Jessica M. Mastalski: 2025 candidate for Des Plaines City Council Ward 1

Bio

Office Sought: Des Plaines City Council Ward 1

City: Des Plaines

Age: No answer given

Occupation: No answer given

Previous offices held: Des Plaines City Clerk since 2021

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

An issue the city will face in the coming years is the development of community gathering areas with a focus on restaurants, retail, and green space. Des Plaines has a thriving residential community that wants a place where they can spend free time in their community.

Unfortunately, the progress of downtown has not achieved the expected success. The city is currently working on the Downtown Economic Development Strategic Plan, but the speed we are seeing progress is less than desirable and there needs to be more of an overall vision with creative aesthetics to bring together the building gems of the past with the progress of the new development.

Des Plaines should not be a cookie cutter city; the pieces need to complete a vision rather than looking like a hodgepodge of empty buildings thrown together. We are a special city with a uniqueness that will be a perfect place for businesses to thrive; but we need to seek out businesses rather than waiting for businesses to come to the city.

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?

There is financial concern I have addressed with city staff, the mayor, and each of the aldermen, but there has been a lack of rectification to the concerns. For years, the city paid the employees of Northwest Municipal Federal Credit Union as city employees even though the two are separate entities.

The employees of NMFCU received pay stubs from the city and W2s from the city with the city listed as the employer using the city’s EIN.

It opens the door to question who was the employer of these employees since documentation lists the city rather than the credit union as the employer.

The release of such funds was not approved by city council, the city and credit union do not have any contracts, the city is not a sponsoring entity, it is not considered standard operating procedure, and according to IRS and state regulations the city was not a payroll service provider for the credit union. NMFCU occupies space in city hall without a lease and does not pay rent, creating further liability.

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?

One of the most important infrastructure projects which needs to be addressed is connecting pedestrian and bicycle traffic through the S-curve. The city is focused on development of the downtown area, but to go along with this, the city must focus on the ability for residents to get to these areas.

The city was able to use grant funds to improve the Des Plaines River Trail. The city can investigate whether grant funds can be used to build a S-curve infrastructure.

The infrastructure connecting Des Plaines around the S-curve will also align with the city currently updating the Active Transportation Plan and with the current strategic plan.

The development of the city has been following the city’s 2022-26 Strategic Plan goals from a strategic planning meeting which I was present. Des Plaines wants to enhance safety and connectivity in which this project should then be a priority for the 1st Ward and the downtown area.

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 city council.

My style in reaching an agreement and managing local government is to be transparent and bring more of the discussion to the public. Less conversations should be held behind the scenes, and more needs to happen on the chamber floor.

The point of the meetings is so ideas can be clearly expressed in a think tank manner so well-thought-out decisions can be made.

Currently, too many decisions are made by the staff directing the council on how things should be. The staff are an imperative part of the city and in the investigative process for resolutions and ordinances, but ultimately the aldermen need to be the ones who review and decide what is best for their ward and the city.

The voters chose their representative at the ballot box, and it is our job as elected officials to take that responsibility seriously to make sure we are making decisions that are the best for the community who elected us. I currently strive for the best as City Clerk and I will do the same as 1st Ward alderman.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

As City Clerk, I have been working with the city council and the municipal staff for almost four years. I know the inner workings of the city, and have positive connections with residents, local organizations, city staff, and elected officials. I currently run a municipal office, been present at just about all the council meetings, reviewed all the agenda packets, and wrote all of meeting minutes.

I know the advancement the city has made, and the progress still needed. I also have much experience through community organizations. I am district director for Municipal Clerks of Illinois, vice president of the Polish American Congress-Illinois Division, a committee member for a student scholarship program, a committee member for a Chicago cultural engagement council, and a participant of various other organizations.

I am committed to giving back and will bring that commitment to the 1st Ward. I am ready to be the voice for the 1st Ward — something that has been missing for years.

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

One issue is there should be more focus on social services. There is a significant homeless community in the downtown area, and as a municipality we should be a strong outreach link.

Additionally, to progress with actions that benefit the community, there must be an active alderman in the 1st Ward. Residents have expressed frustrations about ignored phone calls, no returned emails, and no ward meetings; with some not even knowing the current alderman’s name. I am willing to take on ideas for the community and bring them into fruition.

My goal is to better the community by being present for the ward. I want the residents to know their alderman through open communication and have the confidence that their alderman will continuously work for the betterment of the ward.