Rob Roe: 2025 candidate for Downers Grove village council

Bio

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

City: Downers Grove

Age: 44

Occupation: Attorney

Previous offices held: El Hogar Del Nino board of directors

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

Budget constraints with the current economic uncertainty and improving Senior Social Services and senior housing in 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?

Downers Grove has always maintained a lean budget and operates incredibly efficiently. I think our focus needs to be on adding and not subtracting. Adding revenue to our village through enticing businesses to the village and increasing the village income without raising real estate taxes.

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 Active Mobility Plan and Guiding DG are both integral plans that I hope to see through over the next four years. Active Mobile is the village plan of integrating bike paths and safer sidewalks. One major objective I have is to promote business development consistent with the neighboring properties while ensuring our residential streets and sidewalks remain safe. It is vital that we grow in a sustainable and safe manner.

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.

As an attorney practicing in Downers Grove and specifically in the field of real estate transactions and estate planning, I believe I have a deep connection with the village and issues our residents face on a daily basis. Prior to opening my practice, I worked for the IRS Chief Council for 6 years of working on large trial teams.

I was also on the board of El Hogar Del Nino, an early childhood care and education program in the Pilsen neighborhood in Chicago. All of my success in these endeavors are a result of collaboration and willingness to work in group settings.

I believe the only way for the village council to continue to operate efficiently in the best interest of the residents is through collaboration, willingness to listen and learn, and keep politics out of local government. This is what will guide me if elected as commissioner.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

My 22 years of experience in the legal field as an attorney and as a paralegal. My experience living in this community since 2008 and working with residents on a daily basis in my practice. My ability to listen and think critically on each issue. My willingness to learn and work collaboratively with council and the village staff to move forward and improve a village that I love.

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

Here are two. Improve visibility and the village online presence to better inform residents of village processes and availability of services. Promote improved services to our resident senior citizens and collaborate with the county and state in an effort improve low-income senior housing in Downers Grove. Our seniors need more options as the cost of living rises.