Activist Toolkit

Ryan R, Russ has not submitted answers to the Activist Toolkit questionnaire.

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1) Why do you want to serve as Commissioner? What makes you qualified to serve? 

2) How do you make decisions? 

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? 

4) How would you approach the budgeting process? 

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

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

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? 

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

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

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?

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? 

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?

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

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? 

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

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? 

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? 

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

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