Justin Scheid to Run for Westmont Village Trustee
“Given the current state of the Village's finances, insufficient financial planning, and the recent allegations of embezzlement of public funds, Westmont residents need someone on the board that will protect their money,” said Justin Scheid in announcing his candidacy for Village Trustee. “I am that candidate.” This is one of the most challenging economic environments in the Village's history and the next Village board will be forced to make difficult financial decisions. The board currently does not have a member with expertise in accounting, and Justin believes such expertise is more important than ever.
A certified public accountant (C.P.A.) and lawyer, Justin is opposed to any property tax or sales tax increase. Justin is firmly in favor of downtown re-development and diversification of sales tax revenues. Most residents are aware that the Village relies heavily on the tax revenues from automobile sales, primarily from the Ogden Avenue dealerships. Justin believes the Village must diversify and strengthen its sales tax revenue base by increasing business in the downtown area and 63rd Street corridors, as well as Ogden Avenue. “The last place the Village should look for funding is through property tax increases,” Justin said. “The Village has not adequately expanded its sales tax revenue opportunities and homeowners should not suffer by having property taxes go up.” While the economy has stifled efforts by Village leaders to fill vacant storefronts, Justin feels that new trustees with new ideas are what will best position the Village for success as the economy improves.
To increase revenues, the Village must explore incentives, such as relocation grants, to encourage operating businesses to move to Westmont. In addition, the Village must reduce barriers for existing Westmont businesses that impact their ability to remain competitive. “The government's role is to serve the people,” Justin said. “As a full-time public servant in the Federal government, I take my obligation to serve the citizens very seriously.” Justin is a lawyer for the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Chief Counsel in Chicago. In his meetings with residents and business owners, it became clear to Justin that the next Village board must better understand and more effectively respond to the unique challenges that are facing Westmont residents and businesses.
Since moving to Westmont over two years ago, Justin and his wife Shana, a Westmont Library Trustee who is running unopposed in the upcoming election, have regularly offered their time and efforts to the Village. Justin and Shana have volunteered each year with the Taste of Westmont. Justin has also completed the Westmont Citizen's Police Academy and served on the Westmont Citizen's Finance Planning Committee, a six-month ad hoc committee that reviewed the Village's finances. “Seeing the Village's financial situation and offering recommendations while serving on the Finance Committee are the reasons that I have decided to run for Village Trustee,” Justin said.
As all residents know, Westmont is a wonderful community offering so many amenities, including affordable homes, easy access to public transportation and highways, and relatively low property taxes. As a homeowner, it is important to Justin that the Village services that residents have come to expect are maintained without any increase in the property tax levy. “The Village needs someone that will understand the current financial impact of board decisions, while maintaining a view toward the future.” Justin said. “Residents pay a lot of money in property and sales taxes to the Village and they deserve a trustee who will protect their money.”
The Westmont consolidated election is Tuesday, April 5, 2011. Three of the six Village Trustee seats are up for election. Residents who want more information about Justin or who seek to get involved with his campaign can contact Justin at JustinForTrustee@gmail.com.
ABOUT JUSTIN
Justin and his wife, Shana, grew up in the western suburbs and moved to Westmont two years ago. Justin holds a bachelor of science degree in economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology, and a master of laws degree (with honors) from Northwestern University School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in Illinois. He is also an Illinois certified public accountant (CPA). He is employed as a tax attorney with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Chief Counsel in Chicago.