Duane Helms

My Experience and Qualifications I bring a proven record of leadership, dedication, and hands-on experience in both elected office and village operations. From 2018 to 2021, I had the honor of serving on the Village Council, where I prioritized listening to residents and putting their needs first—never simply “going along to get along.” Following my service on council, I was appointed Village Administrator, overseeing the daily operations of our community. In that role, I worked to improve efficiency, strengthen services, and support our employees. Prior to that, I served three years as Utility Supervisor, where I led key infrastructure improvements such as rebuilding lift stations with more efficient pumps and upgrading our wastewater treatment plant with modern equipment. I also secured critical grant funding to advance village priorities, including state-required dam safety testing and EPA-funded equipment to improve both efficiency and safety for our utility staff. These accomplishments reflect my knowledge of village operations, my ability to manage resources effectively, and my commitment to moving our community forward. Why I Am Running I am running for Mayor because our village deserves stable, accountable, and community-focused leadership. In recent years, residents have endured absentee leadership, high staff turnover, and unnecessary micromanagement. Since 2018, our village has seen five administrators in just eight years—leaving the position vacant for over a year and a half in total. This instability has also impacted office staff and utility workers, creating challenges that ultimately hurt our community. Our residents deserve better. A mayor must be present and available to serve all residents year-round, not only when convenient. Decisions should always be made in the best interest of the village—not based on personal preference or political agendas. I believe in restoring professionalism, transparency, and respect to our local government. My Commitment to You As your mayor, I will: • Be accessible and accountable to every resident. • Work to stabilize our workforce and end the cycle of turnover. • Ensure all decisions are made fairly, lawfully, and with transparency. • Support our employees with the tools, resources, and leadership they need to succeed. • Strengthen and modernize our utility systems to ensure reliable and efficient service. I am running to restore integrity, stability, and effective leadership to our village government. Together, we can move our community forward and build a stronger, more reliable future for all.

Introduce the aspect of only holding two terms in office for Council and Mayor.

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