Mohammad Siddiqi: 2025 candidate for Glendale Heights Village Board District 2

Bio

Office sought: Glendale Heights Village Board District 2

City: Glendale Heights

Age: 53

Occupation: IT engineer

Previous offices held: Village of Glendale Heights Trustee, District 2 since 2021

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

One of the key challenges our community faces is the rigorous nature of home inspections and rental inspections, which can sometimes create unnecessary hurdles for contractors and residents seeking to maintain or improve their properties. While maintaining high standards for safety and quality is essential, overly strict regulations can slow down renovations, increase costs for homeowners, and discourage investment in our housing market.

To address this, we have already implemented some reforms to streamline the inspection process, making it more efficient while still ensuring compliance with safety and zoning regulations. However, more work needs to be done to strike the right balance between protecting residents and allowing for responsible property improvements.

As a trustee, I will continue to advocate for practical reforms that make inspections more transparent, predictable, and accessible for both homeowners and contractors. By working with residents, contractors, and local officials, we can create a more efficient system that supports housing development while maintaining the integrity of our community.

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?

Our community is in good fiscal condition, which allows us to continue investing in essential services and infrastructure improvements without imposing unnecessary financial burdens on residents.

Moving forward, our spending priorities should focus on upgrading water pipelines, maintaining roads, improving public safety, and enhancing community programs. While we must remain fiscally responsible, we will also look for opportunities to secure state and federal funding, as well as public-private partnerships to maximize resources.

We will continue reviewing expenditures to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently while maintaining high-quality services.

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 most important infrastructure project for our community is the replacement and maintenance of aging water pipelines. Water line breaks not only cause inconvenience to residents but can also lead to costly emergency repairs and potential health concerns. By investing in a long-term infrastructure improvement plan, we can prevent these disruptions and ensure that our water system remains safe, efficient, and sustainable.

Funding for this project can come from a combination of budget allocations, state and federal infrastructure grants, and low-interest municipal bonds. By taking a proactive approach, we can prevent more costly emergency repairs and ensure that residents have reliable access to clean water.

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.

As a trustee for District 2, I have worked collaboratively with other board members and community stakeholders to develop and support key policies, particularly in infrastructure improvements and public services. My approach emphasizes open communication, data-driven decision-making, and active listening to ensure that all perspectives are considered.

By engaging with residents, reviewing expert recommendations, and collaborating with fellow trustees, I strive to create policies that are effective, practical, and beneficial to the entire community. I believe in finding common ground and working toward consensus while always keeping the best interests of our residents at the forefront.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I am deeply committed to serving the residents of Glendale Heights and ensuring that our community remains a great place to live and work. My experience in policy development, infrastructure planning, and fiscal management allows me to make informed decisions that benefit the entire community.

I believe in transparency, accessibility, and community engagement, and I am always open to hearing residents’ concerns and ideas. By prioritizing essential infrastructure projects, maintaining strong fiscal responsibility, and fostering community initiatives, I will continue working to enhance the quality of life for all residents.

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

My idea of a seasonal market. This initiative that could greatly benefit our community is the creation of a local Farmers Market and Community Garden Committee. This initiative would allow residents to grow their own produce in a shared community garden, fostering a sense of community while promoting sustainability and healthy living.

By designating plots of land for community gardening, residents could grow fresh fruits and vegetables, share resources, and build stronger neighborhood connections. This initiative could also be expanded into a seasonal farmers market, allowing local growers and small businesses to sell their goods and strengthen the local economy.

To fund this project, we could explore grants, partnerships with local businesses, and community fundraising efforts. This initiative would provide both economic and environmental benefits while creating a more engaged and vibrant community.