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Age
42
Current occupation
Attorney for over 11 years currently working as General Counsel for an international architectural firm. Previously worked as Illinois Assistant Attorney General and before becoming a lawyer I was a licensed Professional Engineer practicing civil engineering with an emphasis on structural engineering.
Education
Bachelor of Science (Engineering, University of Illinois 1996); Master of Science (Engineering, University of Illinois 1997); Juris Doctorate (University of Illinois 2005).
Immediate family
My wife Kristen, also an attorney. We've been married for over 11 years and have two grade school age sons.
Civic involvement
Currently a member of the Village of La Grange's Community and Economic Development Commission; and manager and coach of La Grange Little League teams. Former member of the Citizens Council of La Grange and the Lyons Township High School Community Advisory Council (LTCAC).
Previous elected offices held
Precinct committeeman in Sangamon County, Illinois (previously lived in Springfield from 2005 to 2009).
Why have you decided to run for this office?
I think a strong community requires active participation by citizens and I greatly enjoy, and have a passion for, public service. I want to bring that passion to address the challenges of my community by serving as a Trustee of the Village of La Grange. Building a better community through the work of governing is work I enjoy.
What experience and strengths would you bring to this office if elected?
I bring to the Board my career experience as an attorney and as a civil engineer along with my community experience from the Community and Economic Development Commission and the La Grange Citizens Council. These experiences touch upon many of the areas a Trustee addresses including infrastructure, employment matters, and economic development. The strengths I bring are a thoughtful and thorough approach to addressing issues, a pursuit of pragmatic solutions and a desire for fairness both in process and results.
What issues would you like to see addressed by the board?
I want the Board to address three large challenges: to maintain and improve public safety including selecting a new police chief that will become an integral part of the Village and be here for a long time; to enhance the infrastructure of La Grange, with particular emphasis on flooding relief; and to improve access to government services and information including upgrading the Village's web site.
What project most needs to be completed in La Grange? How would you work to ensure the project is completed and done well?
Storm sewer expansion is needed to mitigate flooding in La Grange. Through the budgetary process I would work to fund the projects when needed. Through oversight and the use of the public nature of the position of Trustee I would keep the spotlight on the work to make certain it is done well.
How would you support expanding the village’s commercial and industrial tax base?
First through continuous upgrades to the infrastructure of the Village, which creates the environment for expansion. Second by continuing programs that directly help businesses such as the free valet parking program. And third, working with businesses and the La Grange Business Association to provide the direct help they need to promote the Village and therefore their businesses.
The current political climate across the United States seems more divided than ever. What will you do to foster cooperation and compromise on the board?
I would work to create honest and respectful communication among board members and community stakeholders. Combining that with a fair process to gather information and to make decisions creates an environment where good information can produce good results and even citizens who disagree have had an opportunity to be fairly heard.