Colleen E. Saccotelli: 2023 candidate for Mount Prospect Village Board trustee
Bio
Town: Village of Mount Prospect
Age on Election Day: 42
Occupation: Background in government administration, village trustee
Employer: n/a
Previous offices held: Village trustee since 2015
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: A challenge our community faces in the coming years is uncertain economic times and a possible economic downturn. Some factors in this challenge are inflationary pressures, supply chain challenges and external workforce development. The village board can help businesses address these issues. Some ways to face these challenges are approving hiring incentives such as those planned for Caputo's and approving economic development incentives such as the Cook County 6B program, TIF incentives and facade improvement incentives. I have always supported using these types of economic development incentives to help our business community. The village board can help residents by keeping our tax levy flat or as low as possible. This can be accomplished by sound financial planning and increasing our commercial tax base. Finally, the village can address these financial uncertainties by utilizing our financial contingency plan.
Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?
A: The village sits in a solid financial position. We have strong financial reserves and a AA+ bond rating. Through sound financial planning and a strong contingency plan we were able to weather the financial turmoil caused by the pandemic and come out the other side poised to move forward as a community. The board just voted, for the fourth time in five years to not raise the property tax levy. The village also recently suspended the vehicle sticker program for the year due to our strong financial outlook. The village's citizen-based Finance Commission has an active role in providing budget recommendations to the village board. Going forward, Finance Commission meetings should be televised. This gives residents another avenue to witness the decision-making process behind the Finance Commission's key financial recommendations. Residents can then take the information they learned and provide more feedback on the budget and village financial decisions to the village board.
Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?
A: The top three spending priorities for the next four years should involve the areas of: public safety, sustainability and infrastructure. Public Safety spending areas should focus on an upgrade of the Emergency Operation Center, investment in increased staff for both police and fire and equipment replacement. Next, the village should focus on completing sustainable investing in a backup water source through the Northwest Water Commission, implementing phase two of the bike plan and transitioning to a green fleet for our vehicles. We should also continue to invest in the sustainability of our village personnel by hiring the best staff that we can find. Infrastructure is another area where the village must continue to invest. We must invest in our roads, sidewalks, and pedestrian crossings so that Mount Prospect can be easily traversed by our residents.
Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?
A: The village of Mount Prospect has a vigorous financial review process. Whether it be through the annual multi-meeting budgeting process in conjunction with the Finance Commission, quarterly budget reviews or monthly bill reviews, the village finances are closely scrutinized. I take great care in my participation in those layers of review to ensure that the village spends our taxpayer dollars in the most efficient way possible. The village also has a five-point contingency plan to address any potential economic downturn. I am proud of the way the village was able to withstand the uncertain economic times during the pandemic due to its use of the contingency plan. The contingency plan will continue to guide financial planning going forward if the need arises, but I do not believe there is an area of spending that needs to be curtailed at this time.
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 village has many important infrastructure projects to consider. The most important infrastructure projects the community must address are the intersections of Rand, Kensington and Main as well as Rand, Central and Mount Prospect Road. These projects are already underway in different stages. These are both critical intersections and gateways to important economic corridors for town. These projects will require some local funds but will rely heavily on grant funding. Village staff also does an excellent job of finding and applying for grant opportunities. Grant funding will continue to be a critical piece of infrastructure financing going forward. The village is on sound financial footing currently, but if the economy starts to turn the village will move to implement its financial contingency plans and review spending plans at that time.
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: One of my leadership strengths is listening. I carefully consider what others are saying and then speak when necessary. I am a positive person. I lead through constructive criticism and feedback. I believe it is important to hear from all sides on an issue. I have shown through the past eight years that I have a productive working relationship with residents, the business community, other board members and village administration. I take resident comments and concerns seriously, and they weigh heavily into my decision making process. Additionally, I work with constituencies and village staff outside of the boardroom to effect change. I believe a respectful and an open-minded perspective is key to making sure all are heard. Mount Prospect is lucky to have such a great amount of engaged and thoughtful stakeholders who all want Mount Prospect to reach its full potential. My collaborative leadership style works well in reaching decisions on the board.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I have eight years of experience on the village board as well as a background in government administration. I understand the functions of government and its importance to the village. I believe I am an asset to the board because I come prepared for meetings, ask pertinent questions and listen to all sides of an issue. I bring a positive perspective to the board. I make decisions based upon what is best for the entire Mount Prospect community. Most importantly, I listen. I carefully consider resident comments, staff recommendations and expert reports. Even though I may have a personal feeling about an issue, I vote based upon what I believe is best for the community. I have the policy experience and the demeanor to be an effective trustee. I act with the best intentions and care for the future of Mount Prospect. I am dedicated to the community and committed to our future.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: The village was fortunate to come through the pandemic in a stronger financial position than many other communities. Prior to the pandemic, the village had made strategic moves i.e. development in the downtown that have put us in a competitive advantage. The pieces are in place for a vibrant and flourishing downtown. We now must move to the second phase. The village must market itself so that we become a destination for not only our residents but our neighbors. We must market our town so that all know what an amazing place Mount Prospect is to live, work and play. Mount Prospect is conveniently located near O'Hare and is a short drive to downtown Chicago. With commercial and retail opportunities in our downtown, a thriving business park and economic development opportunities in the south side, there has been no better time to live or work in Mount Prospect. The village needs a coordinated marketing effort to show this to the world.