Eleni Hatzis: 2023 candidate for Mount Prospect Village Board trustee

Bio

Town: Mount Prospect

Age on Election Day: 45

Occupation: Human Resources professional

Employer: School Health Corporation

Previous offices held: Mount Prospect village trustee 2017-2021

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: Although the village currently faces a number potential serious issues in the coming years, I feel that we should recognize that crime and violence has become more apparent in Mount Prospect, based on recent reports. It would be beneficial to increase our undercover task forces, gang units and night patrol officers in all areas of Mount Prospect in order to ensure the safety of our residents and our property. In addition, I believe we need to reinforce neighborhood watch programs in the areas of Mount Prospect that have done away with it. It will not only be beneficial to our neighbors by assisting our police officers if needed, and potentially diminish the division of our residents due to personal/political beliefs. This will promote working together with each other, no matter our differences.

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

A: In terms of the village of Mount Prospect, although there are always areas of improvement, I believe that we as a village have a very healthy budget, and we should continue on the path that we are on. As the future is unknown, we should focus on projects that would be cost effective with a good return on our investments. We should keep away from unnecessary expenses and focus on preparing for the unforeseeable economic future.

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

A: Over the next four years, it will be necessary to focus our spending on improving the safety of our residents. This can be achieved by installing more streetlights where they are needed, along with many other adjustments to the current safety measures we are presently taking. In addition, the village must work to mitigate drainage issues on residential private property. Finally, the execution of the south side redevelopment is paramount to the success of our community and our residents.

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

A: As we move into the new year, we are also moving toward a very unpredictable future. There are constant reports of a deep recession and economic struggles ahead, therefore, we must focus on more beneficial projects that help preserve our current resident's properties, place projects on hold that do not have a sense of urgency in our community. It will not be easy, however, spending should only focus on the security of our residents and what is beneficial to them and their quality of life.

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: In my opinion, the South Side Redevelopment is crucial to continuing the projected forward movement toward a more successful village. Changes such as sidewalk work, streetlights and assisting our business owners through the TIF will bring us that much closer to being more successful and appealing as a place to live, work or visit. I strongly believe we should pay more attention to the south side of Mount Prospect, and bring it to its fullest potential. Unfortunately, projects such as the pedestrian bridge and the proposed railroad extension should be placed on hold for now, until the economy holds a more solid position.

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: Having served on the village board from 2017-2021, I have been involved in some of the most important decisions this village has been faced within the last decade. I have worked with fellow trustees, staff and residents coming up with solutions and making decisions that impact our community on every level. With the 20+ years of experience in the Human Resources field, it is my duty to listen to all sides of a discussion, respond with an unbiased approach and only focus on what is fair to all sides. I am open to opposition and do not place judgment on the opinions of others. In my current professional role, some of my many responsibilities include writing/rewriting policies and procedures for the organization and seeing them through. As I utilized these thought processes during my previous term on the village board, I intend to follow these same ethical values moving forward.

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

A: With a B.A. in Sociology (minor in Social Work), I have proven that dedication and hard work is a value I take seriously. I have 20+ years experience in the Human Resources field, working extensively in complex Employee Relations situations, implementing DEI Initiatives, and strategic planning. I have served in the public and private sectors of business, which will provide an unbiased opinion on village matters. In addition, having previously served on the village board, I value Mount Prospect and its foundation, and I seek to strengthen it by providing leadership through the involvement in the processes using my experience. Furthermore, while being a lifelong resident of Mount Prospect, I am the only candidate whose children attend our highly rated schools. Also, I am a product of our public school system, having attended District 59 and 214 schools. I have felt the impact of all of the changes within our community, both positive and negative, that have evolved over that last 45 years

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

A: A topic that is not being discussed is the public safety of our residents at village-sponsored events throughout the community, throughout the year. With the increase in aggressive interactions, random acts of violence and public shootings across the country, I strongly feel there should preplanning and coordination with the police department to address and properly manage this very serious risk in Mount Prospect. We should be aware of the potential for dangerous situations that surround us, to ensure the safety of all.