Issues

I believe you deserve to vote with confidence and know exactly where I stand on the issues that matter most to our community. That’s why I’m laying it all out here. Conversations with First Ward residents and business owners have shaped my stances and helped me identify exactly what I want to achieve as Alderman. Click the tabs below to see how my platform aligns with your vision for our city. You may not always agree with me on everything, but you’ll always know where I stand, and I’ll always do what I believe is right.

Don’t see something that’s important to you? There’s a suggestion form below. I genuinely want to hear what’s on your mind.

As I’ve spoken with neighbors and scrolled through local online discussions, one question continuously pops up: “Why are our taxes so high in Berwyn?” Like you, I ask this same question every time I see my own tax bill. It’s not just about the amount, it’s about fairness and value. I hold the simple belief that if you’re paying high taxes, you should be able to see and feel the benefits of those taxes in your daily life. And when that’s not happening, it’s more than a problem. It’s a breach of trust between the government and its citizens.

So here’s the million-dollar question (or maybe multi-million, given our tax rates): Is our city government using our taxes effectively? I’m determined to find out and make it right. Here’s my plan:

Demand An Independent Performance Audit: It’s not enough to just do the legal minimum of making sure our financial statements are accurate. We need a thorough, unbiased, independent evaluation fo how well our city is using its resources. This isn’t about pointing fingers, it’s about identifying where we can do better. We’ll improve important programs, cut what doesn’t make sense, recommend common sense changes, and return savings to you.
Increase Budget Transparency: You have a right to know how your money is being spent. I’ll push for a clear, documented annual budget process and call for “participatory budgeting“. I want to give you a voice in how your taxes are used. It’s your money, after all, and you should have a say.
Ensure Fair Bidding: Open, competitive bidding for all major projects isn’t just good business, it’s the right thing to do. I’ll reject any “no-bid” contract and insist on a process that gets the best value for our community. I’ll also demand that any conflicts of interest are disclosed upfront. Self-dealing and nepotism have no place in our city’s business.
Hire A Professional Grant Writer: Right now, we’re leaving money on the table, money that could help our city without raising your taxes. I’ll work to hire a professional grant writer whose job it is to specifically seek out and apply for millions in available state, federal, and foundation funding that other cities are already using. This simple step could bring major improvements to Berwyn while giving your wallet a break.

You work hard for your money, and you deserve to see it used wisely and ethically to improve our community. It’s time to restore trust, common sense, and respect for your dollars to our city government. Let’s make Berwyn a place where our taxes work for us, not the other way around.

As a small business owner, I understand firsthand the challenges entrepreneurs face. While Berwyn has laid a strong foundation through its partnership with the Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC), I believe we have an obligation to do more. It’s time we give them the support they truly deserve so we can have the kind of neighborhood we want. Here’s my plan to unlcok our city’s full economic potential:

Revitalize Our Commercial Districts: I’ll collaborate with the BDC to breathe new life into areas like the Depot, Cermak, and Harlem. We’ll leverage our Metra stations, celebrate our Route 66 heritage, and transform underutilized areas into thriving business hubs. By learning from successful local business owners, we’ll attract diverse shops and restaurants that our community really wants. (Personally, I’d love a local bakery!)
Create a “Shop Berwyn” Directory: Wouldn’t it be great if we had an easy way to find all our local businesses in one place? I want to work with the Berwyn Development Corporation to expand their existing business directory into a more comprehensive, user-friendly platform. Whether you’re looking for an approved tradesman, a new restaurant, or a gift shop, I want to make it simple to keep your dollars in our community.
Make Our Streets More Comfortable: Let’s face it, areas like Ogden and Harlem could use some love to make them inviting spaces to be out and about. And that’s a true disservice to our community. I’ll champion efforts to create lively, walkable streets that draw people to our local businesses and boost our economy.
Eliminate “Parking Minimums”: Did you know that outdated parking requirements have stopped some businesses from opening in Berwyn? I will fight to get rid of these unnecessary rules to make it easier for new businesses to set up shop here.

By strengthening existing partnerships and focusing on these new areas, we can create a Berwyn that’s even more welcoming to both new and existing businesses. I want to build a community where entrepreneurship is celebrated, where shopping local is a joy, and where every business has the opportunity to succeed.

When we talk about safety, we’re talking about more than crime rates. True safety is about creating a community where we know and trust our neighbors, where we can rely on fast and effective emergency services, and where every resident has access to the resources they need to live their best lives. When we feel safe, we’re more likely to get out and enjoy our parks, attend local events, or just take a stroll down the street. That’s the kind of vibrant, connected community we all want to be part of.

That’s why, as your Alderman, I will focus on:

Enhancing Community Preparedness: Our community cannot be caught off-guard in emergencies. I’ll push for a thorough assessment of our current safety resources and fight for improvements where needed. This includes improving our emergency alert system to provide real-time, 24/7 notifications for essential, non-political communications. You have the right to be informed and prepared, no matter the hour.
Strengthening Police Effectiveness: I’ll advocate for better training, community-oriented policing, focused deterrence policing, and annual performance reports that measure community engagement alongside traditional metrics. This balanced approach aims to improve public safety while building trust between our police force and residents.
Implementing Evidence-Based Prevention Strategies: It’s not enough to react to safety issues, we must also proactively address their root causes. That’s why I’ll fight for youth programs, mental health support, and community development.

I believe in a comprehensive approach to public safety. By addressing both immediate concerns and long-term prevention, we can create a Berwyn where everyone feels safe and respected. As a mental health professional, I understand the importance of feeling secure in one’s community, and I’m dedicated to making that a reality for all our residents.

One topic keeps coming up as I’m knocking on doors: folks are concerned about the number of video gaming parlors popping up around town, especially in the Depot District. I hear you, and I share your concerns. Because it’s not just about personal preference, it’s about the character and future of our city.

We need to ask ourselves, are these businesses truly contributing to Berwyn’s long-term success? Are they the kind of places that make you want to spend a Saturday afternoon strolling down the Depot District with your family and friends? The hard truth is, they’re not. When these parlors cluster together, they fundamentally change the feel of our neighborhood. And not for the better.

It’s a disservice to our community that the prime retail spaces along our train line are being filled with these parlors instead of the diverse, locally-owned businesses we truly need and want. This isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about missed opportunities for economic growth, community building, and creating spaces where families want to spend their time.

So, what do we do about it? Well, if you elect me as your Alderman, here’s my plan:

Limit New Permits: It’s irresponsible to allow unchecked growth of these establishments. I’ll fight to cap new permits for video game parlors, prioritizing the businesses our community deserves.
Strategic Zoning: I’ll introduce a new zoning ordinance to prevent the clustering of these businesses. This way, we can maintain a more varied and welcoming business landscape.
Encourage Diverse Businesses: I want to introduce incentives to attract a wide range of businesses that align with our community’s needs and values.
Support the Good Neighbors: For existing gaming parlors, I hope to collaborate with the owners to enhance their community involvement and improve their integration into our neighborhood fabric.

This approach isn’t about eliminating these businesses entirely. It’s about finding the right balance for Berwyn. We can have a little bit of everything without any one thing taking over. By taking these steps, we can create more inviting community spaces that will provide long-term benefits to our local economy.

When Berwyn was founded in 1890, it was built on a simple, beautiful idea: everything you need on a daily basis should be within a mile of your home. It’s a concept that still resonates today, but as our city has grown and changed, its design hasn’t always kept pace.

As the leader of Bike Walk Berwyn and as a father, I’ve faced the challenges of our broken infrastructure. I’ve navigated unsafe intersections with my daughter, watched commuters treat our residential streets like speedways, and felt the frustration of driving through pothole-ridden alleys. These aren’t just inconveniences, they affect our safety, our property values, and our quality of life.

Berwyn was moving in the right direction over a decade ago. The city’s Active Transportation Plan from 2011 and the adoption of a “complete streets” policy were promising initiatives. But the city’s leadership has not followed through on these good intentions. And that failure has left many residents – particularly children and the elderly – with limited options for navigating our city safely.

That’s why, as your Alderman, I would push for the following changes:

Alley Improvement Program: I’ll advocate for an annual budget allocation to establish an Alley Improvement Program. This will include resurfacing, improving drainage, and potentially implementing permeable pavement to reduce flooding.
Traffic Calming Measures: I will push for traffic calming measures such as narrowed entries into residential areas from major thoroughfares, raised crosswalks in residential areas identified as high-risk for speeding, and other data-driven best practices that improve street safety.
Complete Streets Implementation: I will push for proper implementation of the “complete streets” policy, which would require all new road projects to include safe accommodations for pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and motorists.
Revitalize Our Roads To Revive Our Economy: I will push to upgrade infrastructure in our key commercial areas, including improved lighting, sidewalks, and public spaces to attract more foot traffic to local businesses.
Adopt Vision Zero: I will advocate for Berwyn to adopt Vision Zero, a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. This data-driven approach has already been adopted by cities like Chicago and Oak Park and it brings together experts to address safety systemically.

By making changes to our built environment, we can reduce traffic congestion, boost our local economy, make our roads safer, and improve our quality of life. I don’t want to simply fix a road or add a bike lane. I want to create a Berwyn that’s sustainable, more accessible, and that has infrastructure that works better for all of us.

Berwyn, like many cities, is feeling the housing squeeze. Rents and mortgage rates are at an all-time high. For a lot of folks, it’s getting tough to make ends meet. We need to grow our housing options, but in a way that keeps Berwyn feeling like Berwyn.

Our city isn’t a museum, it’s a living, breathing community that needs to adapt. But we can do that without losing the charm and character that make our neighborhoods special. Here’s what I would suggest:

More Housing Choices: I want to open up our zoning laws to allow for things like duplexes, townhouses, and live-work spaces. These “missing middle” options can give us more affordable choices without dramatically changing the character of our neighborhood.
Build Up (Just a Bit): In busier areas and near transit hubs, I’ll advocate for taller buildings to accommodate more apartments and condos. This small increase in density could significantly boost housing availability and potentially reduce the property tax burden on current residents.
Support Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): I want to introduce ordinances that would allow homeowners to build small living spaces on their properties, like an apartment over a garage. These “granny flats” could help families stay close, give homeowners extra income, and add affordable housing without changing our neighborhood character. It’s worked well in similar towns, like Oak Park, and I think it could also work well for Berwyn.
Preserve Our Neighborhood’s Charm: I’ll push for a “form-based code“, a simpler way to guide development that focuses on how buildings look and fit into our neighborhoods, rather than complex zoning rules. This approach will make it easier to add diverse housing options that blend in with Berwyn’s character, helping us grow smartly while keeping the charm we all love.

My goal is simple: I want Berwyn to be a place where everyone can find a home they can afford and love, regardless of whether they’re renting or buying. With some creative thinking and common-sense changes, I think we can make that happen.

As your Alderman, I would call for a more fair and reasonable approach to our city’s fees, fines, and regulations. It’s not right that our own government often feels like an obstacle rather than a partner in maintaining and improving our community. We need to strike a balance between maintaining community standards and avoiding unnecessary burdens on residents. Here my plan:

Implement A “Warning First” Blight Policy: Residents should not be financially punished before they’ve been given a chance to correct issues. I’ll push for our blight department to consistently issue warnings before fines, particularly for minor infractions. This approach builds an environment of cooperation and mutual respect between the city and its residents.
Simplify Home Improvement Regulations: Homeowners should feel empowered to maintain and improve their properties because it benefits our entire community. I’ll work to reduce permit fees for minor renovations and eliminate permit requirements for basic work like painting, carpeting, and landscaping. This will encourage property investment while maintaining safety standards for substantial projects.
Cut Unnecessary Fees: It’s unjust to nickel-and-dime our residents and businesses with fees that often cost more to enforce than they generate. I’ll push to eliminate fees for things like dog and cat licenses, clothing donation container permits, and sidewalk seating permits for businesses.
Modernize The Permitting Process: As a homeowner myself, I know how frustrating our permitting process can be. Let’s bring our permit system into the 21st century. I’ll push for an easy-to-use online platform where you can apply for, track, and receive permits. This will save time, increase transparency, and make the whole process less of a headache for contractors and homeowners alike.

By implementing these changes, we can create a more resident-friendly environment that encourages compliance, supports home improvement, and fosters a positive relationship between the city government and our community.

Flooding is something that hits close to home for me. After purchasing my home in Berwyn, my basement flooded three times in the first year. Talk about a rude welcome, right? Maybe you’ve been there too, staring at inches of water where there shouldn’t be any, worrying about repair costs, and wondering how to stop it from happening again. It’s frustrating, it’s expensive, and it’s a problem we need to tackle head-on.

Berwyn has a flooding problem and it’s getting worse with climate change. Many of our neighbors are struggling to keep their homes dry, especially those who don’t have the cash for flood mitigation systems. To add insult to injury, as more folks install overhead sewers or backflow valves, the extra water ends up in the homes of those without these systems. The city offers a shared cost program for flood mitigation but, let’s be honest, the cost is still out of reach for a lot of families.

As Alderman, here’s what I recommend:

An Enhanced Flood Mitigation Program: I will support a more generous and accessible program to help every resident protect their home. That may involve increasing the match amount to keep up with inflation or offering low-interest loans for flood-related home improvements.
Environmental Infrastructure: I feel we must update our building code to reduce strain on our sewer system by increasing green spaces, planting more deep-rooted vegetation, reducing impermeable surfaces, and investing in infrastructure that keeps rainwater in the ground, not our basements.
Green Incentives: I want to develop financial incentives that reward homeowners and developers who incorporate flood-resistent landscaping and designs on their properties.

This approach isn’t just about solving our current flooding issues. It’s also about preparing our city to withstand the challenges of climate change and thrive in spite of them.

We need to talk about rodents and community cleanliness. Just this summer, I spotted several rats in my own backyard, in broad daylight. It’s more than just creepy, it’s a real issue that’s affecting our quality of life and potentially our health. For four years now, we’ve grappled with this persistent problem. It’s clear that our current approach isn’t working, and the time for decisive action is now.

When we look at what the city is doing compared to neighboring communities, the disparity is striking. Cicero, a city with only 50% more residents than Berwyn, invests 500% more than what we do in rodent abatement. No wonder we’re struggling to keep up. But let me be clear, I don’t think we need to break the bank to fix this issue. It’s about spending smarter and addressing the root causes of the problem.

As Alderman, I will tackle both immediate rodent control and long-term prevention in the following ways:

Budget Reallocation: I’ll push to bolster our control efforts by allocating more funds toward rodent abatement, without raising taxes.
Smart Sanitation Upgrade: I’ll call for the installation of solar-powered, pest-resistant trash compactors in high-traffic areas like the Depot District and Ogden Avenue. These modern receptacles will reduce litter and limit rodents’ access to food sources, significantly curbing pest attraction.
Back Our Rat-Fighting Team: We’ve had an ad hoc rodent abatement committee since 2021. I’ll make sure they get the support they need. I’ll push the mayor to give this team the attention and resources to put their ideas into action so we can make a dent in our pest problem.

Rats and litter shouldn’t be accepted as part of our daily lives. By tackling this issue from multiple angles, we can create a cleaner, healthier Berwyn that we can all be proud of.

I want to foster a Berwyn where we take pride in our city and actively participate in community life. Here’s how I plan to make this vision a reality:

Make It Easy To Stay In The Loop: No more scrolling through a dozen places to figure out what’s happening in town. I want to revamp the community calendar on our city website so residents and business owners can submit events they’d like to share.
Boost Recreation And Support Parks: I’ll prioritize our city’s recreation programs, pushing for expanded offerings that serve all ages and interests. I’ll also collaborate with the Parks Districts to help enable their strategic plans. My goal is to increase funding and resources so all residents can enjoy top-notch recreational opportunities.
Smart Urban Development: I’ll work to make the most of our city’s spaces. This means encouraging the development of vacant lots to boost our local economy and, where it makes sense, creating “third places”. I’d love to see more neighborhood haunts like corner cafés, pocket parks, public markets, or even community halls where we can bump into friends, make new connections, and showcase local goods.
Inclusive Decision-Making: I believe community projects should truly reflect the voices and needs of the people they impact. Instead of drawing up plans behind closed doors, I will call for residents to be involved from the beginning, shaping ideas before the designing process even begins. From neighborhood improvements to major developments, I want to hold open discussions and brainstorming sessions early in the planning stages.

By focusing on these areas, I believe we can make Berwyn an even better place to live.

It’s frustrating when city decisions seem to come out of nowhere. As a mental health therapist, my training has taught me the value of clear communication and, if elected Alderman, I’ll use those skills to make our local government more open and understandable. Here’s my plan:

Bilingual Updates: Drawing on my Spanish-speaking skills, I’ll send out regular email updates in both English and Spanish about ward happenings. You’ll know about upcoming votes and projects in simple terms, so there are fewer surprises.
Community Chats: Just like in my therapy practice, I believe in the power of face-to-face conversations. I’ll hold regular neighborhood meetings where you can ask questions and share your thoughts. I’ll also set up a simple online form where you can share your ideas and concerns 24/7.
Clear City Spending: I’ll push to put our city’s budget online in an easy-to-read format well before it ever gets voted on, so you can see where your tax dollars are going.
Independent Ethics Watchdog: Unbiased oversight is important in any line of work. It should be no different in city government. I want to see an independent ethics commission that isn’t handpicked by the mayor. That would ensure we have someone keeping an eye on things without any conflicts of interest.

I’m ready to bridge the gap between city government and our neighborhood, but that’s only possible by building trust in our systems.

As a parent myself, I know how much we all care about giving our children the best education possible in a safe environment. While the city council has a limited role in school operations, that doesn’t mean we can’t make a real difference for our students. Here are some ways I believe we can step up for our kids:

Safe Routes To School: I’ll champion making walking and biking to school safer and easier. That would entail upgrading crosswalks, adding more crossing guards, and implementing traffic calming measures near schools. This will protect kids, reduce car lines, and promote healthier lifestyles.
After-School Programming: I hope to increase city funding for diverse after-school activities, from homework help to arts and sports. In particular, I think it’s vital to partner with local organizations, including our excellent Berwyn Public Library, to keep kids engaged and safe when parents are at work.
Community Learning Spaces: I’ll work to enhance and promote existing study areas in our community. I’ll also explore opportunities to establish additional quiet study spots in parks and community centers, giving kids more options to do their work after school.
Support The Berwyn Public Library: Our library is a cornerstone of education in our community. I’ll advocate for continued strong funding for the library, supporting its crucial role in providing resources, programs, and spaces for learners of all ages.

By focusing on these areas and leveraging great community assets, we can create a supportive environment that helps our schools thrive and ensures the safety and educational success of Berwyn’s students both in and around our educational institutions.

Seniors are the backbone of our community, offering a wealth of experience and wisdom that has shaped Berwyn into the city we love today. If elected, I’m committed to improving senior services year-round, not just during election season. Here’s what I propose:

1. Form A Senior Advisory Council: I will organize an official City Commission composed of Berwyn residents over 60. This group will provide valuable input on city policies affecting older adults, ensuring their voices are heard in local government decisions.
2. Create A Senior Ombudsman Position: I will establish a dedicated Senior Ombudsman to help older residents navigate city services. This advocate will work across departments, resolving issues like blight citations or technology barriers that seniors often struggle with. Our goal is to support our seniors, ensuring they’re never penalized for challenges they find difficult to manage alone.
3. Develop A Senior Resource Guide: I hope to work with the BDC to commission the creation of a multilingual guide of all senior resources in Berwyn, including a “Senior Discount Network”, available both in print and online.
4. Enhance Existing Services: Building upon Berwyn’s current senior services, I want to improve and expand our offerings in areas such as transportation and seasonal assistance programs. My goal is to provide a best-in-class experience that allows our older residents to age in place comfortably, with easy access to the support they need.

By implementing these initiatives, we can ensure that Berwyn not only honors its seniors but actively supports their well-being and quality of life.

The BNSF railroad cutting through our Depot District is like that one friend we all have – great to have around… until they’re not. It’s our lifeline to Chicago, but it’s also taught us all the value of patience, whether we wanted that lesson or not.

We’ve all been there. You’re running late for work or rushing to get the kids to school. You’re almost there, and then… the crossing gates come down. Again. And if it’s a freight train, you might as well get comfortable, because it could be a 30-minute wait.

This isn’t just annoying; it’s a real problem for our community. Picture ambulances trying to reach emergencies or police responding to calls. With about 170 trains a day (50 of them freight), this isn’t a minor inconvenience. It’s a safety issue that’s tarnishing our city’s reputation.

My opponent says this problem is “too hard” to fix. Yes, coordinating with the state, the railroad, and other stakeholders would be challenging. And indeed, this would be a long-term project that might take longer than any single term. But if you elect me as your Alderman, I commit to tackling this issue head-on. Here’s my plan:

Establish A Railroad Committee: This group will bring together city officials to interface with BNSF and CN leadership, as well as relevant state agencies and stakeholders in order to address complaints or issues, and to develop a comprehensive plan for grade separation.
Push For A Feasibility Study: This study would explore options like underpasses or overpasses at key intersections. We’ll look at what has worked in other communities and find a solution that fits Berwyn.

I know it won’t be easy, and it won’t happen overnight. But I believe that where there’s a will, there’s a way. And I’ve got the will to move this forward.

As someone who has been immersed in the arts since childhood – from piano and choir to theater and filmmaking – I know firsthand how the arts can enrich our lives and bring a community together. Berwyn has a whole community of creatives, and I want to see that creative spirit grow even more. Here’s how I plan to support and grow our local arts and culture scene:

Implement A “Percent for Art” Program: I’ll push for 1% of major public construction budgets to be allocated for local art installations. This will beautify our city and provide opportunities for Berwyn artists to shape our urban landscape.
Amplify Berwyn’s Creative Voice: I’ll collaborate with existing groups like the Berwyn Public Arts Initiative, the Park Districts, and creative venues like Fitzgerald’s and Outta Space to enhance our city’s cultural offerings. I’ll work to connect local artists with broader audiences and support initiatives that showcase our community’s diverse talents.

These initiatives will support our local artists, enhance our city’s visual appeal, and reinforce Berwyn’s identity as a vibrant, culturally rich community. Let’s work together to keep the arts at the heart of Berwyn’s character.

Issues

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