Terri Gens: 2025 candidate for Mount Prospect village board

Bio

Office Sought: Mount Prospect village board (Vote for 3)

City: Mount Prospect

Age: 64

Occupation: Senior director of development

Previous offices held: Mount Prospect Village Trustee since 2021; former Mount Prospect Library Board trustee

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

Inflation and rising costs of food, gas, health care, etc. and federal volatility/Keep taxes low, and create new revenue streams; support new businesses; review ways to collaborate with other organizations in order to cut costs. Also, mitigating more extreme weather events will be a challenge to our resources.

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 village of Mount Prospect budget is in excellent shape. Financially we are stable and working toward an improved Triple A bond rating, which will help the village. We have started an emergency fund which reflects strategic long range planning and saving.

Increasing pension expenses are a threat. The priorities are set every year at the strategic planning session, which also informs the budget to a large degree. Infrastructure and excellent services are a priority. First responder support is a priority.

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?

Replacing lead water infrastructure; certain intersection redesigns like the Kensington, 83, and Rand Road noodle knot; flood control pump apparatus, etc. Projects to cut — one example is a public statue recognizing a community figure, who already was recognized in public ways, which would have cost taxpayers more than $100,000. We don't need pet pork projects.

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 like a team approach which is honest and transparent. Focus on the problem, look at all the options, keep an open mind, discuss pros and cons from everyone’s perspectives, and arrive at a solution. This is why diversity in leadership and staff is important. Plan the work, and work the plan. It is a more cumbersome strategy, but I believe it is more successful in the long run.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I love the community of Mt. Prospect and have lived her for 23 years! I want to give back by serving our residents and help make MP a village where everyone can thrive. Professionally, I have 30 years of experience in developing fundraising collaborations in the millions of dollars to help children in foster care, senior care, and people struggling with mental health and substance use.

My business and marketing skills are valuable as a board member to ensure we follow the village’s strategic plan in providing excellent service for our residents. I have raised my kids in Mt. Prospect, and volunteered at church, as a Girl Scout Leader, marching band mom, and more. I like listening to what residents say about issues that are facing them, and then figuring out solutions.

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

I have a few good ideas! 1.) MP could put itself on the map by developing murals around a theme in the downtown area. We could have more arts at festivals and even at Lions Farmers Market, like chalk art contests, performers, etc. 2.) Have some type of performance space designed in the Chase development block. 3.) MP has a lot of strong natural resources capabilities to build upon (We are a Tree City) — we need a Sustainability full-time staff member to tie it all together and lead our village in new ways of saving our natural world along with saving money for our residents!