Diane Blair-Sherlock: Candidate Profile

Back to Villa Park Village Board, 2-year term

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: Villa ParkWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Villa Park Village Board, 2-year term Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: Husband-Brian; Children-Shannon and MatthewOccupation: Self Employed AttorneyEducation: Associate's Degree from College of Dupage, BA from Northern Illinois University and JD from The John Marshall Law SchoolCivic involvement: Board of Directors, St. Paul Christian Day Care Center: 2002-2005; President's Commission on Budget, Villa Park: 2005; Villa Park Community Pride Commission: 2006-present; Member Villa Park Chamber of Commerce: 2007-present; St. Paul Lutheran Church, Youth Education Commission: 2008-2011; Elevator Constructors Local #2 Charities, Director 2013-present; Illinois State Advisory Council on the Education of Children with Disabilities: 2013-present; Senator Tom Cullerton's Advisory Council on Education-Chair: 2013-present; Senator Tom Cullerton's Advisory Council on Women's Issues: 2013-present; St. Paul Lutheran Planning Team: 2014-present; Volunteering at the local schools.Elected offices held: NoneQuestions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?Having been actively involved in my community for many years, I bring a breadth of knowledge concerning local issues and concerns. My involvement on myriad boards and commissions has given me the training and experience in procedures and interacting with the public and building a consensus. Also, my professional background and training give me the ability to be a critical thinker, knowing what questions to ask, how to ask them and when to ask them.What is your opinion of your community's present level of local sales and property taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.I believe our current property taxes are too high, but our sales tax is appropriate. I also take issue with the local "eat in" tax, as I believe it negatively affects our local businesses.Rate the efficiency of your town's police and fire coverage. Are the departments well prepared for the next decade? What, if anything, should be changed? Do you have specific public safety concerns?I think our local police and fire departments do a great job; however, I think it is imperative, given the ever-changing technology and threats in society, that we support continuing education and training for our first responders.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?I have reviewed Villa Park's budget on an annual basis for years; however, prior to making any declarations about the changes to the budget, a comprehensive review and audit would need to be completed. The results of the knowledge gained from that type of assessment would drive decisions about areas of change. The way the budget is written and the way items are allocated in the budget makes it difficult for the lay person to follow. I am concerned about whether or not the TIF funds are being used in the most effective way. Percentages of salaries that had historically been paid from the corporate fund are now being paid from TIF funds, thus, presumably, freeing up corporate funds for additional non TIF discretionary expenditures and depleting the funds available for TIF expenditures.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?I think there is a disconnect between the Village Government and local residents. Initially, I note that for residents to comment on non-agenda items at a board meeting, they must wait until after the COW Formal Agenda to speak, sometimes waiting hours. This discourages residents from speaking at meetings. I would like to change this. Further, many residents have expressed to me that they are uncomfortable bringing their concerns to the board, as they do not feel welcome. I think the Village needs to work on its relationship with residents, treating its citizens and their concerns with civility, honesty, transparency and respect, regardless of the person's feelings about the citizen or the issue.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I think it is critical given the 19 plus million dollars in bonds being issued by Spring this year that the funds be used strictly for road repair and replacement. I want to ensure that we do not start paying portions of current employee salaries from this fund rather than paying for road repairs. I also think that it is important, when considering contractors for the road reconstruction, that we not be penny wise and dollar foolish. I would rather pay more for long- lasting, quality roads than less for roads that will crumble in a the next decade. I think this should be a top priority.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Temple GrandinWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?With an education, you can succeed.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have gotten a Master's Degree.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History was my favorite subject, and I believe you can learn to avoid mistakes by looking to the past.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?My children have grown up with the mantra: He who knows that he does not know possesses true knowledge.