Re-Elect
Dr. Michael Bruno
Mayor of Winthrop Harbor
The Cornerstone of Illinois
Embedded Files
Building on Progress-Strengthening Our Future
My Re-Election Message
"Advocating for Winthrop Harbor is my #1 Priority"
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Since 2017, I have had the privilege of serving as your Mayor, leading our Village with dedication, integrity, and a deep commitment to progress. My approach to leadership has always been rooted in service, collaboration, and ensuring the well-being of our residents. I have worked diligently to strengthen our local economy, enhance Village services, and ensure responsible governance while always upholding my oath of office with the highest moral character, knowing that as Mayor, I am the face of this community.
With 40 years in the medical profession and over 38 years as a small business owner in the chiropractic field, I have built a thriving practice based on care, trust, and a genuine concern for the health of my patients. The same principles that have guided me in my profession—listening, diagnosing challenges, and developing solutions—are the same principles I apply to governing our Village. I believe that, just like a patient, a community thrives when its foundation is strong, with a healthy economy, safe neighborhoods, and a government that prioritizes residents’ needs.
During my tenure, I have focused on fostering growth while maintaining fiscal responsibility, ensuring that our Village remains strong, vibrant, and prosperous. Leading through the pandemic was one of the most challenging times in our history, requiring decisive action to minimize disruption while keeping essential services running. Through resilience, adaptability, and teamwork, we navigated that unprecedented time together.
These two terms have been a journey of learning and growth. Being Mayor is not about holding a title—it’s about bringing people together, engaging with residents and stakeholders, and ensuring our Village’s success through collective effort. Leadership is about working as a team, and the progress we have made is a testament to what we can accomplish when we collaborate toward a shared vision.
Just as I care for my patients, I remain committed to leading our community with the same dedication, empathy, and focus on well-being. I take great pride in upholding the trust you have placed in me, leading with integrity, and ensuring that our Village government remains transparent, accountable, and representative of the people we serve.
Thank you to all the residents for your trust and support over the past two terms. It has been an honor to serve, and I look forward to continuing to work together for the future of our great Village.
Village Board United in Support of Mike
The upcoming election is a pivotal moment—the execution of carefully laid plans designed to secure a stable financial future and promote sustainable growth. We have invested in robust strategies that prioritize long-term prosperity over short-term gains, ensuring that essential services, innovative projects, and community initiatives continue to thrive. Your vote endorses these plans and signals a collective commitment to a future where our community remains vibrant, dynamic, and secure.
This is more than an election—it’s a reaffirmation of our collective strength. The majority of our board has shown that when we work together, we create a powerful engine for change. Their commitment to collaboration and transparency ensures that every decision made is with the community’s best interests at heart. It is for this reason that the majority of this Village Board endorses the direction the Village is currently heading. This shared vision drives our unwavering support for the continuation of our progress.
It is because of this strong unity and our mutual commitment to success that are publicly uniting to endorse Dr. Michael Bruno for another term as Mayor. Join us in this journey toward a sustainable and prosperous future. When you vote, you support not just individual leadership, but the unified, hardworking majority of our board that is dedicated to driving progress and securing a better tomorrow for all.
Trustee Alanna Whitmore
Trustee Kimberly Braden
Trustee "Fritz" Weiss
Trustee Dana McCarthy
Trustee Buddy Hargett
Some of Our Key Successes
Significant Grant Funding
Grant funding is crucial for small communities, helping fund essential services, infrastructure, public safety, and economic development without overburdening taxpayers. It supports growth, innovation, and disaster recovery, ensuring a better quality of life for residents.
$520,000.00
Remodeling Public Works Facility
State of Illinois Grant
$94,920.00
Remodeling Public Works Facility
State of Illinois Grant
$250,000.00
Roof Replacement Village Hall
State of Illinois Grant
$150,000.00
Village Park Improvements
State of Illinois Budget Allocation
$50,000.00
Village Park Pickle Ball Improvements
State of Illinois Budget Allocation
$25,900.00
Traffic Safety Grant IDOT
State of Illinois Grant
$212,000.00
Fire Department Radio Grant
FEMA(Federal)
$ 25,000.00
Fire Department Equipment
State of Illinois Budget Allocation
$40,000.00
Police K9 Grant
Not-for-profit
*transferred to Zion PD after ending the K9 Program
Advocating For Winthrop Harbor with State & Federal Elected Officials
The relationships I have built and the ongoing collaboration with state and federal representatives has greatly benefited the Village, securing state funding and services that address the daily needs of our residents and enhance our community's well-being.
Community Engagement
We have enhanced community engagement by actively maintaining a Facebook group for residents and distributing regular email updates via Constant Contact. These efforts aim to keep residents well-informed and involved in local affairs.
Competitive Wages
We have been and continue to work towards paying competitive wages within our means to attract and retain high-quality staff, ensuring the best possible, reliable delivery of essential services to our community.
Village Policies & Procedures
Policies that guide our operations are essential for protecting the Village from lawsuits, which can be costly. We have been diligently updating our policies and departmental operational procedures to modernize our practices and reduce the Village's liability.
Village Marketing for Economic Development and Tourism
The Village of Winthrop Harbor promotes economic development and tourism through initiatives like the "Discover the Harbor" website, which highlights attractions such as North Point Marina. The goal is to increase sale tax revenue from visitors and lessen the reliance on property taxes.
Business Promotion
The Village is actively supporting and promoting local businesses. Currently, we are working on initiatives to boost visibility, encourage community engagement, and create opportunities for business growth, strengthening our local economy.
Crime-Fighting Technology
We are enhancing public safety through modern technology, including Flock license plate reading cameras. These cameras send real-time alerts to police, assisting in crime prevention and response, improving investigative efficiency, and strengthening community security.
Regional Collaboration - Zion Park District & Harbor Brewing
Collaboration with our regional governmental partners is key to maximizing our resources. Most recently, we have partnered with the Zion Park District and Harbor Brewing to create the Summer of Music, a joint effort to promote and market all three summer music series, enhancing community engagement and regional tourism.
Village Board Collaboration
Village Board Collaboration – The collaboration among our Village Board members has improved significantly. While we may not always agree on every issue, the majority of the board shares common goals: promoting economic development to offset the tax burden and enhancing village services. My vision, along with that of the majority of board members, is aligned with the needs of our community, ensuring that our efforts remain focused on progress and sustainability. There is stability within the board, fostering a strong and cooperative team dedicated to the betterment of our Village.
Premium Events = Proceeds Reinvested Into Parks
The Winthrop Harbor Parks and Recreation Department hosts premier events that attract people from across the region. The proceeds are reinvested into parks, recreational facilities, and programs, enhancing community spaces and activities for residents.
New Village Management Leadership
Bringing in new management and leadership in a municipality is essential to achieving the community's goals and vision. We have welcomed qualified management professionals who bring expertise and fresh perspectives to drive progress, improve efficiency, and ensure that local government operates effectively to meet the needs of residents.
"A local mayor’s relationships with state and federal elected officials are crucial for securing funding, resources, and legislative support. These connections help advocate for local needs, influence policies, and access grants, ensuring community growth and improved services for residents."
Why Another Term
Building on Progress, Strengthening Our Future
Progress in a community takes time. It requires careful planning, thoughtful leadership, and a commitment to long-term goals. As Mayor, I’ve seen firsthand how essential it is to take the long view when building a thriving, sustainable community. Achieving meaningful progress involves collaboration, strategic planning, and seeing initiatives through to completion.
Planning: Laying the Foundation
Every successful initiative begins with solid planning. Identifying key areas for improvement and engaging with community stakeholders ensures that our efforts reflect the needs of the people we serve. Effective planning sets the course for future progress and strengthens the foundation of our community.
Implementation: Turning Ideas into Action
Once a plan is in place, the real work begins. Implementation often takes longer than expected, but it’s during this phase that we begin to see tangible results. The initiatives started in one term often lay the groundwork for continued success, with lessons learned to improve the process for future efforts.
Adapting to Setbacks
No journey of progress is without its challenges. Setbacks, such as the pandemic and economic fluctuations, have tested our resilience. During times of uncertainty, it is essential to reevaluate our strategies and adapt to new realities. With the right leadership, we can pivot when needed, ensuring that our community remains strong and that progress continues despite the obstacles we face.
Why Another Term Is Necessary
Building lasting change requires more than one term. Progress is incremental, and the projects we begin today need sustained leadership to truly come to fruition. Each term builds on the progress of the last, allowing us to refine and enhance our approach for long-term success.
Conclusion: A Shared Vision for the Future
Building a better community is a journey that requires time, dedication, and collaboration. By building on the progress we’ve made, we strengthen our future and create lasting benefits for all residents. I’m committed to continuing this journey with the support of our community, ensuring a bright future for generations to come.
Continued Key Focuses
Communicating & Branding
Clear communication and strong branding are essential for promoting Winthrop Harbor’s identity, attracting visitors, and engaging residents. We will continue to enhance public outreach, digital presence, and strategic marketing to highlight our Village’s strengths and opportunities.
Economy Growth
A thriving local economy is the foundation of a strong community. My team's commitment to continuing sustainable economic growth means supporting existing businesses, attracting new investments, and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Diversifying Revenue Streams
My team will continue to diversify revenue streams by continuing to secure grants, foster public-private partnerships, expand tourism, and expand our premium-paid recreation events. These efforts will generate sustainable funding to enhance Village services and infrastructure without increasing the tax burden..
Collaboration
Strong communities thrive through collaboration. To boost tourism and strengthen Winthrop Harbor’s economy, my team will continue building partnerships with our village board members, local businesses, North Point Marina, IDNR and our governmental partners.
Infrastructure
Maintaining and improving infrastructure is critical but expensive, requiring a creative approach to funding that reduces the burden on taxpayers. We will continue to invest in roads, water systems, public facilities, and parks while actively seeking alternative funding opportunities to finance these essential projects.
"I am honored to seek re-election as your mayor, continuing to represent you with integrity, pride, and deep respect for our community. My only interest is serving everyone equally, without old-school patronage politics. What is right for one is right for all, and I remain committed to making fair, transparent, and community-focused decisions that benefit us all. Together, we will continue building a stronger, and thriving community for everyone."
2025 Election Information
The upcoming Consolidated Election in Lake County, Illinois, is scheduled for April 1, 2025. This election includes positions such as municipal mayors, clerks, treasurers, trustees, and various district board members. To participate, ensure you're registered to vote by March 16, 2025. You can register online through the Illinois State Board of Elections' website or in person at designated locations. Early voting is available from March 17 to March 31, 2025, at multiple sites throughout Lake County. On Election Day, polls will be open from 6 AM to 7 PM, and you can vote at any polling place within the county. For detailed information on voter registration, early voting locations, and to view sample ballots, please visit the Lake County Clerk's official election page. CLICK HERE for more infomration.
Spread the Word
Help us spread the importance of this election by getting involved in any way you can. Whether it’s making phone calls, sending mail, or simply displaying a yard sign, your support plays a crucial role in informing and engaging our community. Every effort, big or small, helps ensure that voters are aware and ready to make their voices heard. If you're interested in helping or need a yard sign, please reach out. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in this election.
Email: 2025harbor@gmail.com
Phone: 224-212-0900
Re-Elect Dr. Bruno For Mayor
WINTHROP HARBOR ILLINOIS
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