Former Hinsdale Village President Michael Woerner spent six years on the Village Board — four years as village president and two years as trustee — dating back to 2003.

In April he lost in his bid to be re-elected village president. On July 4, Woerner served as grand marshal for the Independence Day Parade in Hinsdale.

Woerner said serving as grand marshal for the parade was a welcome respite following an often tumultuous last two years as village president, although Woerner said he cherished the public service he provided to both the village and Consolidated School District 181, where he served as president during his second four-year term in office from 1999 to 2003.

Q What would you have done differently as village president looking back on your term in office?

A There are a couple of re-dos I would like to have over. When I first got into office, we created a strategic plan that may have been a bit too aggressive. In retrospect, given the way the economy went south the last 12 months of my administration, perhaps we shouldn’t have been so aggressive. Second was the whole issue of the lawsuit over the Zoning Board of Appeals. I think it was misrepresented that it was Mike Woerner suing residents. Other than a few items, I think it was a pretty good ride.

Q What do you think were the highlights of your term?

A There were some real positives, I think. Convincing the board to hire a lobbyist to help get funding for the village may be my last legacy. That decision may result in millions of dollars coming our way through federal stimulus money and other sources. Second, I think my administration brought a new level of openness to government, and now Village Board meetings and committee meetings are televised and put on video for residents.

Q Are you enjoying your hiatus from public service?

A Since 1995, I have served on either the Consolidated School District 181 board or the village of Hinsdale board. Part of me really enjoys being rededicated to my full-time job and my family. But part of me misses being involved in government. If something were offered to me, I probably would consider taking it on. If the village needs some help on the next sales tax referendum, I wouldn’t mind getting involved with that.