Bill Grossi: 2023 candidate for Mount Prospect Village Board trustee

Bio

Town: Village of Mount Prospect

Age on Election Day: 69

Occupation: Attorney

Employer: Self employed

Previous offices held: Village of Mount Prospect trustee

Q&A

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

A: The most serious issue facing our community is the increase in crime. Our police department will need more tools to combat the wave of thefts, shootings and attempted car jackings. The gang crime unit must be expanded and more undercover officers will need to be on patrol. We will need to hire more officers and increase officer training to help with the issue. We also need help from our residents. If residents see something they must report it as soon as possible. The village must have more beat meetings and also provide alerts from the department directly to our residents by utilizing the emergency alert system via texts and calls. Those alerts should ask residents with cameras to keep any footage that may help fight crime.

Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?

A: The state of the community's finances is very good. I am currently a member of the Mount Prospect Finance Commission and can say that the village watches all our spending and revenue very closely. Our sales tax revenue has been increasing over the past few years and has exceeded expectations. Other revenue sources have been stable or have increased. We were able to provide a holiday from the vehicle sticker for the coming year because of strong sales tax revenue. The village came out of the COVID years in great shape. However, the next few years may be adversely affected by inflation and a downturn in the economy so we must watch the situation closely.

Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?

A: The top three priorities for spending during the next four years are funding for increased policing, firefighting and public works projects. I have spoken about the policing issue above. Our fire department will need increased funding due to the increased service area the village must serve due to annexations and the collapse of the Elk Grove Rural Fire District. Public Works has experienced increasing costs of fuel and materials needed to keep our village functioning due to inflation. More sidewalks and lighting are also needed.

Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?

A: The areas of spending that need to be curtailed include further investment on the village well system after the second interconnection to the Lake Michigan is completed. Two sources of water should be enough. Continuing the upkeep of the well system is not required. Shutting down even one or two of the wells will save significant dollars. A second area to curtail is spending on the proposed bridge over the railroad and Northwest Highway. No other stakeholders are onboard and that makes the cost prohibitive for the village.

Q: 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?

A: The most important infrastructure project involves the area covered by the South Side TIF district. The area needs street, water and lighting improvements. The income generated by increased property taxes and utility taxes paid by CloudHQ to the TIF will fund those improvements. As I previously mentioned, the bridge over the railroad and Northwest Highway can and should be put on the back burner.

Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.

A: I have been a part of various boards and commissions over the years. My style involves reading up on issues BEFORE board meetings and asking questions on those issues in advance of making decisions. I evaluate the pros and cons and try to determine what is best for the community. I gladly provide my input for other members during meetings. Once I make a decision I am a vocal in advocating it to other board members. I respect every other board member's opinion and can change my mind if facts are presented that convince me that another alternative provides a better solution to the issue. I educate myself, listen, debate respectfully, and then reach a decision. Respect for others and looking for consensus to determine what is best for the community guide my style on every board.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: I believe my background, experience and knowledge of the village will help the board make informed, knowledgeable, and meaningful decisions that will ensure future growth and at the same time respect the values of our residents. I am a forward-thinking leader with excellent insight and possess a legal and financial background. I will help our village continue its policies that have provided financial strength, sense of community, safety and overall quality of service to our residents. I listen to everyone and seek what is best for the community at large. I do not change my views depending on who is yelling the loudest. I listen to experts, research, and am willing to change my mind if given more accurate information. Lastly, my financial background and experience will be crucial these next years.

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

A: I believe that the multiple different government entities that provide services to our village should meet and develop a plan to maximize services to all residents without duplicating those services. This will thereby reduce costs. There are currently several services that are provided by the state, county, townships, and the village that overlap each other. There has to be a better way to provide those services. Governmental units are always seeking to become bigger. In this case bigger is not better.