Asif Yusuf: 2023 candidate for Oak Brook Village President
Bio
Town: Oak Brook
Age on Election Day: 60
Occupation: Real estate investor/farmer
Employer: Self-employed
Previous offices held: Village trustee from 2003-2007 and 2011-present
Q&A
Q: What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should leaders respond to it?
A: The most serious issue facing Oak Brook and many other communities is public safety, we are and should continue to use technology and additional personnel to combat this.
We have started deploying license plate recognition cameras throughout this village and will be using drones as well, in addition, the cooperation between law enforcement agencies has been greatly enhanced.
We need to keep finding ways to enhance the safety of our residents.
Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?
A: We are in a good position, our reserves are at an all-time high, and revenues, led by sales tax are strong. We have been funding our pension obligations at a higher level than mandated by the state and we continue to invest in infrastructure.
Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?
A: Public safety, infrastructure, and investment in technology to make our operations more efficient.
Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?
A: There truly are no significant cuts that can be made without negatively impacting the level of service we provide to our residents ta and to the business community. An example of a small cut we can make is to eliminate our subsidy of Oak Brook magazine, this is a private enterprise and should not be funded with public money.
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 project(s) can be put on the back burner?
A: In the short and medium term, continuing upgrades to our water system is essential. Given our circumstances, I am optimistic that we will be able to complete all our planned 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 served on our village board for many years, so I am well versed at working in a group environment. I believe in a collaborative approach to decision making.
It is important to do more listening than talking. I believe it is necessary to ask questions in order to plant the seed about ideas and then closely listen to the feedback from the board, the impacted parties, whether they are residents, businesses, or both, and also our professional staff. Ultimately, I will decide based on that input which course of action is truly the best one.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: My experience in the private and public sector, my long-term commitment to our community, and my ability to work effectively with other elected officials at the municipal, county, and state levels.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: I would be a strong advocate for restoring free garbage pickup for our residents. I believe we are in a position where we can do this without a strain on our finances.