Tom Cauley wrapping up 16 years as Hinsdale's village president

Chicago Tribune

24-03-2025

Tom Cauley said he always laughs to himself when someone talks about the legacy of a village president.
But it's hard to argue that Cauley isn't leaving a legacy in Hinsdale as he steps down from that position after serving an unprecedented four four-year terms.
For the first time since 2009, Cauley's name won't be on the ballot when voters go to the polls for the April 1 consolidated election. That means former DuPage County Board member Greg Hart, who is running unopposed, will become Hinsdale's top elected official
'What any village president does is likely quickly forgotten as residents leave Hinsdale and new residents move in,' Cauley said regarding his skepticism about leaving a legacy.
But, he said he is proud of many accomplishments, including 'the Oak Street bridge, the parking deck, the removal of parking meters, our AAA bond rating, the reconstruction or resurfacing of almost every road in Hinsdale and the replacement of many old water mains, the Woodlands drainage project, the low vacancy rate in our central business district and helping to make a resident-friendly village government.'
'Also, I am proud that we have enforced the zoning code and only allowed new commercial development projects that are consistent with the character of our community,' Cauley said.
Village Board member Luke Stifflear, who has worked with Cauley over the past 10 years, said he has been a very strong village president because he always put residents and the greater good of the village first.
'Tom did not cave to demands from school districts, the Illinois Tollway, businesses or developers looking to take from the village,' Stifflear said. 'Tom would always fight for a better deal for residents.
Stifflear said Cauley's vision and leadership were put to the test right when he started as village president.
'Under macro-economic stress, Tom right-sized the village staff with an approximate 25% reduction in headcount, redirected village spending away from grandiose development plans not fully supported by residents, and rather created a Master Infrastructure Plan to repave our dilapidated roads and replace the village's sewers. Tom focused on the basics of our community.'
Village Manager Kathleen Gargano said Cauley's leadership has been driven by his unwavering commitment to Hinsdale and its residents.
'Throughout his tenure, President Cauley guided the village through both a recession and a pandemic, always prioritizing the community's best interests,' she said. 'Under his leadership, the village stabilized its financial position, achieved a AAA bond rating, and completed transformative capital projects that will benefit the community for years to come.
'President Cauley's leadership and thoughtful decision-making have left a profound and lasting impact. His focused and steadfast leadership, as well as his ability to distill complex issues and formulate a response that benefits Hinsdale, will be missed.'
Cauley said he ran for village president after a two-year term as village trustee because Hinsdale was in a 'very bad place.'
'Rating agencies were threatening to downgrade the village's bond rating, the board was pursuing development projects that would have ruined the character of our village, and Village Board meetings were extremely contentious and chaotic,' he said. 'I ran for president in the hopes of putting the village on a firm financial footing, to preserve the character of our community, and to develop better relations between residents and their local government.'
When first elected as village president, Cauley assumed it would be for one four-year term.
'At the end of my first term, I realized I still could have a positive impact on the village, and I genuinely enjoyed the job,' he said. 'Before my second term, there had only been one-term presidents. It seemed to me that it takes at least one term for a President to properly familiarize himself or herself with the inner workings of the village. In my view, the real impact I have had on the village was after my first term.'
As Cauley became more experienced, he also became more a part of the village's day-to-day decision making.
'At this point, I've been involved with the village longer than all but a few village employees,' he said.
Now, after 16 years as village president, Cauley decided it was a good time to step down, calling it 'long enough.'
'I would also like to devote more time to my family and my law practice. (I'll miss) the camaraderie with trustees, staff and residents,' he said. 'It has been a wonderful experience that has added texture to my life.'
While he no longer will be an elected official in Hinsdale, Cauley doesn't plan to disappear.
'I am always willing to help in any way I can,' he said. 'I have told the trustees and staff to feel free to contact me at any time.'