Kathryn Jarosch: 2023 candidate for Elk Grove Village Board

Bio

Town: Elk Grove Village

Age on Election Day: 60

Occupation: Business owner, Jarosch Bakery

Employer: Jarosch Bakery

Previous offices held: Elk Grove Village Public Library trustee

Q&A

Q: What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council or village board respond to it?

A: One of the most serious issue we face is rising costs of goods and services. How we respond as a village board is to keep planning, keep reserves, and keep attracting businesses to our community to support our tax base. Continue with job fairs, continue to give back to the community, when possible, and don't make drastic changes.

Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?

A: When reading the village's 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial report, I would describe the village on solid ground. We are using taxes and grants to revitalize our community, we have spending plans in place for future equipment purchases as well as other upgrades, and our reserves are untouched.

Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?

A: 1.) Finish out the 5-year 2025 Infrastructure Plan. 2.) Plan for more Revitalization of key aging commercial properties. 3.) Look for new ways to involve, inform, and support residents in the village.

Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?

A: Currently, Elk Grove Village is financially stable and experiencing industrial growth. I am currently unaware of any spending areas which need to be curtailed. However, with an uncertain economy, we must always be prepared to adjust as needed.

Q: What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

A: I currently don't see any issues which aren't already being addressed. Elk Grove has always been proactive in their planning and approach to maintaining water, sewers, streets, and facilities. The village has a strategy to prioritize maintenance and rehabilitation of roads each year based on their condition and spread the projects out over time. Therefore, by planning and saving for projects, even in uncertain times, projects may continue.

Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.

A: As a library trustee, I've been a part of several policy changes. Setting policy, or adapting new policy is a process which should not be rushed. Policy's must consider the law as well as what actions benefit the institution, its patrons/citizens, and its staff. Therefore, a board that works together, is open to debate, takes its time to get as much information as possible, and uses legal advice when needed should be able to develop polices which are effective. My style is to ask questions, listen to others, and be respectful of all viewpoints, even those different from my own. There is no place for personal agendas. Willingness to compromise is vital to a well-run government, we don't want council wars. Then once a vote is cast, we must unite behind the vote and support it.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: As both an Elk Grove resident and owner of a business in Elk Grove, I pay taxes twice. This makes me highly motivated to keep Elk Grove strong, thriving and fiscally sound. As a former engineer, I was trained to collect data, analyze, and then think outside of the box to solve problems. During the current economic times, these skills have been critical to business survival. Through our business, I also bring years of community connection to PADS, Sheila Ray Center, GOA, EG Food Pantry, and many other churches and organizations through our "end of night donations." It's a privilege to serve our community in this way. As a library trustee, I have gotten to experience how a 5-Star, nationally recognized, library operates. Being a part of this cooperative board has ignited a spark in me for continued service. All these experiences and skills combined will give me what is needed to work with our current board of trustees and mayor.

Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

A: Since the pandemic, we hear continuing reports of mental health issues- depression, anxiety, etc. I would like to bring together leaders in our community to see if we could expand our EG Cares program to help more than just addiction.