Election 2011 Candidate Profile: Lars Michael Henriksen for 3rd Ward Alderman

Name: Lars (Michael) Henriksen

Position sought: Alderman, 3rd Ward, St. Charles

Campaign contact information

• E-mail address: mhenriksen28@gmail.com

• Phone: 630-781-5688

Age: 46

Family: Wife Lisa; son Tyler, age 10; and daughter, Kylie, age 7.

Education: Bachelor of arts

Occupation: Channel management

Political party affiliation, If any: Independent

Previous elected offices: I was the elected president of my Homeowners' Association for six years.

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:

I participated in numerous meeting in front of the board when I successfully lead a group which challenged Wal-mart plans to build on the land adjacent to the Charlestowne Mall.

I also have over 20 years of business experience in the technology field. During this time, I had to deal many different types of issues, some which are similar to the city issues. For most of my business career, I have been helping clients address their business issues. If elected these skills with be very beneficial as the city looks to recruit new business into St Charles.

Finally, I was elected president of my Homeowners Association for six years. As president, I had numerous interactions with homeowners, provided leadership for the board and ran a balanced budget.

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

I am looking to drive change in the board and open new opportunities to people like myself who are willing to be an Independent voice for their community.Change is good, and unfortunately we have not had a lot of change on our Board. When we do have change, the person stepping in is usually supported by someone already on the Board. This makes it hard for someone to say they are Independent. In most cases, the person showing support is directly or indirectly looking for something in return. I am running as an Independent. I am not looking for support of another alderman or anyone else that might benefit if I’m elected.

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

Redefine the plans for the Red Gate Road Bridge. I have challenged the city as a resident and won, I believe I will have the same success as your alderman. If elected I am going to propose that we stop the project which will be an uphill challenge; costing the city about $1.7 million. I believe I can present a compelling case with the support of our residents to sway many who voted for the project to reexamine it.

• What sets you apart from the other candidates, if contested?

I come from a business background, where the other candidates come from education. Now more than ever the City need business people to help drive change and recruit new businesses. I am running to bring change to the current Board. I am not running based on relationship, nor am I trying to partner with other candidates. I am also the only candidate who challenged and successfully persuaded the City of St. Charles to deny Wal-mart plans to build on the land adjacent to the Charlestowne Mall.

• How long have you lived in St. Charles?

13 years

• What's your favorite thing about St. Charles?

St. Charles is an excellent community to raise a family.

• What is the biggest problem in St. Charles?

One of the biggest problems impacting St. Charles is the lack of new businesses moving into the area; especially in Charlestowne Mall and the old St. Charles Mall. We need to focus on recruiting new businesses in these areas to help stabilize our tax base.