Linda Soto and her family moved to Hainesville in the spring of 1994 and were among the first settlers of the first new development in Hainesville, Deer Point Trails. Linda and her family soon became actively involved in the village.

Linda went on to head a residential committee to get the first park built in Hainesville. The village board at that time had not required development or fund allocation for the land parcel that was designated for a park. She also headed a volunteer group for flower bulb planting at the front entrance of Deer Point. Linda also coordinated a coffee meeting with School District 46 to address the bus stop challenge due to construction at that time in Hainesville.

In spring of 1995 eight candidates ran for three Trustee seats. Linda Soto was the top vote taker in that race. In 1997 Linda ran for Mayor against two other candidates - including the current mayor - and won, becoming the first female Mayor in the history of Hainesville.

Linda has relocated within the Village of Hainesville and lives with her husband and two sons. Over the years, Linda has been involved with the PTO, Vacation Bible School, Market Day and the GCHS Rams Booster Club. Her husband, Ed, has served as a Grayslake Park District Board Commissioner and was the founding chairperson of the Mano-A-Mano Family Resource Center of Round Lake Park.

The Soto family believes very strongly in community involvement and volunteering of one's time and talents.

One of Linda's major accomplishments as Trustee was to create and head a Police Committee that brought the Hainesville Police Department into compliance with the new state statute that became effective in January 1996 outlining how a part-time police department should be operated.

Her major accomplishments as Mayor include:

• Updated and Codified village ordinances
• Ordered first audit of village done in 18 years
• Received over $500,000 in grant money for various projects such as infrastructure improvements, park development, police department equipment, and initial funding for new village hall plans
• Utilized professional planning and engineering firm to create and publish a comprehensive plan for the village
• Established taxing body impact fee policy for all future development
• Established and maintained working relationships with all taxing bodies within Hainesville and neighboring towns
• Established and maintained relationships with the Lake County Board and State Reps
• Established village newsletter and website
• Provided 24/7 police protection
• Celebrated Hainesville 150th anniversary with parade and village picnic
• Obtained 'marsh grass' logo for village