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.]
Also see video responseQ1: 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 starts with strong neighborhoods, accessible green spaces, and a commitment to equity, communication, and education. I believe in supporting existing community-led programs while also identifying new opportunities to improve public spaces, environmental health, and resident well-being.
One key issue in my ward is the lack of green space for residents. I will work with the North Berwyn Park District and other local partners to find creative ways to expand access to outdoor public spaces. Additionally, I will advocate for funding that supports sustainability, public safety, and community-building initiatives that directly improve residents’ quality of life. Engaging with residents will be a priority—I plan to host regular forums, gather input, and ensure transparency in decision-making so that community voices are always at the forefront of local policy.
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?
Expanding Berwyn’s tree canopy is an important long-term investment in public health, stormwater management, and climate resilience. To ensure we reach the city’s goal of increasing tree coverage, I support implementing a structured tree replacement system so that any trees removed are replaced in a timely manner.
Public outreach will be critical—providing residents with accessible information about tree planting programs and encouraging participation through city resources like the water bill portal or neighborhood canvassing. Additionally, I will advocate for budgetary support and grant opportunities to help maintain and expand our urban forestry efforts.
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 is a growing concern due to both outdated infrastructure and increasingly extreme weather. To address this, I will advocate for proactive investment in green infrastructure, including permeable pavement, rain gardens, and expanded tree planting, which can help absorb stormwater and reduce runoff.
Additionally, I will work to secure funding for infrastructure improvements that prioritize stormwater management, ensuring our sewer systems and drainage solutions can handle severe weather. Resident education is also key—by providing homeowners with resources on flood prevention strategies and sustainable landscaping, we can empower the community to play a role in flood mitigation efforts.
Berwyn Tree Canopy Initiative | Berwyn, Illinois 