Maria Sinkule: 2024 candidate for DuPage County Board District 1

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office Sought: DuPage County Board District 1

City: Addison

Age: 41

Occupation: School social worker

Previous offices held: Addison Public Library Trustee (2017-2023)

Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?

As a school social worker, I see firsthand how essential county services are for the students I support, including mental health care, crisis intervention, health insurance, and access to vital community resources like food pantries, financial assistance, and utility support. This is why it’s crucial that I represent the voices within my community and advocate for their needs.

A recent example is the construction of a new mental health facility, which is a positive step toward expanding services. However, communities like Addison, Bensenville, and Wood Dale continue to face significant gaps in mental health care, such as limited access to services in native languages, insufficient availability in the community, and transportation barriers.

I am committed to ensuring that community members have the opportunity to make their voices heard and advocate for expanded mental health services at the county level, fostering greater transparency and inclusivity in the decision-making process.

If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?

I bring a deep level of expertise in the mental health field as a licensed clinical social worker with a Doctorate in Social Work. My background equips me to advocate for evidence-based solutions that enhance mental health services and support the well-being of individuals and communities.

My priorities include addressing significant disparities in areas such as Addison and Bensenville, where residents face heightened mental health challenges, food insecurity, and health inequities. As a county board member, it is critical to prioritize addressing these disparities through strategic funding allocation.

Collaborating with state and federal elected officials to secure adequate resources is essential to meet the needs of our community. Every individual in DuPage County deserves to feel represented, valued, and heard as we work toward building a more equitable and thriving county for all.

Describe your position regarding the balance between county spending and revenues as it exists today, then describe the chief threats you see looming in the future and how the county should deal with them.

Thanks to strategic fiscal management, the county saw significant gains in FY2023, ending the year in a strong position with a $32.6 million budget surplus. This achievement was driven by higher-than-expected revenues and careful management of expenditures.

Such fiscal responsibility allows the county to reinvest in critical services, infrastructure, and community programs, ensuring long-term stability and growth. One critical area that requires attention is the need to strengthen and maintain a continuous internal audit of the operations and finances across all county officers, divisions, and departments.

By ensuring up-to-date and thorough auditor reports, we can prevent missed revenue opportunities, enhance accountability, and promote greater financial transparency.

Equally important is maintaining transparency when transferring and appropriating significant funds, such as the $10 million from the General Fund to the Tort Liability Fund for fiscal year.

Does there need to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board? If yes, what would you do to help make that happen?

It is crucial to work collaboratively in a bipartisan manner with all county board members to achieve meaningful progress.

As a former elected official, I understand the importance of working together as a board to review, update, and shape policy. Decisions should be made through collaboration with board members, municipal leaders, and key community stakeholders.

We must prioritize listening to one another and fostering open dialogue that impacts all of our communities. As a board, it is vital to engage in respectful, solutions-focused communication that prioritizes addressing the root causes of issues rather than resorting to divisive rhetoric.

Effective dialogue and collaboration are key to problem-solving and ensuring we make decisions that best serve our community’s needs. By fostering a culture of respect and open communication, we can work together to create meaningful, lasting change.

Earlier this year, some suggested that the 1996 state law that established a separate forest preserve board in DuPage County should be undone and that the forest preserve should be returned to the control of the county board. Do you support that idea? Why or why not?

I strongly support keeping the forest preserve board as a separate governing body. Forest preserve districts are uniquely tasked with preserving and protecting lands of significant natural beauty, along with their native flora and fauna.

Ensuring the long-term health of these ecosystems requires careful selection of protected areas, an understanding of external environmental impacts, and the implementation of sustainable conservation practices.

The district's singular focus on preservation and conservation distinguishes its operations from county park systems, making it essential to maintain its independence from the county board. This separation ensures the forest preserve can continue to provide the dedicated stewardship and vital resources needed to sustain and nurture our natural landscapes for future generations.

What are your thoughts about the condition of the county fairgrounds in Wheaton? Should the county play a greater role in improving and maintaining the structures on the property?

I support the county taking a more active role in improving and maintaining the county fairgrounds, which have evolved into a central gathering space for the community. To sustain this valuable resource, it’s essential to invest in the infrastructure and ensure it remains a safe, welcoming, and vibrant space for all. Strengthening the fairgrounds will enhance its role as a hub for community events and foster greater connection across our county.

What are your thoughts about the consolidation? Should the county play a greater role in streamlining and consolidating local government? Why or why not?

I do not support the county taking a greater role in streamlining and consolidating local government. Illinois has approximately 1,428 townships, which serve as the closest level of government to residents, providing essential services such as general assistance to those in need, property assessments, and road maintenance.

Consolidation could disrupt the allocation of resources, potentially overlooking communities that require more support. Each township has unique needs, and consolidation risks creating a one-size-fits-all approach that may fail to address specific challenges. It's crucial to preserve local governance to ensure that resources and services are tailored to the communities they serve.

What role should the county play in combating the opioid crisis?

While there has been a decrease in overdose-related deaths in DuPage County, the county has played a crucial role in combating opioid addiction. From 2014 to 2023, the DuPage Narcan Program (DNP) reported impressive 78.1% success rate.

This decline in deaths highlights the effectiveness of the DNP in saving lives and reducing opioid-related fatalities. It is vital that the county continues to support and expand this lifesaving initiative, ensuring that resources remain available to address the ongoing opioid crisis and protect our community.

Given the high prevalence of co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health conditions, it is essential to expand mental health support. The CRC will provide vital support for individuals facing mental health crises, including those struggling with substance use disorders.

By addressing both mental health and substance use challenges, we are moving closer to a more comprehensive and compassionate system of care.

What role should the county play in increasing affordable housing in the region?

Last year, the county board allocated $2.5 million to initiate a program addressing affordable housing in DuPage County, a critical step toward ensuring housing stability. However, the county must continue to expand its role in increasing access to affordable housing.

As a school social worker, I witness firsthand the profound impact housing insecurity has on families in our district. Many are homeless, living in hotels, or struggling to afford rent due to rising costs. Families are often exploited, with landlords increasing rent when they request updated contracts, making it even harder to provide proof of residency required by schools.

We must protect these families from being taken advantage of and ensure access to safe, stable and affordable housing so they can thrive in our community