I was born & raised in Wheaton. Went to CUSD 200 schools from K-12, before going to college 3 times (Purdue Civil Engineering - bachelors & masters, University of Chicago - MBA). I currently have 2 boys, one of which will start kindergarten at CUSD 87 in the fall.
I am running (for a 3rd term) because I want my children to have the same great experience of growing up in Wheaton that I was blessed with.
In Council meetings, I believe Councilmembers should not just 'participate', but 'elevate' the entire conversation.
The talents I most frequently leverage: Expertise in public infrastructure (Professional Engineer - Civil Engineering), an analytical approach to problem solving, and a knowledge of finance & accounting.
I may be biased as a Civil Engineer, but Infrastructure is #1 on my list. We have made progress on our flood prone areas, but there is a lot more to do. And while flooding is something we can see on the surface, our underground utilities cannot be neglected. We have all seen the devasting effects of water main breaks in Skokie and south Detroit recently, and we need to ensure that doesn't happen in Wheaton.
The second most significant issue is finding our City's next City Manager. In our form of government, the City Council only hires one employee, the City Manager. The City Manager then acts as the CEO to run the day-to-day City operations. It is important that we have a smart, innovative, and strong City Manager to lead us going forward.
In most governing bodies, collegiality seems to be making its way onto the engaged species list. Which inevitability leads to sub-optimal policy decisions.
To borrow a quote "Seek first to understand, then to be understood". Developing a personal relationship with colleagues and understanding where they are coming from is invaluable. That is something I have strived to do in the past 8 years. In doing so, we can recognize which issues we may not agree on and maintain respect for each other as individuals, regardless of the final vote.
I think the silver bullet for transparency is being data-driven. This necessarily requires all the information to be in front of the Residents, Staff, and Council.
I have been fortunate enough to serve as the East District Councilman for 8 years. I can be nothing but grateful for this experience.
From the ability to learn from staff, to working with incredible people on the Council, to helping residents on various issues, it has been an absolute honor and a privilege. This role has given me far more than I can ever back.
I am thankful for a challenged election because it has allowed me to reflect on just how blessed I am and how much I truly love serving on the Council.
We have done a lot of good in the past 8 years, but there are still challenges that we face and improvements that need to be made.
If you'll write me in, I will happily get to work on those issues for the next 4 years.
I am running for office because I believe in the power of community and the importance of having informed, engaged leadership. As an educator, I have honed my skills of active listening, problem-solving, and collaboration which are qualities I believe are essential for effective government. I want to be involved in the decision-making process to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. My goal in learning more about being a city council member is to facilitate meaningful conversations, amplify all voices, and create opportunities that benefit every community member.
One significant issue facing our community is finding a new City Manager and Assistant City Manager, as well as succession planning for other departments. To address these, I will engage in meaningful conversations with city workers and the community to understand our needs and ensure strong leadership for the future. Another issue I hope to work on if elected, is to reflect and review Wheaton's current Strategic Plan and work collaboratively to develop a new plan that builds on its foundation while addressing emerging needs and continuing essential work. Deepening my understanding of our city government will be key in making informed, effective decisions that move our community forward.
As an educator, I understand the importance of collaboration and will work closely with fellow council members to foster a respectful and productive environment. I will prioritize transparency by engaging with the community through efforts like Coffee with the Council, and by remaining active as a resident, educator, and hopefully, as a council member in our community. By listening, communicating openly, and encouraging community involvement, I will ensure residents feel informed and heard in the decision-making process.
I am committed to fostering strong leadership, transparency, and collaboration within our city. By engaging with the community, working alongside fellow council members, and building on Wheaton's strategic visions, I hope to support thoughtful decision-making that meets both current and future needs. With my experience as an educator and active community member, I will listen, learn, and work diligently to ensure our city continues to thrive. I would be honored to serve and bring a fresh, engaged perspective to the council.
