Crystal Lake Mayoral Race: Haig Haleblian Profile

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — Three candidates are running for the Crystal Lake mayoral seat this election. Here is the profile for Haig Haleblian, the current acting mayor:.

Age (as of Election Day): 69

Town/City of Residence: Crystal Lake

Office Sought: Village board or city council

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No

Education: Hinsdale High School 1969. SIU BS Marketing 1973 Minor Aviation Technology

Occupation: Exceed Floor and Home Owner in our 34th year of business

Campaign website: haigformayor.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: City Councilman. Now Acting Mayor

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it: Crystal Lake is a very well run, fiscally responsible municipality. There isn't a glaring single issue but rather several that need to be continually addressed. Those issues are in no particular order, elimination of the Covid virus, business retention, maintain our position as one of the lowest municipal real estate tax rates in McHenry County.

Covid, Several weeks ago I instructed staff to contact the McHenry County Health Department to secure a Crystal Lake vaccination site. We have submitted a site list of several viable buildings to MCHD and are waiting for a response. As the largest community in McHenry County we deserve a site to administer the Covid vaccine.

Business Retention. During my term as Acting Mayor we have been able to receive a $600,000 state grant to help small businesses in need. We also moved grant money from business attraction to help defray cost of personal protective equipment. Liquor license fees were halved for one year to help restaurants and bars that have experienced a nightmare of a year. We also need to continue to be creative and think out of the box on ways to help business not only survive but thrive. One that comes to mind is allowing outdoor dining. We are working on that as I speak. I'm laser focused on securing any and all state and federal monies to help Crystal Lake's small businesses Small business is the lifeblood of any community. We all need to support them.

Real Estate Tax. I'm proud that Crystal Lake has one of the lowest real estate tax rates in the county. We have been able to provide world class services for less. We have clean water, safe streets, services that others don't or can't provide. For example. This past winter's snowfall was relentless. Our streets were the clearest and cleanest in the county. I know because I travel throughout the county for my occupation. Our profession police and fire units keep us safe. We have a very low crime rate. We can sleep at night knowing we are all safe.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?: I do support BLM and the the First Amendment right to demonstrate peacefully. When the demonstrations were announced ,Chief Black and Deputy Chief's Kotlowski and Hyrkas took the initiative to be pro active and engage with the demonstration leaders to collaborate on the safety of all. Our police department is well trained.

Under the guidance of Chief Black, Deputy Chief Kotlowski and Deputy Chief Hyrkas the demonstrations were successful and without incident. I have full confidence and am very proud of our entire police force.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?: Our council is a compassionate empathetic council. There are no egos or hidden agendas. Never once have I heard a word that was discriminatory towards anyone. If there was I would not have accepted the roll of Acting Mayor. Our Council is respectful of everyone. Though we are diverse, we are respectful of each others opinions. At the end of a meeting we are always respectful and thankful of each other. The entire community benefits.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?: The good news is the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter. It has been a brutal year for all of us. We have all lost family and friends to this insidious virus, but it does appear we are on the way to normalcy whatever that may look like. Being anxious is part of human nature . We all want to be done with this thing, but one has to believe in the science which I do. I have friends that our restauranteurs. I ache for them and support them. I also see both sides of the equation. I don't think there is a right answer here, but I do think we will learn and benefit from this terrible ordeal.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?: On the federal level a more proactive approach earlier on with better coordination may have helped where we are now. However the vaccines were not ready for distribution until December. This is not a political statement but an observation. It appears the entities are getting their act together. My wife Hawley and I received our first dose this past week. The experience was seamless and relatively quick

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?: Experience. I've served on Crystal Lake boards and commissions for the past 30 years. On the municipal level, I chaired the Crystal Lake Economic Development for 2 years and served for 12 years. Served on a council for three years until I was unanimously appointed as Acting Mayor last June. Since June I have successfully dealt with keeping demonstrations orderly and safe for all, finding creative ways for small businesses to survive, and navigate as best as possible the Covid pandemic. It's been a character building year. Local business owner for 34 years. I've been blessed with all the friends and contacts I've made over the years. Those relationships help accomplish things that benefit the entire community. Through relationships and trust comes success that benefits all.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: Continue to find ways to provide the best services for the lowest cost for our citizens thus maintaining our low municipal tax rate. Make decisions and policies that benefit the entire community. Continue to attract business, industry, restaurants, entertainment, and the arts to our community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?: Ha! That's easy, but not easily done. Run a highly successful and growing business since 1987 now with 14 employees and 60 installation craftsmen. Let's see, we survived a major recession, a pandemic, and all the twists and turns that come with running a small business.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?: To build on the great foundation provided me. Aaron Shepley was not only a friend but also a hero in my book. He built a great team in department heads, staff, committees, council, and simply the best City Manager in the planet. If I can continue to build off that foundation in the current successful trajectory we are heading, we will continue our success. It isn't one accomplishment that determines success but many. Crystal Lake as well as any successful community need to grow and evolve to remain vibrant and attractive to its citizens. If that mindset's seed is planted and flourishes, then I would consider that a success.

Why should voters trust you?: I operate from simple truths. Those who know me know several things. I do what I say and say what I do. I don't embellish or grandstand. I've been told by many I should be more vocal of my accomplishments. I prefer to let those accomplishments speak for themselves if and when noticed. I'm a guy that likes to give back because what I've discovered is honestly I feel like I get a lot more than I give.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?: As in our own families and businesses to be mindful not to spend what we don't have. At the same time invest in the services and equipment that better our experience as members of the community. A very wise man told me years ago " at times it's expensive to be cheap", That doesn't mean to squander our money, but to be mindful stewards of those taxpayer funds. Crystal Lake's has done a wonderful job of budgeting. Case in point. Anticipating a economic downturn because of Covid the budget was trimmed $5 million. I'm happy to report our revenues have been greater than budgeted. That's fiscal responsibility at its best.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?: I run five miles daily if anyone would care to join me. Aaron's untimely death prompted me to get a carotid scan. For years I've had an annual physical which doctor says I'm medically boring. I'll take that as a plus. I truly love what I do both in my business and as Acting Mayor. I don't view either as work. I've sure been blessed to be surrounded by great people. I can't wait to get up in the morning. I see no reason not to serve my full and future terms. I love this community and the role of mayor.

The best advice ever shared with me was: A couple.

It's not how long you live it's how you live. Anonymous

Work hard, work honest and good things will come your way. S Walter Kran MD and my mentor
You'll receive far more by giving. Marilyn Georgy

As difficult as it may be, always tell the truth, because you'll never remember a lie. Mom

Live your life full throttle, tires smoking, and at the end say "That was one a helluva ride!" Autoweek Magazine

Anything Vince Foglia, Bob Blazier, Erv LeCoque, and my Uncle Herb Koshgarian have to say. When I grow up I want to be like them

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?: Two years ago I would have never dreamed I would be a mayor let alone run for the position. I used to tell Aaron "when you go I go." Sadly that statement took on an entirely new meaning last June. He went and I stayed. Though Aaron was an attorney and I a businessman our philosophies are pretty consistent in that we despise liars, trolls, and will always do what we feel is best for the community. That I promise.