Dena Forsythe: 2023 candidate for Roselle Village Board

Bio

Town: Roselle

Age on Election Day: 34

Occupation: Banker

Employer: Wintrust

Previous offices held: Roselle Library Trustee, Mental Health Board Member for Bloomingdale Township

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 most serious issue our community will face in the coming years will be replacing and repairing our infrastructure. The village has identified $80 million in projects required over the next decade due to state mandates and other pressures and concerns.

The board will need to work together to redirect existing funds and find new revenue opportunities to address this generational challenge. Balance will be key to maintain a strong budgetary position while prioritizing clean water initiatives.

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

A: Roselle has a long-standing tradition of being fiscally responsible for the last 8 years. The village currently has a balanced budget with reserves that can cover 50% of its expenditures.

However, as discussed above, the village will need to explore new avenues to grow revenues responsibly in the coming years without overburdening our residents. Roselle, as a bedroom community, needs to be mindful to not overextend fees and taxes on its residents.

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

A: The Illinois EPA has issued more stringent requirements regarding the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater. This is the most important expenditure to tackle to keep property values high and support continued community development.

The second most important would be the continued redevelopment of main street and the surrounding area to turn it into a destination for not only our residents but surrounding communities. Funding the municipal campus master plan which adds more public spaces, will encourage economic development in the area.

Last but not least it is always important to invest in public safety. Roselle has always been at the cutting edge regarding public safety initiatives. The village was one of the first to integrate body cameras, license plate readers and drones.

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

A: The village has had a budget surplus for over 8 years and has done a great job of living within its means. Routinely, the village holds projects and evaluates them at midyear to ensure money is spent appropriately given the state of the economy. I would want to continue that tradition to avoid being forced into slashing spending on necessary projects.

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 Illinois EPA has issued more stringent requirements regarding the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater which comes at a price tag of tens of millions of dollars.

The village published a revenue shortfall estimated at $4.5 million per year in water and sewer revenue needed to cover loan payments. I do not believe it is sustainable to continue increasing water rates to cover these expenses and new sources of revenue must be identified with community input.

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 currently serving as a trustee for the Roselle library district. A review of our policies is an annual occurrence and I believe my strength lies in compromising. I do a great job at hearing all sides to an issue and creating a middle ground if there is a difference in opinions while also sticking up for what I believe is right.

I also serve on the Mental Health board for Bloomingdale Township. We recently had to allocate our funds to issue grants to applicants. Not only were we all able to collectively issue grant funding to every applicant but we did it with ease.

I believe being listening to everyone's view and finding a compromise is detrimental to the board getting things done. Nothing can be decided without compromise and I believe my fresh voice can bring about new ideas.

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

A: I can bring a fresh voice to the village board while still being respectful of our town's rich history. I am a lifelong resident of the area and now my husband and I are raising our three children here.

My love for this town can be seen in my community involvement. I have served as a Roselle Library Trustee and as a member of the Bloomingdale Township Mental Health Board.

In addition to this, I am a Rotarian and am a Friends of the Library member. I also volunteer at many community events in the village, including the Taste of Roselle and the Rose Parade.

I believe I can help the village achieve a key component of its strategic plan.

One of the five pillars of the village's strategic plan is improved customer experience. Having worked at a local bank for over 11 years, I believe I can contribute to this pillar with my retail and customer service experience. Overall, I believe my love for this town, my community involvement, and my professional experience make me a great candidate.

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

A: I want Roselle to be the place where people come for events. I am excited to support economic development projects that will grow our existing small businesses and welcoming new businesses into Roselle. This comes from hosting new events such as a Christkindlmarket or finding opportunities to partner with community organizations to boost economic activity.