The RB Landmark sent questionnaires to each person running for public office in 2025. The Landmark’s questions are in bold and the candidate’s responses are below.
Political experience
Village Pres 2013-2021, Village Trustee 2001-2009, 2011-2013, 2021-current
Community experience
Dir Brookfield Historical Society 1993-current, youth baseball coach/manager 17 years
What kind of residential development would you like to see in Brookfield’s future? Is the current focus on transit-oriented development working?
The focus on TOD has worked in bringing mixed commercial/residential dev to the commercial districts, with several more key projects in the the works in the next 12-18 months. This will help to continue promoting economic development in the transit corridor. This shows up as increased sales tax revenue, reduced storefront vacancy, and more shopping/dining options of our residents. We should continue to seek out high quality, sustainable development, both residentially and commercially.
How do you perceive Brookfield has changed over the past 15 years? What specific things has the village done that led to these changes?
Brfd has become a progressive, well-managed community, offering many opportunities to all demographics. A stable financial situation has been the basis for all of this, and village govt has operated in a responsible manner, focusing on the long-term. The consistent approach to seeking out grant opportunities has helped tremendously. The elimination of four am liquor licenses has helped to change the image of the town, as well as making it safer. There has been a substantial investment in infrastructure, more local events (i.e. the bike race, Music on Grand, the Duck Race, art shows, concerts, etc) , and a business-friendly approach to economic development.
What nearby communities do you compare Brookfield to? Lyons? Stickney? Riverside? LaGrange? LaGrange Park? Why?
Each nearby community has good qualities, and there are things we can learn from each of them. However, Brookfield has its own unique characteristics, history and community involvement. We need to focus on our strengths and what sets us apart from other communities…from nature settings like Salt Creek and the Oak Savanna, 3 Metra train stops, Brookfield Zoo, Ogden Ave. with a daily traffic count of nearly 25,000 cars, a tremendous sense of community, and unique events like the bike race that attract people to our village. These are all assets to focus on.
What is the biggest challenge facing Brookfield?
The biggest challenge facing our community is the economic surroundings we operate in. We need to constantly monitor the ever-changing state/fed environments, and take necessary steps to adjust when needed. This can affect budgeting, project scheduling and costs, staffing, etc. At the same time, we need to continue taking steps to keep our community moving forward, specifically in terms of economic development.
As a member of the village board, how will you respond to Trump-administration policies at the local level?
Policy changes at Federal level need to to be constantly monitored to see what/if any affect they have on local govt mgmt. Things appear to be changing rapidly, and we need to look at both short-term and long-term effects. State/fed unfunded mandates and policy changes are not new, and our village govt has proactively navigated through these in the past.