Activist Toolkit

1) Why do you want to serve as Commissioner? 

I have always believed that if you have the Education, Passion, Enthusiasm, leadership skills and you want to make a difference, then get involved. I have taken this approach in life as a coach, volunteer, elected official, and as an employee. Forest Park has Realized measurable change for the good during my 4-year term but there is always more to do. 

I want to continue to be an influencer of positive change. I want to work with the Chamber, the business, and the residents, to ensure Forest Park continues to be a Great Place to Live, Work, & Play. By Focusing on Upgrades to our Infrastructure, Driving Public Health & Safety initiatives & Supporting Local Businesses I believe I can do just that.

What makes you qualified to serve? 

You must believe you have something to offer and that you can be effective. I am the Director of Health and Safety for a two billion dollar publicly traded company. I have over 20 Years of experience in Construction Safety & Health. I have spent my career motivating and influencing people to embrace safety as a value and cementing the importance of building relationships to achieve success. I pride myself on cultivating a safety & health culture in which looking out for your fellow employees and coming home safely at the end of the day is the standard. I believe strongly in being honest, professional, friendly, and fair. This has served me well in my career, especially while building strong connections and good working relationships amongst coworkers, clients and collaborating partners. 

Additionally, I graduated from Northern Illinois University and have several professional accreditations. This includes my Certified Safety & Health Certificate (CSP). In addition to serving as the Safety Chairman of the Underground Contractors Association, I also served the Village of Forest Park as the Chairmen of the Traffic and Safety Commission. Currently, I am the Commissioner of Streets & Public Improvement.

What metrics of success do you plan on holding yourself accountable to? 

The success of a public official can be measured by several factors.

• Accountability

• Accessibility

• Ability to bring people together.

• Transparency

• Trust

• Leadership

• Results Driven

I hold myself accountable to the residents of Forest Park by returning emails, calls & text messages regarding village business within 24 hours. I provide reasons for the decisions I make in public meetings. Where opportunities for improvement arise to the level of service Public Works provides our residents, I take accountability and ensure a resolution is sought. 

2) How do you make decisions? 

I make decisions through a collaborative process. I believe strongly in getting the opinions of the department heads, and my fellow elected officials as part of the fact-finding process. I listen to the opinions, arguments and ideas of staff and fellow elected officials before making my decision. This blended approach has served me well over the last 4 years.

3) What are the three biggest challenges or opportunities facing Forest Park in the next three, five, and ten years and how should elected officials address them over the next four years? 

Pension Funds – This is an exceptionally large burden on the Village budget. We are obligated and need to continue to make a concerted effort to pay more than the required amount to help catch us back up as fast as possible. Currently the police and Fire Pension Funds are only 32% funded. This is not going away and the time to focus on this now. This is a big-ticket item and requires a commissioner that is willing to do what it takes to ensure our first responders have the funding they deserve.

Infrastructure Improvements – Infrastructure improvements is a cyclical process which requires long term and short-term planning. I have taken a proactive approach to continue to improve and maintain the aging infrastructure. Over the last 4 years we have made the following improvements,

• 5,460 LF of Water Main Replacement

• 16, 400 LF of Road Resurfacing

• 1,325 LF of Alley Reconstruction

• 2,900 LF of Sewer Separation 

Since 2019 I have successfully pushed to increase the flood grant program funding from 10K to 45K in 2023. This allows more residents to participate and install flood prevention systems. Which provides for a better quality of life.

The public works fleet has been revitalized by way of upgrading a substantial portion of our equipment and vehicles through our fleet management program. This affords us the ability to continue providing our high level of reliable service to the community.

Economic Development – We need commissioners that understand the importance of having a building department and chamber of commerce that both promote Forest Park and ensure we are easy to do business with. We must also attack new developments that make sense for Forest Park. We must understand how to leverage incentives, TIF districts and welcome businesses that want to invest in our community with open arms.

4) How would you approach the budgeting process? 

Like I have the past four years. The process starts with a finance meeting with each department throughout the year to prepare and formalize their proposed budget. The Commissioners then meet with staff, and the Village Administrator to work through some of the unique asks for the next fiscal year. From there, we run through each component of the budget during our annual budget review meeting. During this time, the village commissioners provide feedback, comment, and ask questions. After multiple meetings, research, and discussions we present a final budget and formally approve. 

5) What would you say to voters who are worried about the tax burden? 

You are not alone. A lot of taxes in this state have increased far too much. Although the village is a very small component of our property taxes, there is still a lot we can do to reduce our portion. Things like leveraging technology, consistently sourcing grants, and leveraging local resources can help us work to a budget that can help hold the line on our share of the property taxes.

6) What should the Village Commission's role be with respect to economic development and attracting new business to Forest Park? 

Again, we need commissioners that understand the importance of having a building department and chamber of commerce that both promote Forest Park and ensure we are easy to do business with. We must also attack new developments that make sense for our village. We must understand how to leverage incentives, TIF districts and welcome businesses that want to invest in our community with open arms. I support the opportunity for Forest Park to look at joining other communities and adopting an Enterprise Zone Program. Enterprise Zones are geographic regions that are granted special status to encourage development and economic growth. (“Southland Enterprise Zones — CSEDCWorks.org”) The zones may be subject to favorable tax rates, regulatory exemptions, or other incentives to encourage businesses to stay in Forest Park or Locate to Forest Park.

7) The Altenheim property and future development alternatives are topics of much discussion in Forest Park. What should the next step in this process be, and what is your ultimate vision for the property?

I am eager to see the final recommendations from the Altenheim Advisory Committee, and specifically how they, through community outreach, have ranked the opportunity for green space at this location. From my early days on the Ad-Hoc Altenheim Committee I was in favor of developing the north parcel of land and keeping the south parcel for green space. However, to continue the growth of Forest Park, the Altenheim property could best be served as a combination of ideas including residential development, and green space. I will support the work of the Committee and the voice of the residents. It is my understanding that the Park District has told the Village it is not able to manage any more green space at this time, however, they would be willing to revisit the issue of maintaining whatever is built in the future.

8) The debate over video gambling has been resolved through binding referendum, yet there are still significant divisions over the issue. Do you think those divisions can be overcome? If so, how? If not, why not? Would you now seek to repeal the prohibition on video gambling in Forest Park? If so, how? If not, why not? 

You can go anywhere and in Illinois and gamble on horses, sports, poker etc. and you can do it right from your smart phone. It is completely legal and accessible. I think the issue of video gaming should be one of fact and numbers and not personalities. I have done the research in neighboring communities, and everyone is happy they offer gaming. There is a right way to do this so the community can control the things like density, signage & allowable locations. It is a big boost to our revenue stream that can be dedicated for many future investments. Not to mention, I could not find a community that had public safety concerns related to this topic.

9) How can local governments ensure that Black Lives matter? What actions can and should be taken?

 I was taught from an early age to respect all lives regardless of race, gender, age, or sexual orientation. A deeper understanding of BLM movement is necessary for us to move forward as a village and a community.

10) Commissioners are elected “at large”. How will you represent the views of all Forest Parkers?

By trying to look at all the stakeholders and make sure that the decisions I make protect the values of our community and are in the best interest of Forest Park.

11) What does transparency in government mean to you? Give one example of an action you would take as Commissioner, or have taken during your time as Commissioner, for those seeking re-election, reflecting your views on this topic. How would you evaluate the Village’s record on transparency?

Transparency is the only way to have a respected Village Council and informed residents. As a Commissioner, I pride myself on listening to the voices of the residents, as well as the department heads and the other elected officials. My decisions are not made behind closed doors. I have always been open and honest about the decisions I have made and the reason behind the way I have voted for or against items presented during council meetings. I give explanations for my reasoning behind Village Council decisions. 

12) What are the appropriate limits to a nepotism policy that would prevent the appearance of favoritism while not unduly hindering the ability of local government to work with those who already have an existing relationship with government stakeholders? 

I support a system that provides equal opportunity to all qualified candidates. I also believe that the person most qualified should be considered regardless of relationships. Forest Park has adopted an anti-nepotism policy during my current term. This is working just fine.

13) What steps will you take, or have you taken, to enhance community engagement with the Village and the Village Commission? What is your view on how local elected officials should communicate with and respond to constituents?

The Village of Forest Park hosts many events annually that, by design, promote community engagement. Rib fest, October fest, Grooving in the Grove, Shakespeare in the park, 16” softball tourney, garage galleries, St. Patrick’s Day parade, and many more. Over the last four years I have connected with well over a hundred residents on issues regarding sidewalk repair, debris removal, flooding, and many others. I have made it my policy to ensure I respond to all questions and concerns either in person or via phone or email within 24 hours. The best way to enhance and promote community engagement is to be available and response to resident concerns. 

14) In what ways have you sought to better know and understand the experiences, concerns, and needs of residents outside your demographic group? 

I have spent years traveling to all over our great country. I have worked with the Chamorros in Guam the (Kanaka Maoli) Hawaiian People in Hawaii and worked in twenty-eight of the continental United States. I respect and learn from the local people wherever I go. I am the strongest candidate at understanding the needs and concerns of people from a vast diversity of cultures and backgrounds. Most importantly, I have been successful in this arena for over a decade, and it has translated well during my last 4 years as commissioner. I always listen and understand before I expect to be understood. 

15) Much is made of how long one has lived in Forest Park as a marker of legitimacy in its local government. This can serve to delegitimize the large number of people who have recently moved here, especially those who are renting. How will you work to get the perspectives of and involvement from newly arrived Forest Parkers and especially renters in the village? 

Every resident in Forest Park has a voice and should be heard. As elected officials we are responsible, for creating an open welcoming environment so that any person considering running for office or sitting on a board is an active participant within the government. Our committees consist of unpaid volunteers who by way of wanting to make a difference, seek out involvement. I encourage everyone who has the time and love for Forest Park to reach out to the elected officials and be part of the decision-making body of the community. I also advocate for anyone willing to circulate petitions and pursue public office. The council is decided by the residents and made possible by our right to vote. I encourage everyone to exercise that right and vote for leaders that have proven they can put in the time, do the work, and get measurable results. 

16) What are your thoughts on the appropriate limits on candidates/officeholders weighing in on the actions of a different taxing body? 

Why should a candidate be limited when simply weighing in on the actions or status of other taxing bodies in our community? I think having the best interest of Forest Park in our hearts is the goal. If that means having an opinion on what the park district is doing, school district is doing then so be it. This is our town, and we should all be working together to ensure we are putting forth the best version of Forest Park possible. 

17) What do you see as the best role for Forest Park’s Commissions, especially the Diversity Commission? What challenges do you anticipate with regard to equity and inclusion in the Village, and how will you approach them? 

Getting actively involved in the Village Commissions is a terrific way to be an active participant in Forest Park. We are always looking for interested residents to fill seats on all our commissions. This can also be a springboard for folks seeking further involvement as an elected official. I was the Chairman of the Traffic & Safety Committee and I felt it extremely rewarding. Forest Park has always been a community of people with varying backgrounds and social & economic status. Consequently, this is what makes our Village strong, and we need to celebrate this. The Diversity Commission should be the Village resource on diversity issues. The Diversity Commission is charged with discussing, documenting, and delivering their findings & recommendations to the Village council so necessary action can be taken. The Village Council must support their efforts to enrich the social and intellectual life of all residents through educational and social programs. Through regular participation in Village Council meetings, we can improve awareness and promote the understanding and acceptance of all people in our great Village.

18) The Village Council has an arguably mixed record on climate action. For example, they have voted against pursuing a Metropolitan Water Reclamation District grant that would capture stormwater yet voted to bring in electric car-charging stations. How would you act to ensure policy reflected climate change locally, including residents impacted by water/sewer backup into homes? 

The Village Council and the residents are actively engaged in local environmental sustainability efforts. Neighborhood clean ups are just one example. The public works hosts regular recycling and pick up services for electronics, paint, light bulbs, gasoline, oil, batteries, and bulk pick up for heavy items such as furniture. These efforts help to improve the environment in which we live. 

The village has also considered the use of electrical equipment and vehicles to help reduce our carbon footprint. Although we have not made considerable progress in this are the adaptation of charging stations is a step in the right direction. 

When it comes to flooding, Forest Park has seen its fare share. Flooding in Forest Park has affected many residents. Green Infrastructure improvements such as paver block alleys, sewer and storm water separation, and the Flood control grants are just a few of the initiatives taken to help reduce the impact of flooding in the Village. Recently we have purchased a new Vactor/Jetter to help improve the flow of rainwater to our catch basins. 

We must continue to research and utilize sustainable construction methods on public projects, and infrastructure improvements (Sewer lining, combined sewer and storm separation, retention pond construction where possible, pervious concrete, pavers, rain gardens, rain barrels etc.)

19) Please list the three largest donors to your campaign by dollar amount contributed. 

All campaign contributions are filed with the state board of elections and are available for public viewing.

20) For those who are currently serving as Commissioner: What vote are you most proud of, and what vote do you most regret? Why? 

I am proud that we have been able to make a considerable difference to the quality of the equipment we have in our public works department. This has vastly improved our reliability as well as the quality of our service. The current council has worked through the uncertainty of Covid 19 and the unforeseen resignation of one of our commissioners. We have been able, in the face of adversity, to still move Forest Park forward. I am proud of the fact that as elected officials we do not always agree but we are able to find common ground for the good of our village.