Watch the New Lenox Mayoral Debate

It was a packed house for Tuesday’s debate between mayoral candidates Tim Baldermann, Ron Sly, and Andrew Englebrecht.

The contenders and voters gathered at Lincoln-Way West for discourse covering their visions for the village, challenges ahead, state funding issues, and business development. New Lenox resident and Patch Field Editor Joseph Hosey moderated the debate, with New Lenox Patriot Editor Meredith Dobes.

In several questioned posed to the candidates, Baldermann tackled his oft-criticized private development approach to the redevelopment of village land—specifically a swath near Rte. 30 and Cedar Road—while Sly offered his take on what would best enhance the area.

Englebrecht, 24, brought a youthful view to the discussion with suggestions he feels would benefit those in his age bracket, particularly those seeking to move to, or stay in, New Lenox for the longterm.

State funding issues were a hot topic, with Baldermann vowing to fight for the funding due the village, and Sly suggesting that while noble to fight, officials would be prudent to plan ahead should Gov. Bruce Rauner follow through with proposed cuts.

Hear the candidates’ take on the mayor’s responsibility to be accessible, which areas of New Lenox offer the most opportunity, and which need the most help.

The debate will also air on Channel 6 New Lenox, at 3:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m., and midnight.