Renée Suwanski: 2023 candidate for Bartlett Village Board, 4-year term

Bio

Town: Bartlett

Age on Election Day: 62

Occupation: Insurance - agency principal

Employer: Northwestern Insurance Agency & Associates, Inc.

Previous offices held: Bartlett Village Board trustee since 2020

Q&A

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

A: The Canadian Pacific Kansas City railway merger. If the merger goes through, the estimated increase in train traffic would seriously impact the cohesion of our village. There will be increased safety concerns relative to emergency response times and transportation of hazardous materials. It will also interfere with commuter access and our downtown development plans.

Our village, along with other communities and counties, has joined the Coalition to Stop CPKC. If the merger can't be stopped then we will look to the railroad companies for funds to assist in addressing our concerns. The funds can be used for early warning software which will allow first responders to plan alternative response routes. They can also be used for sound and vibration mitigation for residents and businesses along the rail lines.

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

A: The village's financial condition is strong. Moody's has reaffirmed our Aa1 bond rating. Our industrial vacancy rate is at a low 1%. Our commercial vacancy rate is at 6% and our daytime population is over 10,000. All of which are attractive indicators for development.

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

A: 1.) Our wastewater sewer treatment plant improvements.

2.) Our water main replacement. This includes replacing any lead water service connections at a minimal cost to residents.

3.) Public safety with an emphasis on traffic safety and mental health response.

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

A: We are always looking for ways to improve efficiencies by eliminating overlaps in services that are provided within the village or by other taxing districts. We also look for grants to pay for projects. We have used grants to fund traffic enforcement, energy efficiency programs, Metra station sidewalks and our wastewater sewer treatment plant project.

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: Our most important infrastructure project is improving our wastewater sewer treatment plant. Funding for the project has been secured with a low interest IEPA loan. The improvements will increase capacity and efficiency. They will also enable us to be compliant with EPA regulatory changes.

We have a five-year Capital Improvement Plan that we review every year. We make adjustments and postpone projects as needed. Examples of postponed projects are improvements to parking lots, water tower removal and administrative office upgrades.

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.

A: I have participated on regional and territorial advisory boards in the insurance industry and I am currently a trustee for the village of Bartlett. Considering the health of the village as a whole, I like to listen to all sides of issues that are proposed. I also find it helpful to communicate with village staff about any questions that I have.

Working together with all interested parties the current board has been able to move forward with many needed projects.

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

A: I have lived in Bartlett for over three decades. During that time, especially in recent years, there has been a lot of positive growth in the village. However, I am aware of the balance needed between our residents and our businesses.

So, I am open to exploring ways to think outside the box to move projects forward while maintaining that balance. And, as one of the two women currently on the board, I bring a different perspective when it comes to consideration of ideas. I know that I am the best candidate to be a good steward for the village of Bartlett.

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

A: One of our objectives has been to preserve a small town feel while promoting economic growth. We are currently exploring projects that are designed to promote community connection between residents and businesses on the east and west sides of Route 59.