Campaign Phone
6124836092
My qualifications are my educational background, my professional experience, and my years of service to the community. With a Master's degree in Wildlife Sciences, I bring expertise in environmental conservation and protecting our land, air, and water. Over a decade of running a health and wellness business reflects my commitment to making mental health resources accessible. I serve on the Public Health Board of the DuPage County Health Department, as a Director of the Indian Prairie Educational Foundation Board, and as a Board Member of Variety - the Children’s Charity of Illinois. I have served as the PTA President and now serve as the 2nd Vice President of the Indian Prairie Parents Council (overseeing 34 PTAs in School District 204).
Mental Health and Social Services:
The need for mental health services and social support has become increasingly evident. Continued investment in mental health programs and facilities, collaborating with local organizations, and developing outreach programs are imperative.
Protecting Local Economy:
Overreliance on certain industries can make the local economy vulnerable to economic downturns. Developing initiatives to attract businesses from various sectors and investing in workforce development programs are needed.
Environmental Sustainability:
Implementing sustainable development practices, encouraging the use of renewable energy, and promoting community engagement to develop and implement comprehensive sustainability plans are needed
The DuPage County Board approved its FY 2024 budget of $625 million and kept the property tax rate flat. My top priority will be the General Government so that we can retain and attract the best talent in DuPage County. Secondly, continued collaboration between the County Board and the County Health Department to help fund critical mental health resources desperately needed in the County. Thirdly, the current proposed plan allocates $2.5 million for affordable housing projects in DuPage County. I would prioritize allocating more funds in collaboration with developers toward projects such as the Larkin Place, serving populations with special needs and working families with supportive programming and incorporating financial readiness.
Inter-jurisdictional collaboration is essential to keep the interest of the residents as a top priority. Meeting with the leaders of different departments, municipalities, and jurisdictions fosters a relationship that leads to collaboration and a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities they may be experiencing. I have been working for years within my communities, I have already fostered relationships with many leaders in DuPage County from various departments and jurisdictions, elected officials, and leaders from the non-profit sectors. I will hit the ground running in being able to develop comprehensive solutions, foster relationships, and build trust through regular inter-jurisdictional collaboration.
Improving communication through a dedicated website section and increased social media outreach are needed. Regular town hall meetings and forums can facilitate direct interaction between residents and board members. Implementing data-access initiatives ensures easy public access to relevant county information while maintaining robust cybersecurity measures.
Publicizing decision-making processes can help build trust. One such great example is the DuPage Council on Strengthening the System for Mental Health and Substance Use Care. Citizen advisory panels to gather valuable input and perspectives, fostering community involvement in decision-making. Transparency in budgetary matters while conducting public sessions for feedback is crucial.
Campaign Phone
630-220-0548
Patty Gustin is your DuPage County Board Member-District 5, and sits on the following committees: Community Development Commission, Development, Finance, Intergovernmental, Judicial and Public Safety, Technology Committees and Home Advisory Group, along with multiple Illinois State Assoc. of Counties Committees.
She is a managing broker, Charles Rutenberg Realty (1994-Present); City of Naperville Councilwoman (2015-2022); Paralegal, FDIC (1987-1992); Paralegal/Secretary, U.S. Attorney’s Office – Department of Justice (1982-1987)
HEW – Office for Civil Rights Division (1980-1982).
Graduate of DePaul (Bus Management) & Roosevelt (Paralegal) Universities.
View more info at https://www.dupagecounty.gov/government/county_board/gustin.php
Those challenges exceed 750 spaces. Mental health & substance use, public safety and protecting our most vulnerable are key. Future budgets won't have Fed COVID money like in past years, and that puts stress on taxpayers. Financial principles and reserves must be improved to avoid tax increases for already struggling taxpayers. Needed housing continues to be in short supply; Patty's a member of the County Ad Hoc Affordable Housing Committee charged to identify and evaluate housing opportunities and options. Patty brings 20+ years of housing experience to the committee; she has the experience to create housing strategies that are both needed and achievable.
The County has a $600M+ budget, in many ways like the $600M+ Naperville budget Patty oversaw. Creating the County's budget to serve its growing and diverse businesses and population is a complex task that requires experience not politics. Patty has administered the County's budget for 2-years, Naperville's for 7, all during pandemics and historic inflation. Patty held taxes at historic lows, built reserves, and delivered the needed services. Holding the line on taxes, delivering public safety, addressing mental health and substance use by our youth, keeping the staff needed to deliver County services despite the social service challenges of migration, aging population, and the stresses our youth confront are the budget priorities.
As she has as Board Member for the last 2-years, keep working with businesses, residents, other stakeholders, County staff and colleagues, and District 5 mayors, to grow the County with Aurora, Naperville, Lisle and Warrenville; all with the added trust, experience and relationships she built as Councilwoman, Plan Commission Chair, Zoning Board Chair, and numerous public/civic volunteer positions. Related, Patty led creating a grant program for small not-for-profits (e.g. Indian Prairie Ed. Found. and HUM); small NFPs make a big difference in our communities! https://www.dupagecounty.gov/government/county_board/gustin.php
Perhaps the best way to increase public engagement and transparency is by always improving online (IT) options and accessibility: a) Open Meetings (all current meetings are viewable online and in-person). b) Accessible Information, Transparency Reports, Feedback Mechanisms are available on the County's website under transparency and other tabs. c). Community Forum, Public Input Sessions and Citizen Advisory Panels (example: Ad Hoc Housing Committee, Zoning Committee and various other county committees). d). Increasing resident/business input through social media, email and print publications, including some established during my tenure and time on the County IT committee.
