Election 2013: Laura LaPlaca

Name: Laura LaPlaca

Position sought: Hinsdale Board of Trustees 

Years in Hinsdale: 24

Family: Husband Craig; daughters Harley, 27, Caitlyn, 25, Kallie, 21, and Millie, 15; son Chase, 22.

Education: Bachelor's degree from Illinois Wesleyan University, law degree from Loyola University School of Law. 

Occupation: Homemaker/Attorney/Volunteer

Previous elected offices: Hinsdale Village Trustee, 2009-2013

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position: I practiced corporate law with Jenner and Block for 10 years before retiring to raise my five children. I have been a village trustee and chairman of the Environment and Public Services Committee for the past four years. I was a member of the Hinsdale Plan Commission from 1997 to 2009 and was chairman of that commission for five years. I was a member of the Hinsdale 2005 Downtown SEG and have served on various village focus groups and task forces. 

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

Four years ago my running mates and I ran on a platform that promised fiscal responsibility, infrastructure improvements and support for the downtown business community.  I believe that we have made good on those promises but four years is not enough time to accomplish all that we needed to.  As chairman of the EPS Committee, I have worked hard with the board and staff to begin in a significant way to improve the infrastructure in our community.  I think it is important that those of us who began these projects see them through and I would like to do that. 

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

Again, following through on the many things we have begun since my election four years ago.  I will focus on keeping the Master Infrastructure Plan on track and within budget including the Woodlands Stormwater Management Project as well as all of the other road reconstruction and resurfacing projects in the village. 

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

N/A 

What is your favorite thing about Hinsdale?

The sense of community reflected in: the neighborhood schools, the quaint downtown, the support of high school athletics, and citizen involvement in education and government.

What is your least favorite thing about Hinsdale?

Sometimes people get so involved in a cause that they forget that we are all neighbors and are working toward what’s best for the town as a whole.  I think we need to be reminded of that.

Do you support continued exploration of a Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills police department merger? Why or why not?

If makes sense from and economic perspective—that is, saves the Village a significant amount of money-- AND doesn’t compromise safety in any way, then I would say we should continue to explore the possibility.

Related pages:

• Election 2013: Hinsdale Board of Trustees
• Gerald Hughes
• Bob Saigh