Campaign Phone
630-473-8285
I became well-known in West Chicago when I was fined $20,000 for my permitted greenhouse. Over seven months in city court, I watched neighbors fined hundreds, even thousands, for petty issues—like an elderly man penalized for a bird feeder. I discovered 98.5% of cases were found guilty and saw a clear disconnect between residents’ needs and City Hall’s focus. While people wanted a thriving downtown, a customer friendly city hall and help with water bills, officials focused on fining residents and building a $20-25 million City Hall. As a bilingual pastor and business owner for 25 years, I’ve learned the importance of listening, making tough decisions, and standing up for what’s right. I’m ready to bring that leadership to West Chicago.
West Chicago has spent 20 years buying real estate, now owning 54 downtown properties. Removed from tax rolls, they cost millions to maintain and hurt our economy, leaving downtown struggling. The hoped-for development never came, and waiting longer only worsens the problem.
City Hall is also difficult to work with. Community Development stifles business, and inspectors focus on petty issues like peeling paint while real safety concerns, like repeated fires in the same complex, go ignored. City Hall should serve residents, not hinder them. We must change the culture so staff focuses on helping the community succeed.
As a pastor and business owner, I believe that open communication, trust and relationship-building are essential for getting things done. Many community members and our local paper (the West Chicago Voice) have noted with dismay, how our local officials use a variety of methods to block FOIA requests and hold back information from the public. When we founded WeGo For The People last year, our main goal was to bring transparency back to city government. To achieve this, we proposed creating an ombudsperson, a city official dedicated to investigating community complaints and addressing issues. We also suggested holding quarterly town hall meetings, where residents could ask questions and receive direct answers from their elected officials.
Our multicultural community is not a liability but an asset which should be embraced. We raised our kids in WeGo because because we love the diversity and the dual language schools. We have the gorditas in the county.
WeGo has an amazing history that can be told through the railroads. Waves of German, Irish and Mexican immigrants did the hard work to make this city what it is. Embrace it. Let’s celebrate Railroad Days and July 4th and September 16th.
Immigrants start businesses. Let’s lean into our uniqueness. Let’s build a micro-business market that celebrates who we are. Many small businesses can’t afford a $700,000 building but they could afford to lease space in a micro-business market or a Food Hall. Let’s build small and work up
Campaign Phone
6308085723
I have lived in W.C. all my life and have dedicated at least 50 years of my life to the community. Developed West Chicago into a city that is welcoming and family friendly. Ensured that there was proper investment in our infrastructure. Made it a priority to create a unique (1st of its kind) incentive program to attract new businesses & to retain our existing businesses. Worked hand in hand with all the other taxing bodies, resulting in over $15M in new investment over a 3-year period. Made community financial investment a top priority.
I had two (2) goals, not only as Mayor, but also as Alderman. First was to get the business park full, and that has happened. The 2nd was to get the downtown redeveloped. With the help and input of our residents, we were able to put the downtown redevelopment plans together which are described in both our award-winning comprehensive plan, & also our strategic plans. Bringing density to our downtown is a must and new rooftops in other areas of our community to keep the economic growth going.
We have great council now with the same goals in mind, to continue to head in a very positive direction. We record our meetings with translated subtitles. Our website is a fantastic resource for information of what is happening in West Chicago.
Being a lifetime resident, I have proven to be a leader and displayed great leadership qualities. My goal has always been to leave West Chicago better than when I came here, and that was 64 years ago. I love this community. With the help of our residents and a great staff & council, we will keep the momentum going.
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