Matthew J. Novak: 2025 candidate for Downers Grove village council

Bio

Office Sought: Downers Grove village council (Vote for 3)

City: Downers Grove

Age: 42

Occupation: Security consultant

Previous offices held: Chairman, Downers Grove Traffic and Parking Commission

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

I believe that our pension obligations for our public service personnel is critical to maintain and the village board needs to ensure that we have adequate funding to maintain service levels.

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?

The community's finances are excellent at this time, and we should continue to support our village services, i.e. police/fire, public works, as well as access to social services for our residents who are at need. Parks and recreation is also important in order to give our community a better sense of recreational activities and belonging. As for curtailing, that would be something that I would need to address with my fellow commissioners after a thorough budget review.

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?

We need to ensure that stormwater protection is emphasized as it can be a major issue within the community. Ensuring that our residents properties and our natural areas are protected is extremely important. Payments for these projects should be out of the existing stormwater fund.

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 council.

My experience working in a group setting is drawn from my time on the Downers Grove Traffic and Parking Commission. I've been blessed to work alongside some of the most professional residents, village staff, consultants, to work through many issues that have come to our board. My style is look at all of the facts, and data, and make decisions based upon those results, not emotions. I feel that my approach will be beneficial to all because I can work with those with different viewpoints and come to a conclusion that benefits all of Downers Grove.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I feel that my experience as a police officer has given me valuable tools that are necessary for a sitting commissioner. Being able to respond in an appropriate, calm manner to items that are a “hot topic,” agree to disagree, and move forward is extremely important.

My experience in the private sector has allowed me to see things more in the “grey” area, which I feel is very relevant when dealing with different opinions.

Finally, my experience as chair of the Downers Grove Traffic and Parking Commission has given me the opportunity to see how the village works together in an effort to bring about sustainable solutions to problems.

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

Everyone takes a day to simply rest and reset! We can call it, Take it easy DG!