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.
As Mayor my vision is not just about policies—it’s about people. I will actively listen, engage, and respond to community input. My vision is to create a Sustainable Committee that is led by both my administration and residents. A healthy Berwyn is a collaborative effort, and together, we can build a city where everyone can thrive. A truly healthy Berwyn means investing in our residents, strengthening our community, and protecting our environment.
My plan includes supporting seniors, veterans, and vulnerable populations with enhanced services and assistance programs. Improve public safety by fostering strong relationships between first responders and the community. Promote small businesses and economic development to ensure Berwyn thrives.
A healthy Berwyn starts with our infrastructure. My administration will promote active living by improving green space as well as improving walking and biking paths. This work will be addressed by collaborating with both north and south berwyn schools and park districts. More importantly investing in infrastructure improvements, including well-maintained streets, sidewalks, alleys, green spaces, and increasing tree planting in our community.
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?
As Mayor of Berwyn, I would fully support the Urban Forestry Management Plan and work diligently to meet the goal of increasing tree canopy coverage. Trees are vital to our community’s health, providing cleaner air, cooler streets, and a stronger, more sustainable environment.
I will ensure this, and other goals of the plan are met by:
- Utilizing Tree Canopy Score and other programs that identify key areas that have the least canopy coverage. I will lean in on the Sustainable Committee to review policies, track progress, and ensure we are on and stay on the path to a healthier Berwyn. I will prioritize tree planting in our city where canopy coverage is the lowest.
- Modify the current tree planting policy by educating residents on the key importance of trees in our community and developing community engagement & education programs. I will implement this by launching a public awareness campaign on the benefits of urban forestry and how residents can participate.
- Partner with our schools, parks, businesses, and community groups for tree-planting events and urban greening projects. I will expand my Alderperson’s annual beautification project by increasing it to a city wide annual event. The event would invite partners like MWRD, Open Land, Morton Arboretum, Cook County Forest Preserve, and others to participate, provide resources, and inform residents on sustainability opportunities. Again, relying on the Sustainable Committee to provide direction.
- Collaborate with regional partners and environmental organizations, such as Open Lands and Morton Arboretum, Cook County Forest Preserve (and many others), to bring expertise, resources, and secure grants and state/federal funding that will reduce costs, increase tree planting and sustainability capacity in Berwyn.
- Implement proactive tree care programs to ensure the survival of newly planted and mature trees. For example, when new trees are planted installing a treegator bag to increase a healthy, balanced growth. My administration will bid and vet the best company for pruning and correctly removing trees in our community. The lowest bid is not always the most qualified bid.
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?
I understand that flooding is a major concern for many residents in Berwyn, and with a warming climate, we must take bold and proactive steps to protect our homes, businesses, and infrastructure from increasing extreme weather events. My plan to reduce flooding and ensure Berwyn is climate-ready by focusing on our infrastructure, green solutions, and strong community engagement.
As Mayor of Berwyn, I will
- Work closely with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) and other agencies to expand stormwater retention projects.
- Advocate for state and federal funding to invest in long-term flood prevention projects. Strengthen partnerships with regional and federal agencies to bring resources and expertise to Berwyn.
- Educate residents on the need to increase green spaces and tree canopy to absorb excess rainwater and cool our city.
- Integrate permeable pavement solutions during new development as often as possible in city streets and alleys to reduce runoff.
- Educate and encourage residents and businesses to install rain gardens, bioswales, and rain barrels through incentives using TIF funding.
- Review and revise zoning and building codes to prevent new developments from worsening flood risks.
- Identify and work with experts on climate adaptation strategies that protect Berwyn’s most vulnerable areas.
- Improve emergency response coordination to address flooding incidents swiftly and effectively.
- Expand public outreach and education programs to help residents protect their properties, such as proper gutter drainage, gutter and water line routine maintenance, and proper cement and green space ratios for adequate drainage.
Flooding and climate change demand immediate action and long-term commitment. By investing in smarter infrastructure, embracing sustainability, and engaging our community, we will build a more resilient Berwyn—one that is prepared for the challenges of the future while protecting our residents today.
Berwyn Tree Canopy Initiative | Berwyn, Illinois 