Patricia “Patsy” Smith: 2025 candidate for Des Plaines 7th Ward Alderman

Bio

Office Sought: Des Plaines 7th Ward Alderman

City: Des Plaines

Age: 69

Occupation: Retired

Previous offices held: Des Plaines 7th Ward Alderman 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?

One of the most pressing challenges we face is the need to replace aging lead pipes throughout Des Plaines. Ensuring safe drinking water is not only a public health priority but also a legal obligation under evolving regulations.

To tackle this challenge, the city council should consider the following actions:

• Pursuing state and federal grants by actively seeking funding through state and federal infrastructure grants, we can reduce the financial burden on our local budget. leveraging available resources will be essential to offset the costs associated with this large scale project.

• Continue to fund home service line replacement. We need to ensure residents can afford to remain in our community and we must continue funding the home service line replacement. Our residents can't afford to pay. This is an example of the type of service our government should provide.

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?

Des Plaines has a commendable track record of balanced budgets and has been successful in avoiding raising property taxes. To continue this fiscal responsibility, our spending priorities should include:

• Infrastructure upgrades: Replacing lead pipes is essential and continuing to make sure our roads, sidewalks and other infrastructure needs are met.

• Public safety investments: Fully funding our police and fire departments is vital to ensuring Des Plaines remains a vibrant community.

• Economic development: Allocating funds toward projects with high returns on investment will broaden our tax base and provide long-term financial stability.

At this point, Des Plaines has a well-established record of a balanced budget. We should continue that. I will evaluate projects and budget requests on a project-by-project basis.

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?

Besides the lead pipe replacement, constructing a bridge over or under the railroad tracks between Wolf and Mount Prospect roads is a critical infrastructure project.

There is nothing worse than seeing an ambulance stopped waiting for a train. This bridge or underpass would enhance community connectivity and significantly reduce emergency response times, potentially saving lives.

To fund this projects, we should continue exploring and receiving federal and state grants. The city has already made great progress on this.

Certain projects, like roof replacements of city buildings, which are projected to cost approximately $25M, can be reevaluated for true need if revenue comes up short of projections. While I fully support downtown redevelopment, the $5M allocated in this year's budget to it can also be spread out over future years if need be.

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.

Throughout my tenure on the city council, I have actively engaged in collaborative policy making. My approach includes listening. I value diverse perspectives and try to make sure all voices are heard, which fosters a more comprehensive understanding of issues. Whenever possible I believe in consensus building, encouraging open dialogue and finding common ground helps in reaching agreements that reflect the best interests of our community.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

My four years of experience on the city council, have equipped me with an in-depth understanding of our city’s operations, challenges, and opportunities. My commitment to fiscal responsibility, public safety, and strategic economic development has been demonstrated through:

• Balanced budgets: Consistently advocating for budgets that maintain financial health without increasing property taxes;

• Infrastructure advocacy: Prioritizing essential projects like lead pipe replacement and the proposed railroad bridge to enhance public safety and quality of life.

• Economic growth initiatives: Supporting developments that expand our tax base and enrich our community offerings.

This blend of experience, dedication, and a proven track record positions me as the most qualified candidate to continue serving the interests of Des Plaines. My experience as a small-business owner, before becoming an alderman has helped me understand city budgets and the intricacies small business owners face. They are the backbone of our community.

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

I think we should engage a commercial real estate broker to help us proactively develop vacant parcels. A professional broker can attract businesses, bringing in new property tax and sales tax revenues and enhancing the community.

This makes us a sustainable city that does not reach into the pockets of the taxpayer. Des Plaines has become known for providing excellent services to its community.