Bio
Office sought: Arlington Heights village board (Vote for 4)
City: Arlington Heights
Age: 39
Occupation: Restaurant owner
Previous offices held: None
What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the village board respond to it?
The primary challenge currently confronting our village is the future redevelopment of the Arlington Park property. As a founding member of Touchdown Arlington Heights, a grassroots initiative aimed at facilitating dialogue between all stakeholders and the Chicago Bears, I want to clarify that encouraging continued dialogue does not imply support for any specific development by the Bears. Any future development, whether it involves the Bears or not, must be thoughtfully designed, transparent, and beneficial to our community. I will continue to foster open communication to ensure everyone’s concerns are heard and addressed.
The redevelopment necessitates infrastructure improvements and increased services by our first responders. For instance, during my recent evening and midnight shift ride-alongs with the police department, I observed the need for an increased police presence to ensure the safety of all residents. It is also essential that the judicial system holds accountable those individuals who are complicit in or ignore criminal activities. Arlington Heights is a safe community with a great reputation, and we must work together to maintain and enhance that safety.
How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?
The village's financial position is currently robust. Decisions made by the board and staff over the past decade have allowed for only one property tax levy increase in the last five years. Prudent and thoughtful financial planning, particularly through enhancing sales tax revenue, has made us less reliant on property taxes. Moving forward, our primary spending priorities should focus on enhancing public infrastructure and recruiting the very best for our police and fire services. It is essential that we assess our existing community projects to evaluate their effectiveness and impact on the community.
What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?
The most pressing infrastructure projects that need to be addressed right now are the lead pipe replacement program and the enhanced water main replacement program. Looking ahead, a crucial future infrastructure project will involve the redevelopment of the Arlington Park property. While the future of Arlington Park remains uncertain, any redevelopment will require a private/public partnership to enhance the necessary infrastructure for such development.
The lead pipe replacement program has received some funding from the general fund surplus, and staff is applying for grants from the State and Federal Environmental Protection Agencies, while also evaluating other grant opportunities to ensure the safety and health of our residents. The water main replacement program has been included in the annual budget process. There are several options to consider for the necessary infrastructure improvements at the Arlington Park property. I am open to discussing all options in a collaborative and transparent manner.
What economic incentives, if any, should Arlington Heights be willing to offer the Chicago Bears to attract the team's stadium project to Arlington Park? Please explain your reasoning.
If the Chicago Bears were to consider relocating to Arlington Heights, it is imperative that the development of Arlington Park serves the interests of all stakeholders, especially our residents. Open and transparent communication among all parties is essential to achieving their trust and support.
There are opportunities to create a mutually beneficial outcome for all parties involved. If elected, I would approach my role as a steward of our taxpayers' interests while also recognizing that a well-structured agreement could significantly benefit our community. All concerns raised by residents and stakeholders should be addressed in a public forum. Transparency is vital to ensuring that everyone has a voice, fostering greater support for the redevelopment of the Arlington Park property.
Incentives that should be considered must be limited to variations and public infrastructure. Our zoning and building codes are strict, and rightfully so. However, a redevelopment as large in scope as this one, 326 acres, will require some flexibility to ensure success not only for the development but, more importantly, for our residents.
If the Bears succeed in developing a new stadium in Chicago instead of Arlington Heights, what type of development would you want to see on the Arlington Park property? How would you see that benefiting the community?
Regardless of the Bears' decision, it is crucial that we recognize the significant opportunity presented by the former Arlington Park property. We should apply consistent criteria to any prospective development: it must reflect the highest and best use of the property while delivering financial benefits to our residents. The highest and best use should include revenue-generating opportunities to reduce our reliance on future real estate tax levies.
Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board.
I believe there are methods to create a mutually beneficial outcome for all parties involved through collaboration and respect. My experience working in group settings on policy creation always starts with ensuring everyone involved has the right to be heard. If elected, I would see my role as a fiduciary for our taxpayers, while also acknowledging that successfully navigating this process could yield significant benefits for our community. It is essential that all concerns raised by residents and stakeholders be addressed publicly. Transparency is vital to ensuring that everyone has a voice, which will ultimately enhance support and trust.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I am committed to prioritizing the safety of our residents, supporting our educational institutions, and fostering the continued development of a community that I take great pride in calling home. Ensuring public safety is of utmost importance, particularly given the dynamics of our growing community. As a local business owner and leader, I bring extensive experience in collaborating with diverse stakeholders to make informed decisions that achieve shared benefits for all parties involved. I would bring a fresh voice to discussions, leveraging my business acumen, common sense, and good judgment.
What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
I propose the formation of a focus group consisting of residents from various areas of Arlington Heights. The objective of this group would be to discuss community needs and subsequently present their findings to the board.
Additionally, I propose establishing a safer alfresco dining experience in our downtown area. This initiative would include the implementation of automatic barriers designed to provide safe access to residents/patrons and delivery trucks.