Winnetka Village President Candiate Profile: Gene Greable

Name: Gene Greable

Birthdate: 07/02/1941

Family: I have been married to my wife, Marilynn, for 49 years. I have two children (one son, deceased). My daughter, her husband, and three grandchildren are living in Winnetka.

Past Experience: C.P.A., Retired Partner from Arthur Andersen Worldwide, responsible for U.S. Utility Business Consulting; Central U. S. Government Services practice; and Utility Auditor and expert witness.

Past local government/relative experience:

2011: Winnetka Chamber of Commerce - Winnetka Man of the Year                     

2011 - Present: Winnetka Plan Commission, Chairman

2008-2012: Winnetka Village Council, Trustee

2006-2008: Winnetka Zoning Board, Member-at-Large

2005: Winnetka Caucus, Chair

2004: Winnetka Caucus, Vice-Chair and Rules

1990s: Special Task Force, New Trier High School, Member

1983-1991: Winnetka District 36 School Board, President/Member

1988: Winnetka Plan Commission, Member

1980-1983: Winnetka Park District, Treasurer

As Trustee, served as a liaison to the Winnetka Historical Society, the Winnetka Chamber of Commerce and other organizations.

Are you currently an elected official for the village, or have you had experience as an elected official before?

I was elected to the Winnetka School Board for two terms (eight years). I was elected to serve as a Village Trustee for two terms (four years). See all experiences listed above.

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

The biggest issue facing Winnetka is coping with the financial demands of (a) storm water control, (b) unfunded municipal employee pension and health benefits, (c) required utility infrastructure improvements, and (d) municipal services. These critical financial demands must be addressed by the Village Council during the coming term of the new President.  While all of them cannot be fully resolved in just two years, I am confident that with my experienced, financially astute leadership, the Council will make decisions and move towards a positive result.

Given the complexity of the above issues relative to Winnetka’s resources, a high level of experienced, civic leadership is essential. Many of the issues have been, or are, currently under study by the Village Council. As President, I will push toward actions on these issues.

What sets you apart from other Winnetka Village President candidate Chris Rintz?

I have the financial skills and the experience to best address the issues facing Winnetka. I have spent the greater part of my life resolving difficult financial issues, as an auditor and financial advisor, to public utilities. I led Chicago’s 5-year effort to successfully restore financial solvency to its School Board in the 1980s.  I have been involved in Winnetka’s civic affairs for over 30 years. I have served on numerous Village Boards—I have been Village Trustee,  President of Winnetka’s School Board, Chairman of the Plan Commission, and Chairman of the Caucus, just to name a few. My opponent does not possess my background of experience and knowledge, and most important, my proven leadership abilities.  I believe this is why the Caucus Council nominated me for the job after interviewing and vetting two other candidates. I am the Winnetka Caucus candidate for Village President.

In addition, I have the time to devote to this important position. It is practically a full time job. Since I am now retired, after having a successful and rewarding career as a partner at Arthur Andersen Worldwide, I can and will be, full time and full effort to the job.  For every meeting and on every issue, the Village Presidency requires digestion and analysis of proposals, reports, proposed ordinances, and related documents, as well as attendance at critical meetings with Staff and outside experts. I can and will devote the time it takes to get results for the people of Winnetka.

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

My first priority is to address the storm water issue. This is the major issue that the community is clamoring for resolution and action on. Studies have been done; now is the time for decisions by the Village Council. It is time to present the recommended solution to the community for final input, to get consensus and to act.

I will develop and implement a program for the revitalization of our downtown/business districts. An initial study is in progress which will provide a commercial assessment, and strategies for improving the business districts. I’m confident it can guide our efforts for the foreseeable future.

I also intend to evaluate our municipal services for areas of potential cost reduction. We value the services we receive in Winnetka but cost analysis and areas of potential savings will be explored.

The utility infrastructure in the Village is aged. Internal studies are needed to identify areas most in need of repair or replacement. I will initiate these studies and execute a program for necessary improvements.

How do you address voter’s concerns that you’re too aligned with WHOA’s mission? In what ways do your viewpoints differ from the organization’s?

This concern is unfounded, not factual and totally unwarranted. I am not aligned with WHOA or any other organization or group in Winnetka. I have one goal and one goal only---and that is to lead the Village Council to find the best solutions or outcomes for the people of Winnetka.

I am familiar with WHOA and the information they disseminate on community issues, which I think facilitates community awareness and participation within the Village. I am pleased to have received WHOA’s endorsement for this election but I hope all voters in Winnetka will support me. I have been proud to serve this great community for over 30 years and I hope to continue to do so as the next Village President.