Winnetka Village President Candiate Profile: Chris Rintz

Editor's Note: Questions not responded to in the emailed questionnaire are not included. 

Name: Christopher Rintz

Age: 57

Residence: 1157 Spruce, Winnetka, IL

Occupation: Real Estate Development and Construction

Past local government/relative experience

• Winnetka Village Council - 4 years 

• Ad-Hoc Post Office Committee - 3 years

Board

• Developed many town centers, including the Harbor Park Development in Kenosha, Racine, Downers Grove and Bartlett

• Historic revitalization of several neighborhoods, including Chicago's Near West and South Sides, West Haven, South Haven, Keia Village, Village West and Hutchinson's Row

• Member of 4 Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panels

• Degree in Organizational Behavior from Northwestern University Magna Cum Laude

Q:  What do you think the biggest issue facing Winnetka today is, and how do you plan on fixing it?

I’ve lived in Winnetka for 22 years. Our Village has offered my family and me a wonderful life. But lately I’ve noticed a disturbing trend in Village government.  At a time when Winnetka faces several very serious challenges, the Council has become paralyzed.  Lack of civility is robbing us of productivity; micromanagement and second-guessing of our Village department heads and employees are compromising their effectiveness; lack of political resolve is increasing the cost and delaying the implementation of much-needed capital improvements such as storm water management and downtown revitalization.  I want to get Winnetka moving forward once again by returning us to civil discourse, fact-based decision making, and fiscally responsible action that enhances property values and the quality of life here.

My decades of experience in building communities from the ground up, and my background in finance, funding, government regulations, labor relations, environmental issues, engineering and organizational behavior provide me with the skill set necessary to lead the Council to address Village problems in a responsible and respectful manner.

Q:  What do you plan to do during your term as Winnetka Village President?

Winnetka is at a critical time in its history.  Yet the Council is failing to address the very serious issues it faces because of mean-spirited, confrontational discourse and a lack of political resolve.  Storm water management is being studied to death.  Business district revitalization is stalled.  Our aging street lights, street signs and power lines present a poor public image and detract from property values.  Sadly, some cynics now offer “Progress Without Change” as the Village motto.  As Village President I will move the Village forward toward genuine progress and real change by returning the Council to civil deliberations, fact-based decision making, and fiscally responsible action that will enhance property values and the quality of life in Winnetka.

My vision for leadership as President includes:

• Return to conducting ourselves and our discussions in an intelligent and respectful manner.

• Support and enhance our property values with fiscally responsible action.

• Seek solutions for storm water mitigation in a fiscally responsible and equitable manner.

• Implement a strategic and methodical plan of action to revitalize and beautify our languishing business districts.

• Hold the line on taxes and get our work done by creatively leveraging our resources and drawing on the talents and intellect of our residents.

• Increase governmental efficiency by empowering our paid administrators and staff to do what they were hired to do

• Take conversations to the neighborhoods to answer residents’ questions and encourage their input in a way that respects and accommodates their busy lives.