Focus Shifts To 5 Arlington Heights Village Board Seats: Election 2025
— As the nation continues to process the results of Tuesday's general election, local politicians are shifting some of their focus to April 1, 2025. No, it's not an April Fool's joke, the consolidated election runs on that day, with the Village president seat, along with four trustee spots, up for grabs on the Arlington Heights Village Board.
Interested candidates for the positions must file their petitions with the Village Clerk between Nov. 12 and Nov. 18 at Village Hall, 33 S. Arlington Heights Road. The hours to file are between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Officials said if a simultaneous filing occurs, the lottery for ballot placement will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26.
According to the Village, two seats on the Arlington Heights Public Library Board will also be on the ballot.
Mayor Thomas Hayes, who has served on the Arlington Heights Village Board since 1991, announced in June he is not seeking re-election next year . Since that decision was announced, two elected officials and the executive director of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce have tossed their hats into the ring.
In May, current Arlington Heights Trustee Schwingbeck Jr. announced his candidacy. Schwingbeck Jr. is president of RNM and Associates, a Sales, Metallurgical and Consulting Company
Two months later, fellow trustee Jim Tinaglia, a three-term member of the board, entered the race . He is the owner of Tinaglia Architects, Inc., based in Arlington Heights.
"My unwavering belief in the potential and many values of Arlington Heights underscores my commitment to protecting our heritage while fostering thoughtful new development, including any opportunities at the former Arlington Park property," Tinaglia said.
That was followed one month later by the entry of Jon S. Ridler, executive director of the chamber. The current terms of both Schwingbeck and Tinaglia will expire in April.
"I've had the privilege of being mentored by some of the most influential legacy builders in Arlington Heights during my first decade," Ridler said on his candidate website . "Now, I'm paying it forward by working with new legacy builders who are shaping the future of both the business and resident communities."
In addition, Trustee Nicolle Grasse won her race to represent the 53rd District in the Illinois House of Representatives. Grasse, who had been a member of the Arlington Heights Village Board since 2021, stepped into the seat in July to fill Mark Walker's vacated seat of Mark Walker. Walker became a state senator for the 27th District following Ann Gillespie's appointment as acting director of the Department of Insurance by JB Pritzker in April.
Grasse, who has been doing both roles since July, will see her term with the Arlington Heights Village Board end in August.
"Rain didn't stop the all day encounters and connections with voters, supporters, family and friends," Grasse said. "Your calls, visits, texts and posts have filled my heart and I thank you. We are in this together for each other and for all of us. Thank you."
Trustee Richard Baldino told Patch in July he is also not running on April 1. Baldino, a trustee since 2017, is an environmental chemist.
"Every day of my two terms has been an honor and a privilege," Baldino said. "From my unique start as a write-in candidate, I have been determined to listen to neighbors, work hard, and push for a bright future for our village."
