Cheryl J. Lenisa: 2021 candidate for Roselle Village Board
Five candidates are squaring off for three 4-year seats on Roselle Village Board in the April 6 election. They are incumbent Barbara Sarno; Thomas Piorkowski, president of the Roselle Public Library District Board; and newcomers Tom Della Penna, Lydia Galante and Cheryl J. Lenisa.
The Daily Herald asked the candidates several questions about issues facing the village.
Below are Lenisa's responses.
In-person early voting with paper ballots begins Feb. 25 at DuPage County Fairgrounds Building 5, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. In-person early voting with touch-screen voting begins March 22 at locations throughout the county. Learn more at www.dupageco.org/earlyvoting/.
Five candidates for three, 4-year terms
Bio
Town: Roselle
Age: 61
Occupation: Certified public accountant
Civic involvement: Volunteer with Lake Park Marching Band; former president of Wood Dale Chamber of Commerce
Q&A
Q: How do you view your role in confronting the pandemic: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents — even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state and federal authorities?
A: My role is to give a voice to the constituents, to give a voice for all.
Q: Did your town continue to adequately serve its constituents during the disruptions caused by the pandemic? If so, please cite an example of how it successfully adjusted to providing services. If not, please cite a specific example of what could have been done better.
A: I believe communication to all residents on the status of closures, improvement of villagewide notices could be handle more efficiently. This could be accomplished through text or other electronic methods.
Q: In light of our experiences with COVID-19, what safeguards/guidelines should you put in place to address any future public health crises?
A: During this past year, my father passed away while in a memory care facility, the situation caused extra stress, not allowing time together and also not allowing a proper burial service. All families deserve to care for their families including the grieving process. The rules for limiting attendance at funerals should be addressed for future crises.
Q: What cuts can local government make to reduce the burden of the pandemic on taxpayers?
A: This a difficult question as it is hard to take services away during a time where individuals are already stressed and need assistance during this vulnerable times. I do believe all vendor contracts should be reviewed to ensure the best services are received for the best price.
Q: What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what infrastructure project can be put on the back burner?
A: Currently, the most important issue is the parking garage and residential buildings on Irving Park Road. The amount of increased traffic which is anticipated needs to be addressed so that the current residents are not negatively impacted.
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the stance your board/council has taken on permitting recreational marijuana sales in the community? What would you change about that stance, if you could?
A: I disagree, I believe there are many issues involved in the sales process. If monitored properly, the sales tax revenue that is going to neighboring communities could be shared with Roselle.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: I believe all involved in the village, not matter at what level, need to be transparent in following the same rules as everyone. The same rules imposed on businesses and residents needs to be followed by all.