Artur Zadrozny: 2023 candidate for Des Plaines City Council, Ward 4

Bio

Town: Des Plaines

Age on Election Day: 40

Occupation: Attorney

Employer: Zadrozny Law Firm - owner

Previous offices held: Current Des Plaines 4th Ward alderman

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: The most serious issue facing the community in the coming years is likely to be economic stability and growth. The city council can respond by building a robust economy by attracting restaurants. This can be done by providing incentives for businesses to open, such as such as grants that the city already offers, and by improving the infrastructure and transportation options in the area to make it easier for people to visit restaurants and other businesses. The recent completion of the parking garage behind the city hall provides additional parking space for visitors. The new Pace Pulse Rapid Transit Service was also recently completed. Additionally, the city council already works with local organizations and our chamber of commerce to promote the community as a destination for food and hospitality, and to create a supportive environment for restaurants and other businesses to thrive.

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

A: In alignment with the city council's Strategic Plan and financial policies, the city of Des Plaines continues to maintain long-term financial strength and stability. The city's fund balance is above 25%, which allows for dealing with unplanned emergencies such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic and offset the revenues loss because of it. The city has continued to pay down debt and at the end of 2022, the total debt outstanding has fallen below $10 million (actual is $9.2 million) compared to $102.3 million back in 2005. Total invested in 2022 was $34.4 million compared to $5.1 million prior to 2012. It is also important to note that residents have not seen an increase for the city's portion of their property tax bill in many years.

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

A: First priority is to provide further investments into our capital infrastructure such as roads, storm and sanitary sewers. The city council continues to prioritize investing back into our community. In 2022 total investments was $34.4 million. Next, the city should continue on the path of paying off debit in order to have it fully paid off in the next four years. That will put the city in an excellent financial position. Lastly, the city council should make sure that out pension funds are funded adequately.

Q: What do you think is the right way to revitalize Metropolitan Square? Should it be funded privately or publicly or not at all?

A: The best way to revitalize Metropolitan Square is to actively engage with the owner. Serious discussions need to take place about what their goals are for the property and how they think the empty store front are to be filled. Last year, the city council explored the idea of revitalizing Metropolitan Square by beautifying the public spaces. A plan was presented but ultimately the council decided against due to the high costs and having to guarantees that the redesign would help fill up the empty stores spaces. I believe the city council would open to spending public funds on helping revitalize Metropolitan Square but it would need to have some guarantees from the owner of Metropolitan Square.

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

A: The city has done a great job of monitoring expenditures and ensuring that sufficient revenue is received before any city funds are spent. To the extent cost saving measures present themselves, we should explore that opportunity, provided it doesn't result in a reduction of services.

Q: Is city hall doing enough to retain businesses in town and lure new ones? If not, what should be done?

A: Regarding restaurants, the current council's top priority is to attract restaurants downtown. The first step was to open the theater, which is very successful and attracts hundreds of people each week. Next, the soon to be completed Welkin apartment building has retail and restaurant space on the first floor and the developer is actively seeking tenants. The city also identified two properties that the city may acquire through eminent domain if negotiations between potential tenants and landlords fall through. The goal would be to renovate and lease out the properties to restaurants. Elsewhere in the city, we can expect Five Guys, Outback Steakhouse and Foxtail on the Lake to open this year. Even though COVID the city was able to attract new businesses, including several transport companies that will bring well over a hundred new workers. Overall, I think the city is doing a great job to attract and retain new businesses.

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: The construction of an overpass over a Union Pacific Railroad on Algonquin Road between Mount Prospect Road and Wolf Road to improve emergency services response times could be seen as an important infrastructure project. Ensuring that police and firefighters are not delayed by trains can help save lives in emergency situations. Additionally, this project will improve traffic flow and reduce traffic congestion. Paying for this project will involve a combination of local, state, and federal funding. Recently, the city contracted with a consultant to conduct a Phase I Engineering Study. Once the study is complete, the city can then apply for federal and state 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 or city council.

A: In a group setting, my effective communication and active listening are crucial for reaching agreement and determining policy. It is important for me to understand each council member's perspectives and concerns. I believe that encouraging open and respectful discussion can help to build consensus and find common ground. It is also important to have a clear understanding of the decision-making process, including the roles and responsibilities of each council member, the timeline for decision-making, and the criteria for evaluating policy options. By following these best practices, our local government can work effectively as a team to make informed and effective policy decisions that benefit the community.

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

A: As an alderman, I have demonstrated my ability to achieve tangible results for my constituents in a relatively short amount of time. An example of this is the recent completion of the stormwater retention project by Debra Road, Westmere Road and Sandy Lane. Residents in that area have complained of flooding after intense rains because the stormwater system could not hold excess water. I was able to secure a portion of the funding the city received from a federal grant and I got the city council on my side to approve the project. This demonstrates my effectiveness as a leader and my commitment to serving the community. I am open to new ideas and believe that it is important to constantly seek out and implement innovative solutions to the challenges facing the community. My experience running my own law firm has given me valuable skills needed for the job. I understand the importance of building relationships and working with a range of stakeholders.

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

A: I like the idea of installing pet waste stations in parks across our city. As a dog owner myself, I make sure that I pick after my dog, but it is unfortunate to see dog waste on the grass and sidewalks when walking my dog. Pet waste stations can help keep our parks and public spaces clean and reduce the risk of health issues caused by pet waste. Additionally, providing a designated area for pet owners to dispose of waste and grab a waste bag if needed encourages responsible pet ownership and can help promote a cleaner and more pleasant environment for everyone to enjoy.