Sergiusz Zgrzebski: Candidate Profile

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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: BensenvilleWebsite: linkedin: Sergiusz.ZgrzebskiTwitter: sergiuszzFacebook: Sergiusz.ZgrzebskiOffice sought: Bensenville Village Board Age: 36Family: My family comes from Gdynia, Poland port navy yard town of 250k residents in Poland, my mother died in 2012 at the age of 65, my father and my grandmother live in Villa Park and Wood Dale, respectively, since late 1980s. I came to US in 2002 at the age of 22. Meet my wife Agata in Chicago altough from same HS in hometown Gdynia, married in 2008, son Ksawery born in 2009. Sister in Poland - attorney, many in family into law or med. Pet enthusiast: Basset Hound Sasha owner.Occupation: TV Reporter/AnchorEducation: AA in Print Journalism, 2002BA in Television Production, 2004Civic involvement: I am actively involved Bensenville I have served on the Bensenville Library Board and I am focused on trying to engage the Polish community in our local government and helping grow the local economy. I am also actively in national organizing efforts with the U.S Census Department and the Democratic National Committee's Ethnic Council.Elected offices held: Bensenville Community Public Library Trustee (2015-2017)Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I have great connection to residents as their "voice on TV", entrepreneurial spirit, experience in local governance acquired during time on Library Board and - most importantly - I see potential in Bensenville and want to make it a destination to both families and businesses.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.Taxes in Bensenville are in many cases to high for property values. For some, they are ultimate obstacle to move in to town. Village has many new great facilities so funds to maintain are necessary but not on the backs of current homeowners. Bensenville needs new residents, tenant and tax revenue - both individual and corporate.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?With new police station in Bensenville I believe town has adequate protection although at times I'd like to see more saturation of patrols when it comes to traffic law enforcement, speed especially. As I live next to School and busy IL-83, my safety concern is school children crossings. Another safety concern are street lights which in many places are scarce. Fire paramedic service in my opinion responds well due to its' good location.Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?I agree with Henry Wesseler that Bensenville's finances have greatly improved, having operated under a balanced budget since 2009. Moody's has recently increased our tax debt rating to Aa3, which will save taxpayers $1.7 million over the next decade. Government can always be made more efficient, just as in private business or our family households. Any savings that can be created should be re-directed to the Public Works budget for infrastructure improvements.What is one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?We need better school ratings in order to attract new families moving into town so I propose a tutoring program for struggling students to be held in collaboration with BSD2 and BCPL.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I am Polish-American immigrant therefore I would focus my attention on adequate representation of Polish-American residents, both individuals and businesses, to make sure they feel included in the decision making process in Bensenville. Sometimes first and second generation citizens do not participate in government as much as they should despite their major contributions to the community. We need everyone involved.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.PM of Canada Justin TrudeauWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Do not procrastinate - whatever you are scheduled to do tomorrow - do it today.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Developing college relationships, volunteer more and pursue aggressively my dreams.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History - as history repeats itself, I'm able to quickly grasp similarities.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Remember the sacrifices your parents and grandparents made in order for you to have the best opportunities possible.