Libertyville Mayoral Race: Matthew Hickey Candidate Questionnaire
LIBERTYVILLE, IL — There are two candidate vying for the mayoral seat in the Libertyville this spring. The local spring election will be held on April 1. More information on voting and registering to vote can be found here. Patch.com will be publishing candidate questionnaires leading up to the election for candidates who respond to our questionnaires. Below is the candidate questionnaire for Matthew Hickey, a candidate for the Libertyville mayoral race: Name: Matthew HickeyCampaign Website: www.libertyvilletogether.comAge (as of Election Day): 54Town/City of Residence: Village of LibertyvilleOffice Sought: Village board or city councilDoes anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for: NoEducation: University of Illinois Chicago | Master in Urban Planning & Policy (1999 - 2001) Ohio University | Bachelor of Arts (1990 - 1993)Occupation. Please include years of experience.: Trustee, Village of Libertyville (4 years)Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Trustee, Village of LibertyvilleThe most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.Libertyville is shifting from development to redevelopment, requiring thoughtful, community-driven planning. Right now, large projects go to the Board before the Plan Commission, limiting resident input. Without a clear vision for downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, growth feels uncoordinated. I will establish a Comprehensive Plan Commission for long-term planning with early resident involvement. Growth must align with infrastructure needs so roads, schools, and public spaces keep pace. Supporting small businesses through zoning improvements and economic incentives will strengthen our local economy. Libertyville has an Aa1 bond rating, but responsible spending matters. Mayor Johnson is pushing a 1% grocery tax despite reserves exceeding rainy-day fund policies. I will oppose the grocery tax, end unnecessary no-bid contracts, expand the 50/50 Business Grant program, and modernize zoning. I will also publicly announce commission openings, stream all meetings, and hold open office hours so government is accessible to everyone.What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?Libertyville deserves a leader who listens, collaborates, and is transparent. My approach is rooted in openness and community-driven decision-making because every resident’s voice matters.I oppose unnecessary no-bid contracts and support competitive bidding to protect taxpayer dollars. I also oppose Mayor Johnson’s 1% grocery tax—families and seniors shouldn’t pay more while the Village holds reserves over its rainy-day fund policy requirement. Instead of raising taxes, we should focus on smart investments and business-friendly policies.Planning should be proactive, not reactive. I’ll ensure development follows a clear vision shaped by early resident input. Transparency matters, which is why I’ve always shared my campaign finances openly—and as mayor, I’ll bring that same accountability to Village government.Libertyville is more diverse than any single slate can represent. My campaign is about bringing people together, welcoming ideas, and building solutions—Libertyville Together.If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?Libertyville deserves leadership that prioritizes transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community-driven decision-making.Residents should have a real voice in development, but too often, projects move forward before they can weigh in. Developers also face unclear regulations and unpredictable fees, making thoughtful projects harder to bring to Libertyville.Fiscal accountability matters. No-bid contracts have led to cost overruns—like Fire Station #2’s remodel going 22% over budget. The Police Station facility assessment was awarded without Board consultation to a firm personally thanked by the Mayor at her 2021 swearing-in, raising concerns. Every tax dollar should be spent responsibly, free of potential conflicts.Public safety should never be delayed. It took three years to approve safety improvements at Milwaukee & Maple, despite repeated resident concerns. Libertyville deserves leadership that listens and acts.With the right leadership, we can achieve more—together.Describe the other issues that define your campaign platformAccountability and smart fiscal policies are central to my campaign. I’ll end unnecessary no-bid contracts to secure the best deals for taxpayers and oppose the Mayor’s 1% grocery tax, which unfairly burdens families, seniors, and local grocers.Supporting small businesses drives economic growth. I’ll strengthen the 50/50 Business Grant, deepen MainStreet Libertyville partnerships, and introduce pop-up retail licenses to encourage entrepreneurship.Transparency and innovation must go hand in hand. I’ll stream all Village and Commission meetings, open commissions to new voices, and ensure decision-making reflects the entire community.We must modernize government services—using AI-driven efficiencies, better online processing, and explore adopting artisanal zoning to support small-scale makers.Residents deserve a real say in development, with earlier involvement and regular public input through surveys, open office hours, and business roundtables.What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?Since 2021, I’ve worked with my fellow trustees to deliver real results for Libertyville as trustee and chair of the Village Finance Committee.I voted to keep the MainStreet Libertyville Farmers Market in Cook Park, despite Mayor Johnson's efforts to move it without trustee or MSL consultation.I expanded Village support for MainStreet Libertyville, strengthening its ability to market downtown and provide business assistance. I led the passage of the ordinance that taxed Airbnb’s and hotels equally, increasing funds that support local tourism and marketing of Libertyville.I initiated the 50/50 Business Grant Program in 2023, resulting in $72.4K for storefront improvements and small business assistance.I led the Finance Committee in modernizing the Village’s Purchasing Policy for smarter, more responsible spending.I’ve pushed for more competitive bidding, better oversight, and fair contracts—because every tax dollar should deliver value. With a Master’s in Urban Planning and 23 years in finance, I’ll keep listening, collaborating, and delivering results—together.Why should voters trust you?Voters should trust me because I love Libertyville, I listen, and I lead with integrity. My wife, Nicole, and I have called Libertyville home for 20 years, raising our daughter, now a sophomore at LHS. This is where we’ve built our lives, careers, and friendships, and I’m grateful every day to be part of this community.I have the experience to lead and adapt. With a Master’s in Urban Planning & Policy and 23 years in community development finance, I’ve worked with residents, businesses, and local governments to solve complex problems—revitalizing neighborhoods, supporting nonprofits, and driving responsible investment. As trustee and chair of the Village Finance Committee, I’ve helped make government more effective, transparent, and accountable. I am independent, collaborative, and transparent. I’ve knocked on thousands of doors, listened to residents, and built real relationships. I believe in giving residents a voice in shaping Libertyville’s future.Leadership is about trust, action, and results. That’s what I’ve delivered as trustee, and it’s what I’ll continue delivering as mayor.If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?Success isn’t just about policies—it’s about building a stronger, more connected Libertyville where every resident feels heard, and every decision moves us toward a brighter future. As mayor, success means modernizing our development process to reflect community priorities so that growth strengthens our neighborhoods, supports small businesses, and enhances our quality of life. It means ending no-bid contracts and increasing fiscal accountability, ensuring every tax dollar is spent wisely. It means eliminating the 1% grocery tax, easing the burden on families and seniors while focusing on smart investments that grow our local economy. Success is expanding business support and streamlining approvals, making Libertyville a place where entrepreneurs can thrive. Most of all, success means increasing resident involvement, ensuring that government is more accessible, transparent, and responsive. When our community is engaged, our economy is thriving, and our future is built together—that’s success.What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?Libertyville has a strong tradition of fiscal responsibility, and I’m committed to upholding our financial policies to keep services high-quality and cost-effective.With a balanced budget, stable revenue, and careful expense management, we’ve maintained our Aa1 bond rating, minimized reliance on property taxes, and kept our finances strong—even through challenges. As mayor, I’ll continue this responsible stewardship, ensuring every tax dollar works harder for residents.That means stopping unnecessary no-bid contracts and strengthening competitive bidding to get the best value for taxpayers. Instead of raising taxes, we should grow our economy by supporting small businesses and attracting investment. That’s why I oppose Mayor Johnson’s 1% grocery tax—it burdens families, seniors, and local grocers.I’ll also ensure utility rates remain fair and aligned with responsible long-term planning—so we maintain infrastructure without extra strain on residents.As mayor, I’ll protect Libertyville’s financial strength for the future.What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town?We’re fortunate to live in a safe community, but safety takes planning, investment, and partnerships. I’ll support our police and fire departments with the training, equipment, and resources they need—not just to respond but to prevent emergencies. And just as they protect us, we must support their well-being and mental health.Public safety is more than emergency response—it’s about working together. I’ll partner with businesses to raise awareness of crime trends, expand neighborhood watch programs, and promote simple habits like the 9 p.m. Routine to prevent theft.We must also do more to protect pedestrians, especially downtown. Two recent incidents where pedestrians were struck by vehicles make it clear: we need proactive solutions to make our streets safer—before another accident happens.With smart investments, strong partnerships, and a proactive approach, we’ll keep Libertyville a safe place to live, work, and visit.What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development? Libertyville’s development process lacks clear vision, leaving residents and developers frustrated. Projects move forward without early community input, and shifting expectations create uncertainty for developers and businesses. Instead of shaping growth with a plan, decisions feel reactive and inconsistent.Downtown development is a prime example. Without a long-term plan, we’re left with a patchwork approach that doesn’t serve businesses or residents. There’s no clear framework for density, housing, design, or commercial growth—just case-by-case negotiations that create uncertainty.The attainable housing fee falls short, failing to encourage the housing solutions Libertyville needs. Meanwhile, the approval process is slow and unpredictable, making it harder for property owners to invest.We need a smarter approach—one that’s transparent, predictable, and community-driven. Libertyville deserves a development process that works for everyone, not one that leaves people and developers guessing.When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? What will need to be done to make this happen? Libertyville needs a proactive, transparent, and community-driven development process—one that encourages smart redevelopment while ensuring residents have a voice in shaping our future.As mayor, I’ll establish a Comprehensive Plan Commission to guide long-term growth, ensuring major projects align with community priorities instead of being decided in silos. This Commission will provide early input before large projects reach the Village Board, ensuring residents are heard and developers have clear expectations.We’ll modernize zoning to support artisanal zoning and pop-up retail, helping small businesses test ideas before committing to brick-and-mortar. Expanding Accessory Dwelling Units will create more housing options while preserving neighborhood character.Finally, we’ll streamline approvals and improve permitting, using technology to reduce delays and make investing in Libertyville easier. A transparent process leads to smarter growth—and a future built together.Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?NoThe best advice ever shared with me was:The best advice I ever received was the Golden Rule: treat others as you’d like to be treated. It guides how I lead, collaborate, and govern. Public service should always be rooted in professionalism, respect, and accountability—because Libertyville’s elected officials should reflect our community’s values: honesty, fairness, and a commitment to working together.Unfortunately, we’ve seen behavior in public office that erodes trust. Holding office should be about service, not personal conflicts. As Mayor, I will ask all Trustees to sign the Illinois Municipal League (IML) Ethics Pledge and push for a formal IML Ethics Pledge Resolution to reinforce ethical leadership. I’ll also ensure elected officials follow the same rules as employees—banning the use of public resources for political campaigning.Good government should reflect the best of its people. The Golden Rule isn’t just advice; it’s the foundation of leadership that builds trust and strengthens our community.What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?Just like you, I love Libertyville and care deeply about its future. This is where my wife, Nicole, and I have built our lives, raised our daughter, and committed ourselves to this community. Libertyville isn’t just a place—it’s a town built on connection, tradition, and the belief that we achieve more when we work together.As Mayor, I’ll ensure:Your voice is heard. Local government should be open, transparent, and accessible. Decisions should be shaped by the people they impact—not made behind closed doors.Your tax dollars are spent wisely. Smart investments, responsible spending, and fair bidding practices will keep Libertyville financially strong.Libertyville remains a place we all love. Thoughtful planning, business-friendly policies, and a commitment to community engagement will keep our Village vibrant for generations to come.Let’s achieve more and build a stronger Libertyville—together.The article Libertyville Mayoral Race: Matthew Hickey Candidate Questionnaire appeared first on Libertyville, IL Patch.
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