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Age
54
Current occupation
Independent Trader
Education
Bachelor’s Degree, Political Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Immediate family
Spouse : Madeline Children: Aaron (22) , Rachael (16)
Civic involvement
I’ve been involved in a variety of community groups including Elmhurst CRC Church, and The Boy Scouts of America, where I was recognized by fellow volunteers with the Silver Beaver Award, scouting’s highest adult award for impact on the lives of youth in our Council.
Previous elected offices held
I have not previously held elective office.
Why have you decided to run for this office?
I’ve decided to run because events at the national level in politics and the on-going problems at the state level in Illinois should call concerned citizens to involvement and action. Complaining on social media is easy, but has no impact. I’ve chosen to act locally by becoming involved in my local government.
What experience and strengths would you bring to this office if elected?
My education gave me a thorough understanding of the principles and obligations of government. At the local level, municipalities need to focus on three elements of governance: Fiscal responsibility, efficient delivery of services, and planning. In my career as a floor trader I made decisions based on research and knowledge. I have a deep understanding of market-oriented economic analysis. But decision making isn’t just about committing to a particular course of action, it’s also about continuously evaluating what you’ve done and correcting for changing conditions – successful trading isn’t about ego, it’s about clarity.
What project most needs to be completed in Elmhurst? How would you work to ensure the project is completed and done well?
Elmhurst needs to complete the Stormwater Management projects in the design phase, and those still at the conceptual level. The biggest roadblock to completion of the Stormwater project is the communications breakdown between the city and the other local taxing bodies, District 205 and the Elmhurst Park District. Trust and an improved working relationship must be rebuilt to carry the remaining projects from concept to completion. The City of Elmhurst needs to recognize the valid concerns of the Park Board and School Board and work with them to ensure the projects proceed. Consistent communication is the first step.
How would you support expanding the city’s commercial and industrial tax base?
Expanding the commercial and industrial tax bases is reliant considering the future to gain a better understanding of long-term trends. For example to attract new residents Elmhurst will need to balance the current needs and lifestyles of residents with changes in attitude about mass-transit use and residential density. Millennials are much less tied to their cars than previous generations. Elmhurst needs to spend time thinking about how to integrate that fundamental lifestyle change into our future. Elmhurst also needs to recognize that there are fundamental shifts in consumer behavior that will adversely affect the need for “brick and mortar” retail.
What issues specific to your ward would you like to see addressed by the council?
The Sixth Ward needs to see the Bryan Stormwater project proceed, a safe crossing of Butterfield Road for residents living south of Butterfield needs to be moved along more vigorously, and the York and Butterfield streetscape needs to be improved. As much as North York is a gateway to the City of Elmhurst, so too is the Hospital-South York corridor. Constituent service and communication need to be improved too. I’m committed to regular quarterly meetings with residents.
The current political climate across the United States seems more divided than ever. What will you do to foster cooperation and compromise on the council?
The national political turmoil is what’s drawn me to consider and commit to public service. I came of political age in the Reagan era – when Speaker of the House, Tip O’Neil, was a weekly guest at the Reagan Whitehouse, despite being the leader of the opposition. I think collegiality like that is sorely missed.
We, all of us, need to take a deep breath, remember we are all Americans and that we all want a strong, vibrant nation. Compromise is not a “dirty word”, and good governance is the goal – not partisan “victory”.