Pat Maritato: 2023 candidate for Glendale Heights District 4 Village Trustee

Bio

Town: Glendale Heights

Age on Election Day: 74

Occupation: Retired

Employer: N/A

Previous offices held: Glendale Heights Village Board Trustee District 4 since 2003

Q&A

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

A: When I think of serious issues, they could include natural disasters, financial hardships, civil unrest or pandemics. The village has a thorough emergency preparedness plan that staff continuously reviews and updates as needed. The village has a healthy General Reserve Fund to assist in financial hardships. Civil unrest, we have seen this transpire throughout the country, the police department is well trained in all aspects including dealing with mental health issues. Pandemics, for the last 2.5 years we experienced the devastating effects, and the village was the first in DuPage County to secure COVID-19 vaccines and make them available to the residents.

The village holds bimonthly Government Agency Partnership meetings to ensure community leaders remain in touch on important issues that face our community. Over the years, the village has built strong relationships to key agencies to help ensure the residents of Glendale Heights are never left behind.

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

A: Solid! Many economic indicators are pointing toward a possible recession, but the village's General Fund Balance reserves remain strong and exceeds the level recommended by the Government Finance Officers Association.

In fact, in 2020, the village board approved $1.2 million in funding for the redevelopment of Camera Park. This project was partially funded with grants and unfortunately the project was delayed due to COVID-19 but was finally completed in 2022.

The project included a state-of-the-art playground, splash pad, shelter area with restrooms, challenge course, fitness stations, disc golf and educational areas. Camera Park is in the center of town and is the most utilized park and is the host of several community celebrations and events throughout the year.

I believe it is important to continue to fund projects to update and renovate existing parks and facilities to provide residents with quality facilities they deserve.

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

A: Aside from two projects that I mentioned in a previous question, I would like to see the village reinvest in the community by publishing a survey that is available to all residents. I want to give all residents the opportunity to provide input as we continue to move Glendale Heights forward.

Without the residents, the village would not exist and therefore, their voices and needs should be heard.

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

A: Curtailing of unnecessary spending is an ongoing priority and to keep taxes as low as possible without jeopardizing services and quality of life, we must be good stewards of tax dollars.

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: Water and sewer, as well as the treatment plant infrastructure. It is important to be able to meet EPA regulations. This project can be budgeted and funded by grants.

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.

A: Unfortunately, since May of 2021, it has been a challenge serving on the village board. With the results of the past election and a new village president, progress has been halted.

The current village president lacks the knowledge and understanding of the community, its needs, and the day-to-day operations of the village as well as the duties of a village president.

Problems have arisen due to the new village president withholding information to fellow board members and the inability to listen and show respect to the residents, staff and board members.

I ask the residents to continue to stand behind me and the rest of the village board as we work through these changes and bring peace and transparency back to the residents.

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

A: I believe my residency of the past 30 years and my current connection with the community puts me above my opponent. I have served as District 4 Trustee for the past 20 years and started my community service in 1989 with the plan commission. Aside from serving on various committees, commissions and the village board, I am an active member of the community. I not only attend all the special events the village offers, I play an active role in assisting in running events such as cooking and serving food for various events.

One of my proudest accomplishments while serving on the village board is the addition of the Center for Senior Citizens. The center serves the needs of thousands of seniors throughout each year.

I feel my experience, and my past performance and accomplishments, show that I have a proven record of listening to the needs of the community and the ability to work well with my fellow board members in order to keep the village moving in a positive direction.

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

A: For the past 10 years, I have served as chairman on the parks and recreation committee. The committee is focused on working with the Parks and Recreation Divisions in providing insight and ideas for growth and improvements. There are two main projects that I would like to explore.

One is the tot area at the GH2O Aquatic Center. The splash pad is original to the Aquatic Center dating back to 1998. I believe it would be a good investment to bring "new and exciting" amenities to better serve the young ones. The GH2O Aquatic Center brings in residents from all across the village to enjoy the FlowRider, drop slides, diving boards, spiral slides and the zero depth play area. One of my goals is to make GH2O a destination for summer fun providing residents of all ages enjoyment.