courts and constructed the walking path at Quarry Park. —I believe in building a solid community, not division. I’m the best candidate because I get things done—with transparency, teamwork, fairness, civility and unity. No agendas. Just progress for every member. I want to keep Lake Summerset moving forward.
Why are signs supporting two candidates? Why not run on individual merit?
Candidates do run on individual merit—always. All you see on the Ballot is a name and a checkbox. There is no party affiliation titled after the name. Our Bylaws and the Common Interest Community Association Act (CICAA) guarantee fair elections. It takes teamwork on a Board and consensus building to get things done and to work for the benefit of all Association members. I stand on my record: leading infrastructure, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, fostering unity. The signs don’t vote—you do. Judge me on results, not rhetoric.
What will your two top priorities be and how will you work with the Board to carry them out?
Priority 1: I’ll Continue to manage our infrastructure—roads, dam, utilities, facilities, common areas, amenities—while keeping dues fair. I’ll phase projects for monetary reasons, leverage reserves, and work within our budget as much as possible.
Priority 2: Strengthen unity, civility and transparency. I’ll work collaboratively with our 7-member Board, using experience from my background and the committees I already serve on. Consensus, not conflict. That’s how we get results.
Dues: How do we improve LSA while keeping dues fair?
We have a 50-year-old infrastructure that is addressed first and foremost and is factored into the budget. We must maintain roads, the dam, water systems, and amenities— That costs money. But dues must stay fair.
My plan:
- Stretch dollars: My project experience means competitive bids and phased work.
- Prioritize: Use Long Range Planning to recommend budgeting to fix critical systems first—no vanity projects.
- Increase input: Need more members to attend finance/budget meetings, board meetings and get involved with committees. There were 7 total members other than LSA BOD, Staff or Standing Committee members that attended the finance meetings.
- There were 15 and 19 total attendees respectively at the 2 finance meetings.
- One member outside the BOD attended the BOD Budget Workshop.
- Almost no one attends Committee meetings LRFP, LPC, Security.
- We’ll strive to keep annual dues fair while protecting your investment in Lake Summerset.
Security: Are current measures sufficient? What would you change?
First—we don’t have “Security.” We have Public Safety, per the Redbook. And yes, it’s sufficient for a gated, private community. Our ability to enforce our Rules (Blue Book and Red Book) is realistically limited to fines and property liens.
Policing work must be carried out by the County Sheriffs.
We have:
• 24/7 gate control
• Patrols and camera monitoring
• Strict entry rules (contractor passes, guest logs)
• Low crime—no major incidents
No need for armed guards or overreach. If data ever shows a gap, I’d propose:
•Staff training upgrades
•Better lighting at key areas
•Member safety education
But right now, Public Safety works.
Community Involvement
A. Term Limits? Conflict of Interest on Committees?
CICAA does not set term limits for board members… term limits are left to the community’s governing documents.
- Pre-2022 (HB5276): Allowed up to 4-year terms and self-succession
- Post-2022 Amendment: Removed all state-level restrictions — now 100% governed by bylaws
Bylaws override any default or prior state rule. Since our bylaws explicitly say, “no term limits”, that is the final rule.
It’s clear, unambiguous, and controlling. Our bylaws explicitly prohibit term limits — meaning a director can serve indefinitely, as long as they are re-elected every 3 years.
- Term Length: 3 years (Article V, Section 3)
- Re-election: IS Allowed with no cap (Section 4(a))
- There are No cumulative or consecutive limits
To add term limits, you would need to amend the bylaws via:
- Affirmative vote of 30% of all Principal Members (Article VIII, final paragraph)
- Proper notice and balloting per Article IV
Our Bylaws and CICAA allow succession—and we’ve struggled to get candidates. Forcing limits risks empty seats and instability. Experience matters. A Board member can earn trust through results.
Conflict of Interest being on a committee?
No conflict in board members serving on committees. CICAA only requires disclosure for personal financial gain—not committee participation/liaison roles. I was on Long Range Planning before the Board—it’s how I learned and continue learning. Another candidate serves as a board member and Chairman/liaison for another committee. We need skilled volunteers. Dual roles fill gaps—it does not create conflicts.
B. How to increase volunteers? What projects?
Grow volunteers:
- Skill-based matching—survey members for expertise (engineers, accountants, attorneys, organizers, architects) I talked to a retired Judge about submitting a resume for the Board.•
- Recognition events—like the Veterans and Beautification Clubs•
- Micro-volunteering—1-hour cleanups, event setup•
- May help to have a Committee Rep at the Newcomer Coffee’s
Needed projects:
Memorial Gardens is in dire need of repair.
More hands = less staff stress, lower costs, we build a stronger community.
Closing Remarks:
Lake Summerset isn’t a battlefield—it’s our home. My mission is to enhance the quality of life in our community through management of common areas, enforcement of rules and covenants, support initiatives that strengthen bonds among members and investment in capital improvements that benefit the greater good. – The vision is a community working together to achieve a higher quality of life and increasing property values. I value honesty, fairness, participation, respect, cooperation and civility in all actions.
I’ve lived here full-time since 2016, served on four committees, organized projects, and attend many meetings. I communicate openly, respect every member, and get results.
Vote for experience, unity, and progress through Truth, Trust & Teamwork!
Together, we’ll keep Lake Summerset the best place to call home. Members, may peace and Harmony be our watch words.
Thank You.