Bailey, Bausch seek re-election in Bergen

Incumbents Wayne Bailey and Robert Bausch are seeking re-election to their trustee seats in the March 16 elections in Bergen.

Bailey, who has served on the board for four years as a trustee, is looking forward to another four. "Because I live in the village I take an active interest in what goes on," he said. "I'm raising my family here so I'm concerned with what happens."

During his tenure, the village has completed the installation of an electric line that increases the capacity in the village. "That was a long time coming," he said. "It was a grueling task but we felt a sense of accomplishment when it was done."

The increased electrical capacity will be a benefit in drawing business to the village's industrial park. "There is also a proposal for the construction of a housing development, which will utilize the electric."

Taxes are always on the minds of both taxpayers and village officials and both Bailey and Bausch were proud of the fact that the taxes in the village have remained flat for years. "We haven't had an increase in years," Bailey said. "We have been operating under a zero based budgeting process that basically means our services pay for themselves."

Bailey said that the trustees are always looking at items that will benefit the residents of Bergen. "We're working with local business and civic associations to come up with ways to revamp the downtown and are looking to come up with different programs to entice businesses to the heart of Bergen," he said.

Both Bailey and Bausch urged residents to come out and show support for the elected officials even when it is an uncontested race. "Residents should know who their representatives are," Bailey said. "Taking part in the local government at the grassroots level is important because that's what has the biggest impact on your daily lives."

Bailey's wife, Nancy, is the village library director. They have two daughters, Nicole, 10 and Kristen, 7.

Bausch said he is seeking re-election because he wants to continue to serve the community. He has served as a trustee for the past two-and-a-half years. "With the number of things we have going on right now, it's a critical time in Bergen," Bausch said. "With the recent upgrades to the electric transmission line and the increased capacity it will assist the industrial development center. We're getting quite a bit of interest from various entities that might be interested in moving in."

Bausch said this is a very significant time for the long term future of Bergen. "We've got a lot of ongoing projects with downtown redevelopment, streets and sidewalk upgrades and we also have a major residential developer proposing construction of upwards of 100 housing units over the next 10 years."

He also urged residents to come out and show support for the individuals who are responsible for taking care of the village. "It's a welcome gesture when the voters show support for the elected officials."

Bausch has lived in the village for the past 30 years with his wife, Janice. They have five grown children.

Elections will be held Tuesday, March 16 from noon to 9 p.m. at the village hall.