Nicholas R. Panicola, Jr: 2026 candidate for DuPage County Board District 1(2-year term)

Bio

Office sought: DuPage County Board District 1, 2 year term

City: Bensenville

Age: 33

Occupation: SBA Loan Portfolio Manager

Previous offices held: Bensenville trustee

Q&A

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I am running to protect and enhance the quality of life we all enjoy and expect in DuPage County. I am running to make DuPage County affordable so young people who want to move into the county can afford it and our seniors can stay in their homes, and most of all, if you are living in DuPage County it should be a place you can be proud of. I want to bring the knowledge and experience I have gained from being a Trustee in the Village of Bensenville for the past nine years to the County Board. I have seen a community come together and rebound from a difficult past to a community that is thriving financially and a place people are looking to move to. Wanting to see young people able to afford to buy a home and senior citizens not being priced out of their homes is a main issue on why I am running.

If you are an incumbent, describe a few important initiatives you’ve led. If you’re not an incumbent, describe a few ways you would contribute to the board.

I believe I can contribute to the board in many ways. One is my openness to talk and work with anyone, no matter your background or political beliefs. We are all elected to serve the people we represent and it’s our job to put the residents of DuPage County first. With my background as a Village Trustee, I have forged many relationships and friendships with other elected officials within DuPage County. Working with Townships and the local cities and villages will be very important to accomplish common goals that will benefit everyone in the county. Finally, with my background working with small businesses and the Small Business Association, I understand the needs of what small businesses are looking for. The county should be a resource to help small businesses start and succeed within the county.

Is there a specific service or amenity that is lacking in the county? If so, how do you propose to provide and fund it?

I would like to see more services offered to the residents of DuPage County such as grass cutting and snow removal programs for seniors and disabled residents. I would like to see a handyman service sponsored by the county. I would also like to see a youth job or internship program to help young residents prepare for their future careers. The county does provide several programs such as Access DuPage and 211 of DuPage. With the Affordable Care Act Subsidies under threat, these programs will be vital to provide healthcare to DuPage Residents. Partnering with private companies like Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital, Good Samaritan, and Glen Oaks, along with our County Health Department, we will need to expand healthcare access to those most vulnerable. These programs should be promoted more to let residents know what resources are available to them.

With the county's budget being squeezed by federal funding cuts and other factors, what initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?

The county needs to find ways to reduce the tax burden on the taxpayers of the DuPage County. District 1 is unique in its proximity to O’Hare airport and its location to the current construction of the 390 and 490 Expressways. These will offer a unique opportunity for the county to take advantage of. New businesses offering high paying jobs will be looking to locate themselves near the airport, which should bring in new tax revenue to the county. This new source of revenue will help to allow the county to continue offering services while not raising taxes while maintaining and enhancing service options to our homeowners and businesses.

What is the single most important issue facing your district, and how should the county address it?

District 1 is unique in its location to O’Hare, rail yards and the future 390 and 490 Expressways. Transportation for this district will be drastically different in the next couple of years. All communities within the district, from Bensenville to the east, to Bloomingdale to the west will see an increase in traffic, people and development along the west side of the airport. These will be opportunities but also challenges on how to best manage these new developments. The County should take initiative on working with the local communities to see what needs to be done to prepare for these changes including looking at traffic patterns, roadway improvements, building underpasses or overpasses, and how the environment will be affected, including stormwater issues impacted by the new construction. The county should be proactive instead of reacting to this future development.

Why are you the best person to serve in this role?

I believe I am the most experienced candidate in this race. Between my professional background and my experience being a Village Trustee for the past nine years, it gives me the best understanding and knowledge of what the county is looking for. I understand the importance of working with everyone no matter your political background. Having communication between individuals with different beliefs is important to accomplish our job as elected officials which is to improve the lives of the people we represent. I want to work with other local governments including Townships and Villages to ensure we are all working together to improve the lives of the residents and businesses we represent.