Name: Gerald ‘Steve’ Harvel
Position for which you are a candidate: Dundee Township Highway Commissioner
Why are you seeking this position?
To serve the public by maintaining and repairing roads with high standards for the Dundee Township residents. I have worked with two different Highway Commissioners over the past 11 years and would like to utilize my “lessons learned” to build a better Highway Department for the people.
I am committed to making a difference as the Highway Commissioner through dedicating my efforts on a Full-Time basis to running the Highway Department. I am going to challenge the standards previously established and will improve upon them to increase safety, efficiency and cost savings.
What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?
I already have 11 years of experience working at the Dundee Township Highway Department. My experience with the road crew will ensure that I effectively manage the day-to-day work that needs to be accomplished.
I have good interpersonal and communication skills which I will put to good use thru informing the public of work scheduled in their area, listen to problems, and work together with residents to solve their issues.
I am a hard-worker, gives back to the township thru my volunteering efforts, and I am someone that can be trusted to do the right thing – not influenced by “political” influences.
Prior to working at the Dundee Township Highway Department – I was a Lead Project Manager for the completion of two commercial Hilton Hotels in Schaumburg and Warrenville, IL.
What will be your highest priorities if elected?
Maintaining roads with environmental standards
-Ensuring that the clean-up of any fuel or oil spills are done per EPA environmental standards.
-Use proper asphalts and materials designated for our area to maintain roads.
-Collaborate with other Townships to incorporate cost saving ideas back into the Highway Department.
Safety: ensure this is achieved thru training and on-the-job practices
-Proper road flagging signage to warn residents as well as ensuring the safety of all employees.
-Safety and Operational Training will be required for all employees.
-Training for all employees on what to do in case of an emergency.
Implement an Intergovernmental Agreement within Township departments
-I will sign an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Dundee Township for consolidation of services and commodities to aid with Township cost
savings and transparency.
-Stronger cooperation between the Highway Department, Dundee Township office, Open Space and Cemetery to ensure we get the most use out of
the equipment purchased in the Township.
-Sharing of resources within Dundee Township in time of need.
Maintain the Highway Department with efficiency, reliability and accountability
-Ensure good communications with the Dundee Township Residents on work that is scheduled to be done in their area.
-Will meet with all residents of unincorporated areas to ensure that the Highway Department is providing the services that they need.
Campaign Policy
Elections and voting are core concerns for the League of Women Voters. Year in and year out, Leagues are committed to providing fact-based information about issues and the positions candidates take on those issues to help voters make their own decisions and participate in the process.
The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes candidates for office or political parties. Any use of the League of Women Voters name in campaign advertising or literature has not been authorized by the League.