The Wednesday Journal sent questionnaires to each person running for public office in 2025. The Journal’s questions are in bold and the candidate’s responses are below.
Political experience
Current Village Board Trustee
Community experience
Youth Mentor, Coach, Liaison to CPOC, CRC, imagination foundation advisory board, Irving Elementary chaperone, 30+ year resident.
In light of recent incidents of gun violence in Oak Park, how do you plan to prevent gun violence and promote safety?
I am honored to be endorsed by Moms Demand Action as a Gun Sense Candidate. Addressing gun violence requires a multi-faceted, community-driven approach that prioritizes prevention, enforcement, education, and investment in root causes. Oak Park has already taken action by passing a Safe Gun Storage ordinance, and I support expanding efforts like gun lock distribution and education. Gun violence is both a public health and safety issue, requiring strong partnerships with public health officials, law enforcement, and schools. We must also invest in mental health resources, economic opportunities, and conflict resolution training to reduce violence at its roots. A comprehensive, community-led approach is key to a safer Oak Park.
Have the combined levies of Oak Park taxing bodies pushed taxpayers to a point of property tax saturation? What should the response of the village board be to control property tax levels?
Oak Park’s many taxing bodies provide essential services, but rising property taxes are a concern. The Village Board must balance affordability with maintaining services by collaborating across taxing bodies to find cost-saving efficiencies. Expanding our commercial tax base helps distribute the burden, while using home rule authority strategically. I will continue advocating for state property tax reforms, including a graduated income tax, to shift the burden from homeowners. Above all, fiscal responsibility is key—we must assess the long-term impact of new programs to ensure sustainability. By working together and spending wisely, we can keep Oak Park vibrant and affordable.
How will you promote affordable housing development and aid those experiencing homelessness in Oak Park?
Expanding affordable housing and addressing homelessness in Oak Park requires a multi-faceted approach. We must preserve and improve existing housing by using Community Development Block Grants and expanding Housing Choice Vouchers. Exploring zoning changes and developer incentives can encourage new affordable units, while programs like the Affordable Housing Fund and Flexible Rental Assistance Program ensure housing stability. Addressing homelessness means strengthening partnerships with groups like Housing Forward and investing in prevention services, job training, and mental health care. Collaboration with government agencies, nonprofits, and neighboring communities is key to long-term solutions. By leveraging resources, we can create a more inclusive, stable Oak Park.
What are your thoughts on the proposed Village Hall remodel?
The Village Hall remodel must balance functionality, accessibility, and fiscal responsibility while meeting the needs of residents and staff. We must assess infrastructure challenges, space limitations, and inefficiencies to ensure the project truly improves service delivery. The remodel should include energy-efficient upgrades and full ADA compliance to make village services more accessible. Given tax concerns, we must carefully evaluate costs and explore grants and public-private partnerships to minimize the impact on taxpayers. Transparency and community input are key to shaping priorities. Ultimately, this project should enhance efficiency and accessibility while being financially responsible.
How will you help Oak Park reach its sustainability goals and are the current goals too ambitious?
Sustainability can’t wait. Climate change is already impacting our lives, and Oak Park must take urgent action. Our sustainability goals aren’t too ambitious—they’re the bare minimum needed to protect our environment, public health, and future. We must accelerate clean energy adoption, modernize public buildings for energy efficiency, and ensure new developments meet high sustainability standards. Expanding bike and pedestrian infrastructure, public transit access, and EV incentives will cut emissions, while preserving green spaces and tree canopy strengthens climate resilience. Sustainability must also be equitable, with energy grants and affordable transit for all. Incremental change isn’t enough—Oak Park must act now.
Please add final thoughts not covered in this questionnaire. These responses may appear online.
I am asking for your vote m because the work we started isn’t finished yet and I want to keep pushing forward. I believe in this community and I want to keep doing the work to help it grow and thrive.