Activist Toolkit

1) Why do you want to serve as Commissioner? What makes you qualified to serve? What metrics of success do you plan on holding yourself accountable to?

I love Forest Park and want to see the community succeed. I believe I am qualified because of my education first at Illinois State University earning a degree in Politics and Government, then a graduate degree in Government Policy on full scholarship from National Chengchi University. I have extensive business experience and have worked in the automotive industry and sold software internationally. I have been a teacher, and currently, I am a local real estate broker. I have an analytical mind and I can distal and translate information effectively.  

I will determine the efficacy of my term by the successful implementation of policy that leads to project development and economic stimulus. I will also prioritize the balancing of health and sustainability of the community. 

2) How do you make decisions?

The methodology I follow is to first gather information and do the research, then analyze the data. Once I have a good understanding of the subject matter, I will consult experts. I will then ask for feedback on the topic, before making the decision. I intend to be consistent with my decisions to be fair to all. 

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?

I believe the most pressing issue is creative revenue generation to off-set the increasing cost of managing a village.  As we are in an inflationary environment, simply taxing the existing local populace will not lead to a stronger community. Many of the growing expenses are essential to the health and sustainability of our community, so cutting costs is not the best option. This includes our first responder’s resources as they face the escalating issues of mental health, drug use and homelessness. Our public works and streets and sanitation departments are also making the most with tight budgets. Numerous green infrastructure projects are slated to help improve the environmental sustainability of our village. Our village commissioners will face the continual challenge of seeking funding, whether it be state or federal to support these endeavors. I propose seeking out development opportunities as the most effective measure to increase village revenues. Specifically, I will focus on land development. Namely, the Roosevelt corridor (TIFs, hotel, Enterprise Zone) and the Altenheim (Arts District, green space, Prairie Path, condos and townhomes).

4) How would you approach the budgeting process?

I believe this is a collaborative effort within the municipal government that is overseen by the finance director. We should approach the budgeting process by reviewing past spending patterns and determining areas of savings. We could determine revenue sources and forecast income. Expenses should be estimated by categories: salaries, rent and other variable costs. Then, we will set our goals. Finally, a budget can successfully be created, ideally setting a buffer for the unexpected. This process should then be continually monitored.

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

I empathize with the taxpayers of Forest Park as I too face high property taxes. That’s one of the reasons why I’m invested in being a Commissioner. I will look for creative ways to off-set the tax burden for all residents.

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

Any strong Village Commissioner should be a driving force in bringing economic development and attracting new business to Forest Park. I believe we should leverage the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce to engage the business community and determine trends and growth opportunities to make Forest Park an attractive place to do business.

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 believe there is a great opportunity for a balanced approach to developing the Altenheim property. One that marries the natural landscape with the potential for raising tax revenue for the community. With the 11 acres of land available, the vast majority would be dedicated to a beautiful green space, including walking paths and a garden area.

 A benefit that should be incorporated into the design, should be access to the Prairie Path. I often ride my bike on this path to the neighboring western suburbs. The locations along the path become destinations where I spend a good amount of time in their downtown areas. We could integrate the path strategically, so that our local establishments also become destinations for fellow suburban path riders. 

Furthermore, I would be interested in looking at developing some of that space to potentially create an arts district. We could offer temporary and/or permanent space based on seasonality and needs. This opportunity would offer art fairs, farmer markets, pop up shops, and more to support small and local businesses in our community. The balance of the property would potentially be townhomes and/or mid-rise condominiums. These units could be done tastefully and resemble the projects already built on Van Buren Street. 

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?

I believe divisions can generally be overcome by education. The people of Forest Park have spoken and decided they do not want video gaming in their community.

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

We need to first listen to the needs of Black residents before taking action. Inclusion in the process is key to moving the dialogue forward into action. I propose increasing diversity in government offices and police forces to ensure Black voices are heard in decision-making processes. Diversity training within the police force and with school administrators will create a fresh perspective. We need to find real solutions when it comes to equitable housing and jobs so that Black residents share in the wealth of our community.

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

I will represent the views of all Forest Parkers by engaging and building bonds in the community. I will hold town hall meetings, forums and conduct surveys on various issues. Most importantly, I prioritize valuable feedback from our residents.

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?

I define transparency in government as open access to information to the public. I encourage the village hall meetings to be open to the public and accessible by Zoom. Our agenda for these meetings will be clearly defined prior to meeting, and the documents will be made easily accessible. Most importantly, we should always have a seat at the table for our community’s opinions and feedback.

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 believe we should first clearly define nepotism and set transparent rules that prohibit it. The policy will define the scope of relationships (i.e. relatives, spouses, friends). We should then create a merit based selection system that is objective. The jobs should be posted publicly, and the applicants should be assessed impartially based on a set criteria.

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?

I believe elected officials should engage and build relationships within the community. Town hall meetings are a real time barometer of the Village’s views on various topics. I advocate for the use of technology like Zoom and social media to open the conversation to all. I believe it is imperative that elected officials respond to emails and phone calls from the community. Every voice deserves to be heard. 

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

As a local real estate broker, I meet and work with people of all demographics. Nothing is more intimate than finding someone a home to meet all their needs. Through this process, I have become acutely aware of the concerns and experiences of people from all different backgrounds.

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?

As a local real estate broker, I meet and work with many renters. I like to think of myself as their first tour guide in Forest Park. I enjoy introducing them to our neighborhood and favorite local businesses. I will continue to engage this populace and serve as Forest Park’s ambassador. While having a history of residence in our village is commendable, a fresh perspective from a newcomer can also be beneficial as we chart new initiatives for growth, inclusion, and sustainability. 

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

I believe in the democratic process. If board members were elected by the people for their capabilities, then they should be allowed to perform their job. Officeholders should be mindful of their obligations to their constituents. They should not impede the decision-making processes of other taxing bodies.  

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?

The Diversity Commission will serve as an advisory role to the Mayor and Village Council. This resource will help enrich the lives of all residents by providing experience and education. We should endeavor to create equitable communities. There are an immense number of opportunities in which an equity lens may improve local government. As a real estate broker, I am familiar with the importance of affordable housing and creating an equitable outcome for all residents. As a member of the Citizen Police Academy, I am learning how equitable policing practices can develop community relationships and improved outcomes for both law enforcement and the community. For example, opening economic opportunities such as minority owned cannabis dispensaries can lead to fewer barriers. Effective land use policies as my proposal for the Altenheim project, can foster a neutral space for the enjoyment of all citizens. Finally, a top-down approach from analyzing budgetary expenditures can help identify and possibly rectify sources of inequity. 

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 backup of water/sewer is all too frequent in Forest Park. This unfortunate occurrence negatively impacts our resident’s quality of life. I believe we need to continue to search for grants and explore other sources of funding at the state and federal levels to upgrade our infrastructure. These infrastructure projects will form the foundation of our sustainable community. I believe the revival of the Cross-Community Climate Collaborative Commission (C4) is a step in a positive direction. I believe we need to further identify our goals as a community for climate action.

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

My short donor list is populated by neighbors and friends:

Mary Kelly- $199.99
Jane Cairo- $150.00
Christine Everett- $100.00