Patrick Egan: 2025 candidate for Lombard Village Board District 4

Bio

Office sought: Lombard Village Board District 4

City: Lombard

Age: 68

Occupation: Retired after working for 32 years as custodian, maintenance and facilities manager for the local elementary school district.

Previous offices held: First time running for public office

What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the village board respond to it?

District 4, in the village of Lombard, is where I am running for office, and the scope of the North Grace Street Resurfacing project for 2025 lies entirely within its borders. It will impact the lives of many families that live in Lombard. Homeowners on Grace will be inconvenienced by limited access to their driveways during the work. Anyone who uses Grace Street to travel into or out of their neighborhood, as well as those just passing through can expect to be rerouted at times by the construction. I am prepared to address the resident’s questions and to assist in getting them information and help when needed.

How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?

I believe the village of Lombard maintains a stable financial position that is supported by prudent budgeting practices and a dedication to clear and comprehensive financial reporting.

As a trustee, I will strongly advocate for the building needs of the public safety facilities and the need for investing in the future of the buildings that will be the home of fire and police protection in Lombard.

Lombard’s financial management has been commendable, focusing on pension liabilities, infrastructure funding, revenue diversification, and economic development. Lombard will need strong leadership to navigate the financial challenges anticipated in the next two years.

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?

Lombard faces a financial challenge due the age of public safety facilities and the need for making an investment in the future of fire and police protection. As trustee I will help to make Lombard a safe place to live and work, today and tomorrow.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board.

I will approach my role with an open mind and a willingness to collaborate with fellow trustees, village staff, and residents. It’s important to learn from others and work together to find solutions to the challenges we face. I will always be courteous, respectful, and confidential in handling matters that come before the board.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I worked for over 30 years serving our schools, working for Lombard Elementary School District 44 as a custodian, maintenance worker, and facilities manager.

That experience gave me a deep understanding of the importance of maintaining our public spaces, ensuring safe roads, and investing in infrastructure that works for everyone. I know what it takes to keep a community running smoothly, and I want to bring that knowledge to the village board.

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

I see many young adults in this community that have the qualities that I believe exemplify strong leadership. As a trustee for the village board, I will ask them to use these skills in service to the village of Lombard.