February 2025 Online Candidate Forum
RESPONSE
[Disclaimer: The Berwyn Tree Canopy Initiative (BTCI) is a non-political community group. We do not support or endorse and political candidates. Any views expressed on this website by candidates are not necessarily the views of BTCI, and should not be attributed to BTCI.]
Q1: What is your vision for a healthy Berwyn? What are the key components of your vision and how would you support them? You may want to address people, neighborhoods, and the environment, as well as the role of equity, communication, and education and how you plan to respond to input from residents.
A healthy Berwyn isn’t just about clean streets and strong neighborhoods. It’s also about fostering a local economy that supports residents, not preys on them. In the 2nd Ward (and in Berwyn overall), I’ve been vocal about the over-saturation of gaming in our business districts and the need for more diverse businesses that contribute to a thriving, balanced local economy. A city overly reliant on gaming revenue risks economic stagnation and creates an environment where predatory practices disproportionately impact vulnerable residents. Instead, we should be investing in businesses that offer jobs, services, and community-building spaces, such as family-owned restaurants, retail shops, and cultural venues.
To curb gaming’s grip on Berwyn, I would introduce higher licensing fees for gaming establishments, ensuring they pay their fair share and contribute more to city services. Additionally, I would propose a moratorium on new gaming licenses to halt the unchecked expansion and allow us to reassess the long-term impact on our business districts. Most importantly, I would introduce an amendment requiring City Council approval for all gaming licenses, rather than leaving the decision solely to the Mayor. This shift would bring much-needed transparency and give residents a stronger voice in shaping their community.
A strong, diverse business district contributes to public health, mental well-being, and economic stability. By limiting predatory gaming expansion, increasing financial accountability, and ensuring that gaming licenses undergo proper oversight, we can build a healthier, more resilient Berwyn that prioritizes its people over quick revenue.
Q2: The City of Berwyn’s Urban Forestry Management Plan sets a goal of increasing tree canopy coverage from 20.91% (as of 2022) to 23% by 2032. If elected, what would you do to ensure this and other goals of the Plan are met?
The Urban Forestry Management Plan’s goal to raise tree canopy coverage from 20.91% to 23% by 2032 is crucial for improving air quality, moderating temperatures, and enhancing neighborhood beauty. In the 2nd Ward, we have a real opportunity to expand tree planting efforts, particularly in the Depot District between Harlem and Ridgeland, where additional green space and shade would enhance walkability and overall quality of life.
One major issue is that tree-planting efforts often ramp up only in election years, which is unacceptable. Expanding our urban canopy should be a consistent, long-term priority, not a political talking point. I would push for annual, publicly tracked planting goals to ensure steady progress. Additionally, we must secure sustainable funding sources, including grants and partnerships with environmental organizations, to prevent budget shortfalls from delaying plantings.
Beyond simply planting trees, we need a plan for proper maintenance and protection of existing trees. This means ensuring that trees aren’t unnecessarily removed, maintaining healthy soil conditions, and implementing proactive trimming schedules.
I would also work with city forestry staff and local volunteers to launch community-driven initiatives, such as tree giveaways for residents and educational programs on the benefits of urban forestry. By focusing on year-round commitment rather than election-year theatrics, we can make Berwyn a greener, healthier city for everyone.
Q3: Flooding is a big concern for many residents and with a warming climate we know to expect more extreme weather events. If elected, what would you do to decrease flooding and ensure our community is ready for a changing climate?
Flooding poses a real threat to Berwyn, especially as extreme weather becomes more common. As someone who has experienced flooding in my own home, I know firsthand how frustrating and costly it is to deal with water damage. For the property taxes we pay, residents deserve more support from the city..not just reactive fixes, but real long-term solutions.
In the 2nd Ward, I would push for improved stormwater management infrastructure, including larger storm drains, expanded use of permeable pavement in high-risk areas, and better maintenance of existing drainage systems. We should also offer direct assistance to homeowners by expanding rebate programs for flood-prevention measures like rain barrels, sump pumps, and backflow preventers. The city needs to make it easier, not harder, for residents to protect their homes.
Beyond infrastructure, I would push for more transparency in city planning..residents should know where the problem areas are and what’s being done to fix them.
Finally, Berwyn needs a flood resilience task force made up of city engineers, environmental experts, and impacted residents to develop practical solutions and hold leadership accountable. We can’t afford to keep kicking the can down the road.
Berwyn Tree Canopy Initiative | Berwyn, Illinois 