Incumbent takes on board member to lead village

HILLCREST — The position of Hillcrest village president is on the April 4 Consolidated Election ballot and the race includes incumbent Randy Salsbury and current Board Member Rick Rhoads.

Both candidates responded to a News-Leader questionnaire concerning the upcoming election.

Randy Salsbury

Please tell voters a little bit about yourself

-My wife, Kim, and I are both RTHS graduates. Together we have raised eight children. We have lived in Hillcrest for 24 years. We feel fortunate to live in a village where we have wonderful neighbors and feel a sense of community. I worked as a carpenter/contractor until 2011 when I went to work for Maplehurst hauling grain. I served 22 years with the Illinois National Guard. I have been on the Hillcrest board for 11 years and was unanimously appointed president by the board in 2022.

Why are you seeking the office you’re running for in the April 4 election?

-If elected president, I would like to see Hillcrest continue to operate in the black. Throughout my tenure, the village operating budget has more than doubled. This has allowed for road maintenance and village improvements where needed.

What issue or issues relating to holding office are you most passionate about and where do you stand on them?

-As president, my priority for the village is the continuation of providing sustainable, safe and clean drinking water for residents through water main and water tower rehabilitation projects. In the past I have worked to beautify the village and raise property values by clearing out refuse and abandoned properties. In the future I would like to see our village properties continue to be maintained and improved where needed.

Rick Rhoads

Please tell voters a little bit about yourself

-I have lived in Hillcrest for the last 28 years with my wife Deana, where we raised our two sons. We started our company, Rhoads Remodeling, after 10 years of being in the Carpenter’s union and have been in business for the last 28 years.

I’m an Army Veteran and I was on the Hillcrest Fire Department for 15 years where I obtained the rank of training officer. I’ve been a Boy Scout Leader for over 25 years. I’ve served on the village board for two terms as a trustee.

Why are you seeking the office you’re running for in the April 4 election?

-I believe Hillcrest needs a president that represents, cares for and serves all the residents. I feel the president should have a vision of how to move forward in the future and be able to work with the trustees to achieve it.

What issue or issues relating to holding office are you most passionate about and where do you stand on them?

-After talking to numerous Hillcrest residents, I have learned we share a lot of the same concerns that I feel need to be addressed and that I have been passionate about. They include: the water system, improvement of the streets, police department/code enforcement, gilling  vacant village employee positions, more village-wide garbage days and keeping Hillcrest clean of excess garbage and debris and bringing more businesses to our village. I look forward to working with the trustees and residents to lead Hillcrest into a better tomorrow.