News

DuPage mayors see good things on horizon

Posted January 01, 2016 4:00 am

By Justin Kmitch

From new economic development and lower unemployment to rising home values and improving roads, there's a lot to look forward in 2016 for the leaders of DuPage County communities. We asked our mayors and village presidents to look into their crystal balls and tell us what they see in the year ahead.

Addison Mayor Richard Veenstra

I am looking forward to continued growth and resurgence of both our retail and commercial areas, development of housing alternatives for our seniors and empty-nesters, as well as continued support by our churches and service organizations to address the social needs of our community.

Aurora Mayor Tom Weisner

In 2016, I'm looking forward to Aurora continuing to shine a spotlight on our progress. As the City of Lights grows, the quality of life of our residents improves and the success of our businesses improves. As economic development continues to increase, our unemployment rate continues to decrease. After 10 years of hard work, we are seeing Aurora in a whole new light.

Bensenville Village President Frank Soto

During the next year Bensenville would like to see continued growth in home values. We hope to see the completion of the first luxury apartment complex to be built in the area. Additionally, Bensenville is looking forward to the opening of a new Jewel-Osco Fresh Store. Bensenville is also looking forward to its first bike paths.

Bloomingdale Village President Franco Coladipietro

Most importantly, I am looking forward to working with our outstanding village board and staff as we continue our first priority of serving the residents of Bloomingdale. I am particularly excited about our Old Town Redevelopment Project groundbreaking in the Spring of 2017 and the continued success of our Lake Street corridor redevelopment efforts. Also, the return of fireworks in 2016….?!

Carol Stream Village President Frank Saverino

My goals for 2016 are to continue to be the best mayor possible for the people of Carol Stream, to help the most qualified people become our elected representatives in all forms of government and to continue to strive for ways to keep Carol Stream self sustainable. We all felt the pain caused by Springfield and want to make sure it never happens again.

Glendale Heights Village President Linda Jackson

The village board continues to focus on economic development, primarily along the two major regional roadways with direct access to expressways, North Avenue and Army Trail Road, and we are excited about all the development activity along these two corridors, including the 2016 opening of Bucky's Gas Station, Art Van Furniture Store, and more. Next year we will be implementing our $1.3 million FEMA grant to improve stormwater management and help alleviate flooding issues around our Glendale Square Shopping Center off North Avenue. I wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year!

Itasca Village President Jeff Pruyn

The Itasca Village Board is finalizing a new Strategic Plan for the next 3-5 years. I look forward to working with the village board and staff to accomplish the main themes of the plan, which includes fiscal sustainability, improvements to Itasca's residents' quality of life, and enhancing the confidence of our citizens in our local government.

Lisle Village President Joseph Broda

Lisle Village President Joe Broda

I look forward to our old Village Hall site, a key downtown location, being redeveloped by Marquette Properties to provide a mixed-use, transit-oriented project that will enhance both the economy and the aesthetics of Lisle's downtown. It is a common concern to all municipalities but it must be called out due to its significance: we need a state budget resolution that will eliminate the cloud of uncertainty over municipal governments in regard to our revenues and, consequently, our own budgets and service level.

Naperville Mayor Steve Chirico

During the first six months of being mayor I have focused on the city's financial strategy. During the upcoming year my focus will be on government efficiencies, which include government consolidation, collaboration and cost-sharing initiatives. I think there are many opportunities to reduce redundancy and maximize resources on local, county and state levels.

Roselle Village President Gayle Smolinski

I look forward to working with a board of trustees with differing viewpoints on our common goals. We have a nice balance of new and seasoned trustees who balance each other during discussions. I plan to accomplish the beginning of at least one major project in each of our two new TIF districts in the upcoming year.

Warrenville Mayor David Brummel

My hope for Warrenville in the coming year is further progress in advancing the goals and objectives of our recently adopted strategic and economic plans. Finally, it is my intention that Warrenville continues to promote and enhance its small-town virtues, while remaining a role model for municipal fiscal responsibility by continuing to be debt free, with all our revenues available to provide necessary services to our citizens, and none going to debt service. And all of us will be enjoying our two beautiful new bridges (Williams Road and Warrenville Road)!

West Chicago Mayor Ruben Pineda

With the completion of the Healthy West Chicago Community Action Plan, we will be hiring a Healthy West Chicago director to start working to achieve the goals outlined in the Action Plan in early 2016, That will be the first step toward getting our community members to make the healthy choice the easy choice.

<h3 class="leadin">Wheaton Mayor Michael Gresk

I am looking forward to a smooth transition for Mike Dzugan as he becomes our city manager in May.

Wood Dale Mayor Annunziato Pulice

My first goal is keeping the Wood Dale Road and Irving Park Road Safety Improvement project on schedule so the flow of traffic will be improved and the train quiet zone can be established. We also have our first TIF District in place and are in the process of developing a framework to create the Corporate Main Street. I'm also going to eat healthier and stay in better shape.

Article Comments

Article Categories
Counties DuPage County News

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.