Saba Haider: 2024 candidate for DuPage County Board District 5
Bio
Party: Democrat
Office Sought: DuPage County Board District 5
City: Aurora
Age: 40
Occupation: Small business owner
Previous offices held: None
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?
I am running for the DuPage County Board to make DuPage a safe, successful, and sustainable county. I am a School District 204 mom, a mental health advocate, and a community volunteer. My professional and community service experiences have allowed me to interact with people from diverse backgrounds — socially, economically, and culturally. I am running to lead DuPage to be a people-focused and pro-business county.
My vision for DuPage is to be an economically resilient, healthy, and sustainable county. But, it’s not just about dollars; it is also about common sense. Our quality of life depends on clean air, water, and abundant open spaces. As a member of the Public Health Board, DuPage County Health Department, I continue to champion the expansion of mental health and substance use crisis services.
I am honored to be a part of the collective team effort in making the Crisis Recovery Center a reality and providing these services to DuPage residents, especially our youth.
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 wealth of experience with my educational, professional, and community service background. I have a master’s degree in wildlife science. I serve on many councils and boards in my community. I have been running my business while raising our 16- and 12-year-olds with my husband in DuPage County.
My priorities are:
• Mental Health and Social Services: Ensure accessibility to mental health services and develop outreach programs to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
• Robust Economic Growth: Foster economic diversification by supporting the growth of emerging industries and startups. Develop initiatives to attract businesses from various sectors like technology, health care, and renewable energy. Invest in workforce development programs.
• Environmental Sustainability: Implement sustainable development practices, encourage the use of renewable energy sources, and promote community engagement to develop and implement comprehensive sustainability plans to protect our water, air, and soil.
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.
The DuPage County Board approved its balanced Fiscal Year 2024 budget of $625 million spending plan and kept the property tax rate flat. Under the effective leadership of Chairwoman Deb Conroy, DuPage County received an AAA bond rating from all three major rating agencies.
This puts DuPage County in a select group of less than 2% of U.S. counties to receive this rating. DuPage County’s budget reflects a responsible approach to managing its spending and revenues.
We want to make sure the county focuses on maximizing the efficiency of its spending while looking for solutions, such as intergovernmental partnerships, and grants, to maintain a high level of service without overburdening taxpayers.
The general government should continue to focus on a balanced budget to make sure that we attract the best talent to serve our DuPage residents. I will work to expand collaboration between the county board, the health department, and other departments to help fund critical services/resources.
Does there need to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board? If yes, what would you do to help make that happen?
Yes, bipartisanship and cooperation are essential to the effective functioning of the county board and safeguarding the best interests of the voters. As a member of various boards and councils, I’ve consistently worked across ideological lines to advance initiatives that benefit the entire community for many years.
To foster bipartisanship, I would focus on shared goals like improving public health, economic development, and preserving natural resources. I would encourage regular dialogue and collaboration between board members of all political backgrounds, ensuring that decisions are made based on what is best for the community rather than partisan interests.
Gridlock stops progress and impacts all DuPage County residents. I firmly believe that the “why” of serving on the board has to be very clear in every board member’s mind.
For me, that “why” is to serve the people of DuPage County. I will make educated, informed, and empathetic decisions to best serve DuPage County residents.
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 do not support returning the forest preserve to the county board's control. With 26,000 acres of open spaces serving over 932,000 people, the separation of the Forest Preserve District from the county board has allowed for a more effective management of our natural resources.
The forest preserve requires specialized attention to protect wildlife, maintain natural habitats, provide recreational spaces, and improve the quality of life of the residents of DuPage County.
These responsibilities are better managed by a dedicated body with expertise in conservation and environmental stewardship. Combining the two boards could lead to conflicts of interest, particularly with development pressures, which could jeopardize long-term environmental sustainability.
We need to keep environmental protection and the quality of life as a top priority, which the current structure supports. We need to continue to provide access to clean air, land, water, and abundant open space to the county residents.
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 condition of the county fairgrounds in Wheaton requires attention. The fairgrounds are a vital community asset, providing space for events that bring residents together.
However, aging infrastructure can limit its potential and our ability to provide a safe and compliant space to the residents. I believe the county should play a greater role in maintaining and improving the structures but through a fiscally responsible approach.
Partnering with local businesses and community organizations for sponsorships or funding could offset some of the costs. Additionally, improvements to the fairgrounds could prioritize eco-friendly upgrades, aligning with broader goals of sustainability and community wellness.
These changes would enhance the venue while ensuring that we expand accessibility to those with disabilities to enjoy this vibrant space as DuPage County residents.
What are your thoughts about the consolidation? Should the county play a greater role in streamlining and consolidating local government? Why or why not?
Community members rely heavily on the resources that the local governmental units provide, especially as it relates to hyperlocal issues. Steps that lead to more efficient services, and reduce overhead costs can provide opportunities for streamlining local government in DuPage County.
However, consolidation must be explored if we have willing partners to take that step. Any consolidation efforts should focus on reducing redundancies while maintaining or improving the quality of services provided to residents.
I believe a careful review of local agencies could identify areas where combining resources would lead to better outcomes for residents through shared services, such as in areas like public health, after-school programs, and social services to our seniors and at-risk communities.
What role should the county play in combating the opioid crisis?
The opioid crisis is a public health emergency. In 2022, 3,000 people died in Illinois of opioid overdose.
Illinois expects $1.3 billion in settlement monies by 2038 to be used to counter the opioid crisis. This money comes directly to DuPage County. The DuPage Narcan Program of the DuPage County Health Department has helped save the lives of over 1,400 people through drug overdose reversal.
Expanding the training of first responders, schools, community support groups, and families is crucial. As a Public Health Board member, I am proud to support lifesaving programs at the health department.
A strong partnership exists between the county board and the health department. We need to continue to expand access to addiction treatment programs and mental health services, run preventative media campaigns, and law enforcement working with public health experts to address the underlying causes of the crisis. We also need to focus on funding evidence-based prevention programs in schools.
What role should the county play in increasing affordable housing in the region?
The county should play a key role in increasing affordable housing in the region. County board chair Deborah Conroy showed leadership by establishing the Ad-Hoc Housing Solutions Committee for developing housing programs and funding for the production and sustainability of new housing units to support the county’s workforce.
To achieve the goals of the expanded workforce and long-term sustainable housing programs, the municipalities and the county should expand collaboration. Such projects give opportunities to people who work in the county to make DuPage their home and raise their families.
Special attention needs to be paid to make sure we are serving our seniors, young families, and disabled adults. We need to prioritize allocating more funds toward such projects as the Larkin Place, a permanent supportive housing project in Elgin, Illinois. This project is targeted to serve populations with special needs and working families, reaching renters in need of affordable housing.