7 candidates vying for 3 spots on Chatham
Village Board
There are seven candidates competing for three trustee positions on the Chatham Village Board
in the upcoming April 5 election.
Each trustee position carries a four-year term. The candidates are: Ken Boyle, James Burgdorf,
Dan Holden, Tom Kavanagh, Dave Kimsey, Jason Rauch and Ryan Vaughn.
Kavanagh is the only incumbent who is running. Jeanne Boyle and Jill Reynolds are not seeking
re-election.
The Clarion contacted each of the candidates, seeking basic information and asking several
questions. Following is a profile of each candidate, including why they are running for village board
(in their own words). Next week, the Clarion will publish photos and statements from each candidate:
•Ken Boyle, 30, is a life-long resident of Chatham. Boyle works as an Attorney and he and his
wife, Amber, have a daughter, Keely.
Boyle is a 1999 graduate of Glenwood High School, and he is a member of the 1998 state
champion football team which was recently named to the Glenwood Hall of Fame. Boyle also
graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and University of Tulsa College of Law,
where he earned his law degree in 2006.
When asked why he was running for a trustee position, Boyle stated, "I feel that my education,
leadership skills and most importantly, my commitment to serving the people of Chatham are my
reasons for running."
When asked to list issues facing Chatham, Boyle said, "My priorities as a trustee are public safety,
positive economic growth and cost containment in order to avoid unnecessary tax increases. I am
committed to making sure our police and fire services meet the needs of our growing community and
that the growth and expansion in Chatham is done with a focus on improving the services offered to
community members of all ages. Most importantly, I promise the voters I will be accessible and listen
to your needs as your representative on the village council."
•James Burgdorf, 37, is a 3-year resident of Chatham. He works as the Assistant Director for
Cashier Operations and Customer Service at the University of Illinois. Burgdorf and his wife, Mica,
have a son, Alec.
Burgdorf graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Administration from
Illinois College in 1995. He is currently pursuing his Master's of Accountancy degree from the
University of Illinois-Springfield.
When asked why he was running for a trustee position, Burgdorf stated, "To serve my community
beyond being a taxpayer. Prior to moving to Chatham for the top notch educational opportunities for
our son, I worked in Chatham as a branch manager at a local bank for four years. During this time I
was active in the Chatham Chamber of Commerce, including starting an Ambassador program
growing membership to over 100 businesses and rounding out my engagement as Chamber
President.
"Like most Chatham residents driving home after work, I don't need a Census Bureau to tell me
Chatham has grown in the past eight years," Burgdorf continued. "Like most homeowners, I often
question if we are getting the best services for our tax dollars. I am asking for the opportunity to serve
as your trustee to review existing programs and service as an end user and taxpayer, like you."
Burgdorf listed issues facing Chatham the next four years as: the new water plant project,
expanding the tax base, Route 4 and the village budget.
•Dan Holden, 40, is an 11-year resident of Chatham. He started a new job in January as a
Clinical Functional Analyst with Hospital Sisters Health Systems in Springfield. Prior to that, Holden
worked 10 years at Merck and Co. as an Executive Sales Representative.
Holden and his wife, Amy, have three children - Hannah, Abigail and Noah.
Holden is a 1992 graduate of North Dakota State University, where he also earned his Master's
degree in Public Administration in 1997. Holden earned an additional Master's degree in Pharmacy
regulation and Healthcare Policy from the University of Florida in 2009.
When asked why he is running for a trustee position, Holden stated, "I believe that I have the
experience, education and enthusiasm to be a strong voice for the citizens of Chatham. In addition, I
have an extensive background in community service, which has kept me in the middle of numerous
village projects and events. This involvement has provided me with opportunities for leadership and it
has given me a first-hand perspective of the issues and needs within our community."
About the issues facing Chatham in the next four years, Holden said, "Tight budgets and finishing
the water plant. We need to do more with less and we must make sure the water plant is completed
within budget and that all expenses for the project are closely monitored."
•Tom Kavanagh, 42, is a 12-year resident of Chatham. He works as an insurance
broker/consultant. Kavanagh and his wife, Cindy, have three children - Lindsay, Ryan and Lauren.
Kavanagh is a graduate of Springfield College and Quincy College. When asked why is running
for re-election, Kavanagh said, "I would like to finish the water project, continue the planning for
business development and ensure we plan for development in an effective manner."
Issues facing Chatham in the coming years include, according to Kavanagh: 1. Street repair for
the existing subdivisions with limited funds. 2. Maintaining existing operations with reduction in
revenues.
Kavanagh is a member of the Chatham Jaycees, American Business Club, St. Joseph's Catholic
Church and Chatham Chamber of Commerce.
•Dave Kimsey, 34, has lived in Chatham 10-plus years. He works as the Chief Financial Officer at
Johnson Development Company. Kimsey and his wife, Tana, have two daughters, Julia and Emma.
Kimsey, a Certified Public Accountant, earned his Bachelor's degree from Millikin University. He is
also a Certified Hotel Administrator and Illinois licensed real estate salesperson.
When asked why he is running for a trustee position, Kimsey responded, "Over the years, we have
seen the village continue to grow. It is important to manage that growth in a way that keeps Chatham
as welcoming and desirable as it was when we moved here. To do that, I believe we need to prepare
for the future in a rational manner and grow our community in ways we can support. I would bring to
the village board a background in accounting and financial stewardship and an understanding of
accessibility and service. I hope to use my education, experience and drive to guide Chatham while
maintaining its family friendly, small town charm."
Kimsey listed issues facing Chatham as the new water plant, managing growth, attracting new
businesses and upholding building codes and standards of living.
•Jason Rauch, 29, has lived in Chatham for 21 years. He currently works as an Auditor for THR
and Associates. Rauch is engaged to be married to Caitlin Kos.
Rauch earned a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Illinois-Springfield in
2005. He has also earned Firefighter and EMT certification.
"I'm running for the board because I think I can make some positive differences in Chatham,"
Rauch stated. "My family is from Chatham, I grew up here and the family I'm starting is staying in
Chatham. Being a homeowner here, I hate seeing our sewer and water rates go up as fast as they
are now and the next three years.
"My great-grandparents lived here, and I know from them how these rate increases can really hurt
older people on fixed incomes," he continued. "I worked at The Alamo for 12 years, and I spent a lot of
time talking to people about their concerns for the village. And I love Chatham."
Rauch listed several issues facing Chatham, first and foremost being the rising water and sewer
rates. He also listed the new water plant, Census count, expanding a major traffic artery to five lanes,
increased need for emergency services and police officers, as well as the need for new billing
software for village utilities.
As for the new water plant, Rauch added, "The plant and all the new pipe will necessitate the
hiring of several new village employees. It is imperative that this be done objectively and without the
slightest hint of nepotism or preferential treatment."
•Ryan Vaughn, 33, has lived almost two years in Chatham. He currently works as a Traffic
Director in the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk's office.
Vaughn earned his Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-
Champaign. He is working on his Master's degree in Political Studies from the University of Illinois-
Springfield.
Vaughn and his wife, Jenny, have two dogs, Frank and Josie. He listed his kids as "in progress."
When asked why he's running for trustee, Vaughn said, "Because I love Chatham and I want to be
intimately involved in preserving our quality of life."
As for issues facing Chatham in the next four years, he added, "Making sure the water plant
comes in on time and on budget; growing smart and making sure we create reasonable and accurate
projections; bringing big-box retail to Chatham and expanding our business tax base; and avoiding
further rate increases at all costs."
Village Board
There are seven candidates competing for three trustee positions on the Chatham Village Board
in the upcoming April 5 election.
Each trustee position carries a four-year term. The candidates are: Ken Boyle, James Burgdorf,
Dan Holden, Tom Kavanagh, Dave Kimsey, Jason Rauch and Ryan Vaughn.
Kavanagh is the only incumbent who is running. Jeanne Boyle and Jill Reynolds are not seeking
re-election.
The Clarion contacted each of the candidates, seeking basic information and asking several
questions. Following is a profile of each candidate, including why they are running for village board
(in their own words). Next week, the Clarion will publish photos and statements from each candidate:
•Ken Boyle, 30, is a life-long resident of Chatham. Boyle works as an Attorney and he and his
wife, Amber, have a daughter, Keely.
Boyle is a 1999 graduate of Glenwood High School, and he is a member of the 1998 state
champion football team which was recently named to the Glenwood Hall of Fame. Boyle also
graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and University of Tulsa College of Law,
where he earned his law degree in 2006.
When asked why he was running for a trustee position, Boyle stated, "I feel that my education,
leadership skills and most importantly, my commitment to serving the people of Chatham are my
reasons for running."
When asked to list issues facing Chatham, Boyle said, "My priorities as a trustee are public safety,
positive economic growth and cost containment in order to avoid unnecessary tax increases. I am
committed to making sure our police and fire services meet the needs of our growing community and
that the growth and expansion in Chatham is done with a focus on improving the services offered to
community members of all ages. Most importantly, I promise the voters I will be accessible and listen
to your needs as your representative on the village council."
•James Burgdorf, 37, is a 3-year resident of Chatham. He works as the Assistant Director for
Cashier Operations and Customer Service at the University of Illinois. Burgdorf and his wife, Mica,
have a son, Alec.
Burgdorf graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Administration from
Illinois College in 1995. He is currently pursuing his Master's of Accountancy degree from the
University of Illinois-Springfield.
When asked why he was running for a trustee position, Burgdorf stated, "To serve my community
beyond being a taxpayer. Prior to moving to Chatham for the top notch educational opportunities for
our son, I worked in Chatham as a branch manager at a local bank for four years. During this time I
was active in the Chatham Chamber of Commerce, including starting an Ambassador program
growing membership to over 100 businesses and rounding out my engagement as Chamber
President.
"Like most Chatham residents driving home after work, I don't need a Census Bureau to tell me
Chatham has grown in the past eight years," Burgdorf continued. "Like most homeowners, I often
question if we are getting the best services for our tax dollars. I am asking for the opportunity to serve
as your trustee to review existing programs and service as an end user and taxpayer, like you."
Burgdorf listed issues facing Chatham the next four years as: the new water plant project,
expanding the tax base, Route 4 and the village budget.
•Dan Holden, 40, is an 11-year resident of Chatham. He started a new job in January as a
Clinical Functional Analyst with Hospital Sisters Health Systems in Springfield. Prior to that, Holden
worked 10 years at Merck and Co. as an Executive Sales Representative.
Holden and his wife, Amy, have three children - Hannah, Abigail and Noah.
Holden is a 1992 graduate of North Dakota State University, where he also earned his Master's
degree in Public Administration in 1997. Holden earned an additional Master's degree in Pharmacy
regulation and Healthcare Policy from the University of Florida in 2009.
When asked why he is running for a trustee position, Holden stated, "I believe that I have the
experience, education and enthusiasm to be a strong voice for the citizens of Chatham. In addition, I
have an extensive background in community service, which has kept me in the middle of numerous
village projects and events. This involvement has provided me with opportunities for leadership and it
has given me a first-hand perspective of the issues and needs within our community."
About the issues facing Chatham in the next four years, Holden said, "Tight budgets and finishing
the water plant. We need to do more with less and we must make sure the water plant is completed
within budget and that all expenses for the project are closely monitored."
•Tom Kavanagh, 42, is a 12-year resident of Chatham. He works as an insurance
broker/consultant. Kavanagh and his wife, Cindy, have three children - Lindsay, Ryan and Lauren.
Kavanagh is a graduate of Springfield College and Quincy College. When asked why is running
for re-election, Kavanagh said, "I would like to finish the water project, continue the planning for
business development and ensure we plan for development in an effective manner."
Issues facing Chatham in the coming years include, according to Kavanagh: 1. Street repair for
the existing subdivisions with limited funds. 2. Maintaining existing operations with reduction in
revenues.
Kavanagh is a member of the Chatham Jaycees, American Business Club, St. Joseph's Catholic
Church and Chatham Chamber of Commerce.
•Dave Kimsey, 34, has lived in Chatham 10-plus years. He works as the Chief Financial Officer at
Johnson Development Company. Kimsey and his wife, Tana, have two daughters, Julia and Emma.
Kimsey, a Certified Public Accountant, earned his Bachelor's degree from Millikin University. He is
also a Certified Hotel Administrator and Illinois licensed real estate salesperson.
When asked why he is running for a trustee position, Kimsey responded, "Over the years, we have
seen the village continue to grow. It is important to manage that growth in a way that keeps Chatham
as welcoming and desirable as it was when we moved here. To do that, I believe we need to prepare
for the future in a rational manner and grow our community in ways we can support. I would bring to
the village board a background in accounting and financial stewardship and an understanding of
accessibility and service. I hope to use my education, experience and drive to guide Chatham while
maintaining its family friendly, small town charm."
Kimsey listed issues facing Chatham as the new water plant, managing growth, attracting new
businesses and upholding building codes and standards of living.
•Jason Rauch, 29, has lived in Chatham for 21 years. He currently works as an Auditor for THR
and Associates. Rauch is engaged to be married to Caitlin Kos.
Rauch earned a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Illinois-Springfield in
2005. He has also earned Firefighter and EMT certification.
"I'm running for the board because I think I can make some positive differences in Chatham,"
Rauch stated. "My family is from Chatham, I grew up here and the family I'm starting is staying in
Chatham. Being a homeowner here, I hate seeing our sewer and water rates go up as fast as they
are now and the next three years.
"My great-grandparents lived here, and I know from them how these rate increases can really hurt
older people on fixed incomes," he continued. "I worked at The Alamo for 12 years, and I spent a lot of
time talking to people about their concerns for the village. And I love Chatham."
Rauch listed several issues facing Chatham, first and foremost being the rising water and sewer
rates. He also listed the new water plant, Census count, expanding a major traffic artery to five lanes,
increased need for emergency services and police officers, as well as the need for new billing
software for village utilities.
As for the new water plant, Rauch added, "The plant and all the new pipe will necessitate the
hiring of several new village employees. It is imperative that this be done objectively and without the
slightest hint of nepotism or preferential treatment."
•Ryan Vaughn, 33, has lived almost two years in Chatham. He currently works as a Traffic
Director in the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk's office.
Vaughn earned his Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Illinois at Urbana-
Champaign. He is working on his Master's degree in Political Studies from the University of Illinois-
Springfield.
Vaughn and his wife, Jenny, have two dogs, Frank and Josie. He listed his kids as "in progress."
When asked why he's running for trustee, Vaughn said, "Because I love Chatham and I want to be
intimately involved in preserving our quality of life."
As for issues facing Chatham in the next four years, he added, "Making sure the water plant
comes in on time and on budget; growing smart and making sure we create reasonable and accurate
projections; bringing big-box retail to Chatham and expanding our business tax base; and avoiding
further rate increases at all costs."
Chatham Clarion
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Issue Date: March 17, 2011