Patricia ‘Patty’ Gustin: 2024 candidate for DuPage County Board District 5
Bio
Party: Republican
Office Sought: DuPage County Board District 5
City: Naperville
Age: 64
Occupation: Realtor
Previous offices held: Current county board member; Naperville City Council (two terms)
Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?
My record proves my commitment representing the Lisle, Naperville and Aurora residents and businesses in District 5.
My appointments to Planning (chair), Zoning (chair), Water, and many other boards and commissions prove my ability, and experience working with all the city and village mayors in District 5.
Twice, the voters elected me to Naperville City Council and two years ago to the county board. They trust me to fight for low taxes and business growth, small government and safe communities, and, with them, to protect their pocketbooks, families, and businesses.
What issue motivates me most? To serve the voters and businesses that elected me, not myself. To prioritize the needs and interests of my constituents, and make decisions that benefit our communities, not Springfield, not D.C. The “free” COVID money is spent, crime is a concern, so are costs. The voters know I have the experience to keep DuPage County growing, and the home we all love. I know it’s about them, not politics.
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 am a local businesswoman with business and legal degrees, and I’m dedicated to serving our local communities. On Lisle’s plan and zoning board, I voted against the too-big Meijer’s store that landed in U.S. Supreme Court. As chairwoman for Naperville’s Plan and Zoning Commission, led smart housing expansion and business growth to lower taxes (two Costco’s). As two-term Naperville City Councilwoman, the budget deficit was fixed, business revenue grew, tax rates hit new lows, and navigated the pandemic and civil unrest.
I proudly led humane animal ordinances; sensible gun limits; wireless fire ordinance changes protecting residents and firefighters; and championed housing initiatives for developmentally disabled individuals, senior/affordable housing, and programs to support the mental health of our children and seniors.
I have continued this mission during my time as DuPage Board member; including passing balanced budgets, and leading fair beekeeping laws and youth mental health care service.
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.
I sit on the county's finance committee. Key budget processes began in September; each department provides proposed budgets for evaluation and review. The chief financial threat today is a result of the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The money will be gone; required to be spent on capital improvement, food insecurity and mental health programs.
The funding loss creates many looming threats since the county may now have a $21M budget deficit for 2025. Now, we must identify what the county can afford without new taxes. Too many District 5 families and businesses struggle, more seniors must rely on our food pantries, many students confront mental health risks. The county must not add to the already heavy tax burdens.
Does there need to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board? If yes, what would you do to help make that happen?
Bipartisan cooperation is crucial for effective governance at all levels, including at the county board. My decades on the nonpartisan Naperville City Council taught me that good, elected officials prioritize shared goals over political divides.
Focusing on common issues and sound policy-making allows us to make important decisions that benefit residents and good business. Political party affiliations can create unnecessary divides, leading to unfair labeling and dysfunction among elected officials. By emphasizing collaboration and understanding, we can foster a more unified approach to governance.
Ultimately, when we work together to serve our communities, we build strong, more resilient neighborhoods that truly address the needs of all.
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?
We should consider it, and the pros and cons of each. A “pro” could be that consolidation of services yields cost savings. A “con” could be if Forest Preserve board members are just moved to the county board there would be a potential conflict of interest on land use.
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?
The county fairground is a diamond in the rough, showcasing events past and present like Ribfest, Animal Expo, and the DuPage County Fair. These gatherings highlight the venue's potential and community value.
The new parking improvements may provide for more future uses. The vision of the fairgrounds is promising, if we can unlock its full potential, making it a vibrant hub for events and activities that bring our community together. As another alternative, committee discussions of potential campus expansion and affordable or attainable housing are in the mix.
What are your thoughts about the consolidation? Should the county play a greater role in streamlining and consolidating local government? Why or why not?
For decades, there has been ongoing conversation about the consolidation of local government entities.
Achieving this will require buy-in from affected government agencies, votes and the difficult task of eliminating elected officials, then its implementation. Years ago, the City of Naperville proposed consolidating services with the township, but the plan faced significant controversy and ultimately did not materialize.
As a councilwoman, I recognized the importance of effective governance for those interacting with the city. To address this, we implemented a streamlined process for permitting and other services. By reducing the red tape and enhancing efficiency, we fostered a more responsive environment that leads to positive outcomes.
This approach not only built trust among those interacting with the county, but also encouraged growth and innovation within our community. Moving forward, we must continue to explore ways to enhance collaboration and improve services.
What role should the county play in combating the opioid crisis?
The county continues to work diligently in the fight against opioids, fentanyl and other drugs. Collaborating with the county coroner and health director, I focus on delivering accurate statistics that reveal the harsh realities of drug use. Truthful information is essential, especially in educational settings and youth organizations.
By sharing these critical insights, we empower young people to make informed decisions and understand the risks associated with drug use. Often, there is a mental health component associated with use.
As councilwoman, I advocated for training programs for police officers that emphasize de-escalation techniques, mental health awareness, and scenario-based training to better handle these situations. To maximize our impact, utilizing various communication channels — media, community events, and school presentation — is the key.
What role should the county play in increasing affordable housing in the region?
When discussing affordable housing, it is crucial to clarify its definition. I sit on the county's Affordable Housing Task Force. As a Realtor with 20 years of experience, I've seen that opinions on what constitutes affordable housing vary widely.
For some, affordable housing refers to government-subsidized options, while for others, it relates to what they can afford based on their income and financial situation. It is important to differentiate between “affordable housing” and “attainable housing.”
Affordable housing should mean subsidized housing supported by federal, state or county funds. In contrast, attainable housing should refer to entry-level, or workforce housing. Government involvement in the housing market is essential, however government does not build housing; builders do. In this case, incentives and streamlined approvals can help, but transparency and trust between developers and residents will ultimately lead to more sustainable and accepted housing options.