Catherine Sewell: 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: www.CathySewell.comOffice sought: Villa Park Village Board, 2-year term Age: 71Family: Husband, John, former counselor for Joliet Catholic Academy. Daughter, Margaret, currently Senior Trial Attorney for US Department of Labor, former Assistant US Attorney for DOJ, Washington, DC. Many nieces and nephews. My brother, Frank, a retired State Farm agent, lives in Wheaton with his wife, Susan.Occupation: Former CEO/Executive Director for American Hospital Association non-profit, 3500 member organizationEducation: MBA - Marketing, Int'l Business, Dominican University BA- English, Philosophy, Education. De Paul University Certified Association ProfessionalCivic involvement: St. Alexander Catholic Church- volunteer Inspiration Cafe- volunteer for homeless Alzheimer's Association- volunteer leader for Memory Walk Precinct Committee-person for Pct 20 and Pct 68 of DuPage County First Vice-Chair, York Township Democratic Organization First Vice-Chair, Democratic Party of DuPage CountyElected offices held: First Vice-Chair, Democratic Party of DuPage County First Vice-Chair, York Township Democratic Organization Precinct Commitee-person, PCT 20, current.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?My prior experience as a business leader provides me with the leadership and strategic thinking skills required to ensure sound fiscal decisions are made for the people of Villa Park. Embarking on decision-making and planning for economic development for the area is something that is very exciting for the Village, taking it to the next level of community excellence. The Village recently passed a referendum for infrastructure improvements whereby more than 70% of those residents voting, voted for a 7 year, $23 million project that will help create the business environment we need to move us forward. By that I mean, our roads will be re-surfaced, reconstructed and improved so people moving through the Village will be able to do so in an environment conducive for residents living in the village and others coming to do business in Villa Park. My background as an executive and business leader provides me with the skills needed to oversee this large undertaking so that it stays on target and on budget.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.With the passage of our referendum, they are slightly increased, but it's worth it to make improvements sorely needed for many years. For example, a home valued at $200,000 will have approximately $146 per year in additional property taxes. Sales tax is at 7.75%. Taxes for Villa Park appear appropriate for DuPage County.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?The Villa Park Police and Fire Departments appear to be efficiently run. I would have to do further analysis and ask the department personnel if they consider themselves prepared for the next decade. There may be changes needed in the spirit of continuous improvement, for greater efficiency and effectiveness. With a streamlined budget, the Police and Fire Departments have prudently used the resources allocated to them. Both departments appear to be fully staffed. Public Safety concerns that I have are related to the areas presenting challenges in the Village; but with the continuing efforts by the police using tools to prevent crime, and continuing their increased visibility in those areas, I am certain the Village and responsible departments are on top of it.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?Villa Park is operating within it's means, it appears. The budget called for a small increase and did not appear overly concentrated in one area or another. There has been streamlining and honing of all areas to achieve a balanced budget. The state mandates a balanced budget, so the Village must comply. In reviewing the current budget, it appears we have a very healthy fund balance of 130 days (state requires minimum of 90 days). The optimal way to increase funding for all services, including parks recreation, public safety, etc., would be to continue to pursue Grant funding to free up other funds the Village may need to enhance services. The services I would ensure we're adequately budgeted for would be for children, seniors, and of course, small businesses. The road referendum is the focus for the immediate future. Should I be elected, my goal would be to be a responsible fiscal steward for the people of Villa Park.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?The one good idea covers the overall way in which the Village not only resolves current issues, but how it looks to the future. The idea provides continuous improvement tactics and quality measures to planning and work processes. Strategic Planning measurement and the measurement of internal quality processes will assure residents that they have a voice in creating a place they can be proud of, and participate in it's success. It develops community pride, by instilling confidence in every aspect of services provided to them. Continuous improvement in daily services and the measurement of not only goals, but the quality of the work provided to residents can be transformative in the way we move Villa Park forward.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?My service on the Villa Park Board will continue their good work in strategic planning and visioning for the future of our village. It's important to practically address the day to day issues of our community, at the bi-monthly meetings. I would like to see more resident participation on the economic planning for the village as decisions are being made. The Board did an excellent job prepping residents for the referendum. For sixteen months, residents were provided the opportunity to weigh in on this important village project. Town Hall meetings, surveys, and regular informational updates were pivotal in securing a successful vote on the referendum. More of this type of varied communication will be needed as we move forward to economic development planning.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis is inspiring because of his fearlessness in setting a course for his mission. He set the tone by the inclusiveness of his methodology.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Always think before you speak. Making rash judgments before analyzing situation can be embarrassing and plain wrong!If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I'd continue my career as an educator. My first love as a young teacher, was teaching at the elementary level. Sheer joy!What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Favorite subject was English Literature. It opened up new worlds to me as a young person; helping me put the world in context later on.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be kind.