Note: Information in candidate profiles was submitted by the candidate.
Office: Flossmoor Board of Trustees
Education: B.A., Marquette University; J.D., Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law
Employment history: Ridge Law Group, Practice centered on representing the Illinois State Police, county sheriffs, and municipal fire & police officers in employment litigation.
Thirty years of employment litigation experience, representing both large and small cities, professional sports teams, dozens of insurance companies and Union members including carpenters, teamsters & machinists.
Previous service: Trustee for the Village of Flossmoor- 8 years. Certified Municipal Hearing Officer for the Village of Steger (20 years), Village of South Chicago Heights (10) years.
Most important issues: The most important issues remain the same as four years ago. To ensure the residents of Flossmoor receive the highest level of Police, Fire and Public Works service in the Southland, while remaining in budget for the taxpayers. We must commit to attaining the 47th year in a row winning the GFOA award for excellence in Financial Reporting.
While Springfield continues to increase unfunded tax mandates on municipal governments, Flossmoor must increase its economic development to ensure there are no tax increases for residents.
Increasing home values remains in the forefront for all decisions. Eight years ago the village faced an upside down housing market where both foreclosures and abandoned homes were commonplace. I advocated for an ordinance requiring banks to register any foreclosed homes within the village for a fee. With the information gained, we could then direct code enforcement accordingly. Home values are up 40% from 2021-2024. (HF Homes)
Top goals: We must continue with the current economic development plan and secure compatible businesses for the remaining Vollmer Road corridor. Likewise, we will use the tax increment financing (TIF) and business development district for downtown Flossmoor to increase our retail tax revenue. These efforts will be aided by our major renovation project for downtown streetscape, landscaping and walkway improvements to break ground in 2025.
Flooding has been a major problem throughout Flossmoor for 50 years, with both the Heather Hill neighborhood, and downtown hit the hardest. We must follow through to complete our flood mitigation project in 2025 to protect our residents and businesses.
Finally, I will work with the Mayor and the Board of Trustees to ensure Flossmoor remains the “Hidden Gem” of the Southland. Residents and their families will continue to enjoy the Half Marathon, Chamber Night, Oaktober Fest as well as multiple smaller block parties.