Hinsdale Leader Won't Accept Money From Village Vendors

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale Village President Greg Hart said Friday he would no longer accept contributions from village vendors.

His promise comes a little more than a week after village trustees questioned a recent $1,500 contribution from Rosemont-based Christopher Burke Engineering.

At a meeting, trustees were asked to consider a no-bid contract for the firm. Some said they had reservations, given the donation.

It was an unusually contentious meeting that Hart referred to as a "spectacle" at the time.

In an interview, Hart said he was unaware of the concerns until they came up during the meeting.

"Obviously, that night got a little heated. I'm human. I felt my integrity was being questioned. It's their right as a board to question," Hart said.

He said the Burke contract was completely staff-driven.

Over the last month, Hart's campaign has collected $31,541 in donations. In previous quarters, he raised little or nothing.

Hart, who ran unopposed in 2025, said his campaign held a fundraiser Oct. 15 at a Hinsdale restaurant, which he said explained the surge in contributions.

He said he is not running for office. But he said he needed to keep the campaign organization going in case he faces an opponent in an election.

Hart also said 4 percent of his donations have come from village vendors since he formed his political committee before becoming village president. Of all of his contributions, $20,000 has gone to local charitable causes.

He said he has followed the law, but wanted to take the extra step of no longer accepting money from village vendors.

"It's important for complying with public trust and showing how seriously we treat the issue," Hart said.

Hart also said he has directed the committee to donate $9,000 in contributions received since before his presidency from people and entities with matters pending before the Village Board.

The $9,000 will benefit four local nonprofits: The Community House, the Wellness House, HCS Family Services and the Hinsdale Historical Society.

After last week's meeting, Hart said he directed the village's staff and attorney to explore expanding ethics and disclosure requirements to members of village boards and committees. He said he was also interested in such disclosure rules for companies seeking village contracts.

"I appreciate the thoughtful ideas my fellow Trustees have raised on these issues,” Hart said in a statement. "This is a starting point, and I welcome their input as we work together to develop a policy that serves Hinsdale well. I believe we share the same goal of maintaining high standards for our Village government."

Burke is a contractor for many suburbs, including Elmhurst, Clarendon Hills, Burr Ridge, Darien, La Grange and Western Springs.

In April, Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin accepted a $1,000 donation from Burke. Patch wrote about it.