Policy Objectives and Priorities

Economic Development

One of the first tasks that will be awaiting the next trustee of Lombard District 4 is the development of a new five-year strategic plan for the Village. In order to effectively invest in community improvements, a village needs a reliable source of revenue. One of the best ways to achieve this is by maintaining a business-friendly environment that both attracts new entrepreneurs and retains businesses who already call Lombard home.

As a village trustee, I would carefully evaluate which economic incentives have helped contribute to the recent growth Lombard has experienced around the Yorktown Center, Eastgate Center, along St. Charles Road and other locations, and which incentives should be retired. 

At the same time, the businesses that receive economic incentives from the Village should be expected to pay-it-forward and be required to invest in the local community and provide well-paying jobs for the local workforce. 

According to Lombard’s economic incentive policy, worthy recipients are those that, for example, “create new jobs, eliminate blight, strengthen the employment and economic base of the Village, increase property values and tax revenues, [and] create economic stability.” And for major primary employment projects, the village has articulated a requirement that qualified entities are those that can provide, “a minimum of 50 new full-time on-premises jobs at a pay rate exceeding the current Lombard Median Household Income.”

As a trustee, I would always remember effective economic development strategies are ones where businesses and taxpayers benefit. 
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Fiscal Responsibility

Another equally important element needed to effectively invest in community improvements is for a village to have its fiscal house in order. Illinois may have a reputation of spending beyond its means, but that doesn’t need to be the case for Lombard. The Village has made progress to improve its financial status, with a goal of achieving an AA+ bond rating by 2028. I would help to make sure Lombard stays on track to achieve this goal. 

Just as I approach policy analysis by trying to identify unintended consequences, I would approach fiscal decisions the same way. Trustees must always be cognizant they are dealing with the People’s money, not their own. If there is a potential avenue to achieve a fiscal or public policy goal without having to raise already high taxes or rely on a regressive tax system, it must be explored.

Public Safety

Keeping the population safe should be the top priority of government. For me, a commitment to public safety goes beyond maintaining an open and productive dialogue between the Village and members of law enforcement. It also means identifying potential public safety blind spots and then implementing preemptive solutions. 

For example, my decision to run for public office originated in part from my desire to install streetlights on my block. People should have the ability to take that evening stroll around their neighborhood or walk the dog one last time before heading into bed with a sense of comfortability that they can see who is in their vicinity. If elected, I would make it a personal priority to assess how many neighborhoods in Lombard are currently unlit and explore ways to expand coverage for those who want it.