Rhian Carl Fazzini: 2023 candidate for Elmhurst City Council Ward 1

Bio

Town: Elmhurst

Age on Election Day: 19

Occupation: College student, local restaurant employee, and former election judge

Employer: Rosalia's Deli

Previous offices held: First time running for office

Q&A

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

A: Taxes and rapid urbanization

Elmhurst fewer taxes not more. The city ought to move to slash or (preferred) completely eliminate any taxes that aren't in the best interest of city residents. Ex: sales, property, exit (the one I find to be the most egregious).

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

A: As far as I know, most are doing fine economically, however people can always do better, and the city taking money from residents.

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

A: 1. Public health and safety

2. Accessibility in downtown

3. Education

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

A: Parking garages and high-rises.

Parking downtown is a serious problem. Of the new parking garages, particularly the one on Addison Road is cramped and difficult to navigate compared to the one Schiller.

Secondly most residents agree that there are too many high-rises going up at once. most of the new high-rises are largely too expensive for many residents, and also takes away the aesthetic of Elmhurst's suburban status.

So in short, we can spend on parking garages, so long as they are efficient, and provide adequate access for the elderly and handicapped. And I will not support any new high-rise projects in the near future.

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: One of the few things that I commend the city for is its handling of potholes and repairs of our streets. When my bike broke I was stuck with a Razor scooter for transportation, and I often had to worry about killing myself going down streets because of how badly the road had been patched up. Now I don't have worry as the city completely replaced the street and is completely satisfactory that I no longer have to worry about injuries myself or vehicle when going down the street

In my ward specifically, there is a concern about the intersection of Myrtle and Third Street.

People, especially at night, fail to stop or completely blow past the stop sign at full speed despite there being a stop sign. I myself have nearly been T-boned multiple times in that intersection by reckless drivers, often times also don't have their headlights on either.

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 city council.

A: The problem is that even if I win, I'm simply one vote of a 14-member city council. Even if I keep my promises they can simply be overruled by 8.

Every city council meeting I've ever been in, most of the members agree almost unanimously.

So it also important to research other candidates in other wards. Over the campaign I'll also be looking at candidates in other races and make endorsements should I believe it'd be easier to work with them. One Alderman can only do so much, the rest is up to the community. I can only promise to do my best.

Now as for myself, I've always been passionate about my positions. I've also always gotten along with my colleagues in every position I've served in. But if put forth a motion to lower taxes, or give homeowners more freedom over their own homes, and it's voted down, then they can explain to their constituents why they don't respect them enough to let them make their own decisions regarding their own homes. (Just as an example).

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

A: Despite my age, many people who are my senior, are often shocked by my familiarity with modern politics. I offer perspective of young Gen Z voters.

I will always be sure to show up for work. It is easy to contact me so I'm always willing to listen to complaints and concerns from residents and how they feel about the direction of our ward and the city.

I refuse to serve consecutive terms because I believe that election season influences officials' decisions, and I believe by not serving consecutive terms it keeps one more honest to one's platform. I am an outsider and have 0 special interests tying me down and I'm not beholden to anyone except for the voters of the 1st Ward.

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

A: Home-Owner-Autonomy (HOA): You should not need city permission to make improvements to your own property. If you want to replace your fence or renovate a room in your house that is entirely your prerogative.

Unless something on your property is infringing on another person's property (ex: trees branches, basketball hoops, fencing disputes, etc.), you have the right to do whatever you want on your own property. This also includes gardens and chicken coops.

Grocery prices, especially eggs are facing rising prices or are in shortage. A fire recently engulfed a hen house incineration over 100,000 chickens during a shortage. Residents should not be burdened with higher prices when they can make their own for far cheaper.