Tammy K. Miller: 2023 candidate for Elk Grove Village Board

Bio

Town: Elk Grove Village

Age on Election Day: 63

Occupation: Director of Gifting and Giving

Employer: That's Caring

Previous offices held: Director/manager of Leisure Services for Elk Grove Park District

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: In any community, including Elk Grove Village, a concern is inflation and a recession. This is a national concern, but it impacts our local community. In Elk Grove Village, we continue to have one of the lowest (if not the lowest) property tax rate in Northwest Cook County. This will help our residents if a recession occurs. It is critical for our industrial park to keep the vacancy rate low as this supports our entire community. Currently, our industrial business vacancy rate is 1.5%. In addition, Elk Grove Village has a strong financial status and gave back when possible to help our residents. Elk Grove Village households were given back $400 water bill credit and a $200 gift card to help recently.

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

A: Elk Grove Village community finances are very strong. This is due to several reasons: we have the lowest combined property tax rate in the area; we have data centers that generate strong property tax revenue; and we have a strong finance department overseeing and maintaining funding sources as well as expenses.

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

A: There are really four top priorities for spending in our community, and they would be (1) to continue to reinvest in our infrastructure for streets, sidewalks, roads, and rear-yard drainage issues, (2) to continue to keep our property tax low by maintaining and supporting business growth and development, (3) continue to hire and support staff as outstanding staff is any government's and business's greatest asset, and (4) continuing to keep our residents safe through funding of police, fire, and public works by hiring, training and providing the best equipment. Safety should also be on the list of priorities.

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

A: The village has done a great job of looking to be more sustainable and efficient. We recently published a sustainability report that allows more efficient processes to save time and money. For example, this past year, we had building and engineering permit applications online instead of paper copies. We also had more electronic water billing accounts and leak alerts sent via WaterSmart. We will continue to look at efficiencies to save money and time.

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: As stated earlier, reinvesting in our streets, roads, sidewalks for residents and businesses should continue. We have TIF dollars and budgeted dollars in our general fund and capital projects that allows us to continue these necessary projects.

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: I have very relevant experience, as I have been on both sides of governmental policy and operational management. As a member of management at the Elk Grove Park District, I have experience with the operational side of local government. As a village trustee I have experience with the policymaking side working with staff, other officials, and listening to the residents to reach agreements to be visionary for the future. I have had the opportunity to visit businesses in our business park, and I have seen the great manufacturing and business development in our business park. I work (and have worked) with the local school districts, the library, and the Elk Grove Township in many aspects, so I see how we can work together to better the community. It is very important to ask questions, surround yourself with others who may have various points of view, and listen to staff, other officials, business leaders, and residents.

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

A: I have experience in local government; I have built many relationships both in business and personal opportunities; I am open-minded; I can make decisions; I have strong values; I believe in giving back; and I truly care for this community. I volunteer with the Community Character Coalition, at Packages for Patriots, and I volunteer at my church so I have a strong sense of community and service. I currently work at That's Caring, a high-end and socially responsible gift basket company in Elk Grove Village which gives back to local food banks to their backpack programs. I feel am proud to serve Elk Grove Village in so many ways. I am proud of Elk Grove Village and our residents.

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

A: I have been very pleased that our infrastructure is progressing so well, as I want to see more residents take advantage of the wider sidewalks, and bike plans so that our village becomes more walkable and bike friendly. I would love to see increased walkable connectivity within the village, whether it is with new development or with existing areas. I have advocated to have this occur with our new master plan, so that we all stay more healthy.