Josephine Maniscalco: 2025 candidate for Carpentersville village board

Bio

Office Sought: Carpentersville village board (Vote for 3)

City: Carpentersville

Age: 64

Occupation: Human resources manager

Previous offices held: Special Events Commission — Volunteer

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

Vacant Properties. As trustee, I am committed to helping to address this issue. Vacant properties can have a negative impact on the village. I plan to work with the business development commission and community members to find practical solutions. This could include exploring ways to bring new businesses to the community. By focusing on revitalizing vacant properties, it can help our village to thrive.

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 feel the village has done a good job managing the budget and allocating funds for projects that will benefit our community such as the park that will be constructed along the Fox River. This will be a great space for the community to gather. The village’s commitment to this property will help to make our community even better.

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?

The village has done some great projects such as the dam removal, removing lead pipes, and the Longmeadow Bridge.

Being that I am not currently on the village board, I have not had an opportunity to review projects that are in the works. I believe that infrastructure projects are important such as road improvements and resurfacing. The public works department does a great job in caring for our streets.

If it is determined that the uncertain economic times have an impact, we would need to review each project to determine which is the most vital.

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 have worked for AT&T for over 25 years in human resources. During this time, I've learned to be impartial when reviewing cases to determine the best course of action. Collaboration is the key to resolving issues and determining policies.

In order to collaborate effectively, one must practice active listening to gain other perspectives. It's important to find common ground in order to reach a consensus.

One must take into account other's perspectives and opinions. Compromises are sometimes necessary to move forward to solutions that can be mutually agreed upon.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I have had a long-standing commitment to making a positive impact and have consistently demonstrated dedication to the betterment of our community.

I have lived in Carpentersville for over 25 years. I was appointed to the village of Carpentersville Special Events Commission in late 2020. Since then, I have been involved in bringing events to the community such as Fall Fest, holiday lights judging, Winterville, and the Independence Day Parade.

As a passionate advocate for community service, I have been actively involved in volunteer work and have always put people first. Whether it’s organizing events, supporting local businesses, or working to improve our community.

In 2024, I was honored by the village of Carpentersville as the Community Service Volunteer of the Year.

If elected as village trustee, I will continue to prioritize the values that matter most to us: fostering strong community bonds, supporting local programs, and ensuring that every resident’s voice is heard. I believe in building a future where everyone in our village feels connected, valued, and empowered.

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

I would like to have a town-hall meeting with residents to hear their ideas as to what they would like to see in the village. What are we doing right? What can we do better? What would they like to see in the future. Input from the community can help inspire projects that can benefit the village.