Thomas A. Merlin: 2025 candidate for Des Plaines City Council Ward 5

Bio

Office sought: Des Plaines City Council Ward 5

City: Des Plaines

Age: 65

Occupation: Business owner

Previous offices held: None

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 serious issues Des Plaines will face in the coming years is balancing economic development with sustainable residential growth. While attracting new businesses is essential for creating a vibrant community, ensuring that there is sufficient housing, infrastructure, and public amenities to support both residents and businesses is just as crucial.

To address this, the city council should encourage mixed-use development that combines residential and commercial spaces, creating walkable neighborhoods that attract both businesses and residents. Expanding housing options, including affordable housing, will help maintain a diverse population that meets workforce demands. Additionally, enhancing community events, will boost local businesses and strengthen community engagement. Investing in infrastructure improvements, including transportation and public spaces, will further enhance the city’s appeal.

By taking a balanced approach that supports both economic and residential growth, Des Plaines can continue to develop into a thriving, dynamic community where people want to live, work, and visit.

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?

After years of volunteering and at the request of both the current alderperson and the mayor of Des Plaines, I decided to give back in a more direct way to the residents of the 5th Ward.

Serving as alderman is an opportunity to build upon my years of community involvement and make a greater impact by addressing local concerns, advocating for residents, and helping shape the future of our city.

Des Plaines has given so much to me and my family, and I believe in the importance of continuing to give back. Whether through volunteer work, community events, or now public service, my goal is to ensure that Des Plaines remains a great place to live, work, and grow.

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?

Des Plaines has made significant progress in reducing city debt, cutting it by over 82% since 2005. This financial responsibility has strengthened the city’s stability, and continuing on this trajectory should remain a priority.

In the coming years, spending should focus on strategic investments that enhance economic growth and quality of life, such as infrastructure improvements, business development initiatives, and community programs.

Investing in roads, public spaces, and modernized facilities will help attract businesses and residents while maintaining the city’s appeal. Additionally, supporting community events and local businesses can further drive economic activity. While maintaining fiscal discipline, the city should carefully evaluate expenditures to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently.

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 experience serving on advisory boards for Alden and Lattof YMCA, as well as my role as the board president for the Center of Concern, has given me valuable insight into working collaboratively to determine policy and drive meaningful decisions. In a group setting, my approach is to listen to all input, carefully analyze the facts, and work toward a consensus that produces the best outcome for the community. I believe that open communication, respect for diverse perspectives, and a data-driven approach are essential to effective governance.

As a member of the city council, this collaborative style will allow me to engage with fellow council members, city staff, and residents to make well-informed decisions. By prioritizing transparency and thoughtful discussion, I will work to build consensus while ensuring that policies align with the needs and long-term vision of Des Plaines.

This approach will help create balanced, effective actions that support responsible growth, fiscal stability, and an improved quality of life for all residents.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I believe my experience and deep-rooted connection to Des Plaines make me the best candidate for 5th Ward Alderman. When my wife Lisa and I were looking for a place to settle down after getting married in 1985, we carefully researched various areas. While she grew up in Park Ridge and I lived and worked in Chicago, we ultimately chose Des Plaines — and we’ve never looked back.

This city has been our home for nearly four decades, and throughout that time, I have remained dedicated to giving back and staying active in the community.

From coaching youth sports and serving as an emcee for the 4th of July Parade to teaching religious education, I have always sought opportunities to contribute to the city that has given so much to my family. My leadership roles, including serving on advisory boards for Alden and Lattof YMCA and as board president for the Center of Concern, have given me valuable experience in working collaboratively to improve our community.

I believe my spirit of giving, my long-standing commitment to Des Plaines, and my dedication to helping others make me the right candidate to represent the 5th Ward. To me, this role is about serving friends and neighbors.

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

One idea to better the community that hasn’t been widely discussed is creating events that encourage people to come to Des Plaines rather than just pass through it. A great way to do this would be to establish a monthly classic car show in Metropolitan Square, where vintage and unique cars could be displayed along the roads.

This event could be designed to tie in with local businesses, offering special promotions, outdoor dining, and live entertainment to create a lively and engaging atmosphere.

By transforming Metropolitan Square into a destination event space, Des Plaines could attract visitors from surrounding areas, boost foot traffic for local businesses, and strengthen the sense of community among residents. This type of recurring event would not only showcase what the city has to offer but also help establish Des Plaines as a go-to destination rather than just a place to drive through.