Brian Dianis: 2023 candidate for Algonquin Village Board

Bio

Town: Algonquin

Age on Election Day: 58

Occupation: Program Manager

Employer: National General Insurance

Previous offices held: Village of Algonquin Trustee (elected 2005-2017 and appointed 2011-2023)

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:It is critical that we keep up with infrastructure maintenance and improvements, specifically our streets and our water and sewer systems. We must allocate a sufficient amount of funding towards continuous updates and upgrades in addition to seeking grant opportunities and exploring public/private partnerships to share costs. Our village had significant growth 25 or so years ago, and the infrastructure added to support the growth during that period is in need of repair or replacement. This represents a substantial financial impact that must be managed effectively to spread out costs and to identify and address the most critical impacts before they become an emergency.

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

A: Algonquin's finances are strong with a AAA bond rating and 6 months of cash reserves to insulate against periods of slower revenue growth or increased expenses. We continue to have one of the lowest property tax rates in the region while providing extraordinary services to the residents of Algonquin.

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

A:Public safety, capital expenditures for streets and water/sewer infrastructure, and park improvements.

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

A: To maintain a level or reduced tax levy, we need to offset increased investment in our infrastructure with

reductions in other areas. Items such as new equipment purchases should be delayed as much as possible.

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: I view street improvements as the most important infrastructure project to be addressed. With nearly 150 miles of streets in the Village and an average condition of "poor" as defined in our pavement management program, we are in jeopardy of having a significant number of roadway failures in the near future if we do not manage the repair or replacement effectively. This would be paid for with revenues from the street improvement fund, motor fuel tax fund, TIF reimbursements, funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, and potential funds from the Council of Mayors. With the current economic uncertainty it would be prudent to begin engineering and design but not proceed with construction on some of the village projects. This will also give us a pool of shovel-ready projects that could provide an advantage in getting grants or matching funds from the federal government or the Council of Mayors.

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 am a collaborative leader and feel it is important for individuals to keep an open mind when discussing issues. I feel that people should have a chance to be heard and that there is merit in different and opposing perspectives. Additionally, staff provides a great deal of information related to the topics that come before the board, and there is great value in respecting the opinions and recommendations of these dedicated professionals. Fostering professional and respectful relationships creates an environment that leads to alignment even when there are disagreements.

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

A: I have been fortunate to have served as a Trustee on the Village Board for almost 14 years (from 2005 to 2017 and from 2021 to present). During this time, I have been involved in some significant long-term planning such as the downtown revitalization plan, the village comprehensive plan and the town park master plan. I have developed a good working relationship with the other members of the board and with Village staff, and I feel that we work extremely well together to ensure fiscal responsibility and resident satisfaction. Additionally, my professional career has provided me with extensive experience in collaboration and communication as well as project and program management which allows me to be effective in working with cross-functional teams to reach positive outcomes. I have the passion and experience to keep Algonquin a role model and leader within the Fox Valley.

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

A: I would like to see an event or festival called "Music Feeds the Community" that would showcase musical talent from residents within the village in order to raise donations and awareness regarding food insecurity in our area. This program could partner with the Interfaith Food Pantry and it could be as small as a coffee house style show or something larger like a solo and ensemble competition similar to what they have in high school.