THE ISSUES AT HAND

THRIVING LOCAL BUSINESS

An efficient response to COVID-19 gave Rolling Meadows the opportunity to evaluate how our city works with local businesses. As Alderman, I helped eliminate red tape by amending the City Code to allow outdoor seating for restaurants and making signage policies more business-friendly. After approving the Local Business Assistance Program, I worked to create the Assistant City Manager position to lead and improve the Community Development Department. Because Community Development is in charge of approving all construction plans and permit approvals, this department will be most businesses’ first impression of Rolling Meadows. More work must be done to continue to streamline Community Development’s customer experience. As Mayor, I will prioritize Community Development’s growth and operations to better serve current and prospective local businesses.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Part of public safety is casting a net that residents can fall back on while going through a crisis. The addition of social services staff will help widen the reach of that support. As Alderman, I presented alternative models to administer social services more effectively, which received unanimous support to increase staff. As Mayor, I will continue to build on the benefits of our social services staff in support of a Social Services Division to better allocate city resources and better serve our residents.

Equally important, I strongly support “Vision Zero” policies, which strive for zero transportation fatalities. In January 2020, I voted to adopt a “Complete Streets” policy which requires future road improvement projects to apply best safety practices, pedestrian walkways, and other design features to reduce the number of traffic deaths and injuries in our community. While traffic deaths decreased in 2021 from 2020, there were still two traffic fatalities in Rolling Meadows last year, which is two too many. As Mayor, I will continue to prioritize safe city road improvements to protect drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

RESPONSIBLE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

As Alderman, I served on the Capital Projects Committee, which made recommendations for phased Capital Improvements: roads, bridges, sewer lines, and drainage maintenance. By knowing project scheduling years in advance, Rolling Meadows is best positioned to seek out grant funding. As part of my Aldermanic platform, I worked with the Capital Projects Committee to develop a long-term stormwater management policy to minimize residential and commercial flooding.

Capital improvement projects are only one component to responsible resource management. Providing a sustainable community takes reflection and creativity. Although previous City Council members agreed to support sustainability planning in 2017, I renewed the Council’s commitment to the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Greenest Region Compact at the September 13, 2022 City Council Meeting, which received unanimous support. Together the city is committed to creating a comprehensive Sustainability Plan that addresses resource management and sustainable economic development across 10 thematic areas. As Mayor, I will continue the City’s progress towards thoughtful planning that will keep Rolling Meadows prosperous for generations to come.