Lora Vitek: Candidate Profile
Back to St. Charles City Council Ward 4
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<p class="disclaimer" style="font-size:16px;color:#666;"><strong>Note:</strong> Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted.
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<h3 class="breakHead">Bio</h3>
<strong>City:</strong> St. Charles
<strong>Website:</strong> www.votevitek.com
<strong>Twitter:</strong> Candidate did not respond.
<strong>Facebook:</strong> https://www.facebook.com/VoteVitek
<strong>Office sought:</strong>
St. Charles City Council Ward 4
<strong>Age:</strong> 39
<strong>Family:</strong> Husband - Howie
Daughter - Grace
Son - Quinn
Dog - Buxton
<strong>Occupation:</strong> Director of Philanthropy & Community Relations
<strong>Education:</strong> North Park University, Master of Business Administration (MBA) & Master of Management "Nonprofit Administration (MM)
Millikin University " Bachelors of Science in Marketing
<strong>Civic involvement:</strong> Commissioner " St. Charles Youth Commission
Chair " Delta Dental Plans Association Community Benefit Advisory Board
Advisory Board Member " North Park University School of Business and Nonprofit Management
Former President " West Suburban Philanthropic Network Board of Directors
Activist - Save Lincoln School Campaign
<strong>Elected offices held:</strong> Candidate did not respond.
<h3 class="breakHead">Questions & Answers</h3>
<h3 class="briefHead">Reports indicate the city's police station needs major renovations or a new facility. What should the city do with the current police station?</h3>
A new facility is the only option for our Police Department. Our police personnel definitely deserve to have a building with proper infrastructure and adequate space to do their job in serving our community. The question about what the City should do with that space is really dependent on the options and opportunities presented to the City Council by City staff. It will then be my job, along with the City Council, to evaluate those options. It would be in the City's best interests to evaluate the current property and position it in a way to help/promote/benefit the City of St. Charles.
<h3 class="briefHead">What are the necessary elements for a redevelopment project at the old St. Charles Mall site to receive a favorable city council vote?</h3>
I know the Mall site has been an issue for quite some time. In my opinion, it's important that some development happen there rather than it continue to sit vacant. A plan for 600+ residential units combined with mixed-use space is being recommended by the Plan Commission for approval by the City Council.
<h3 class="briefHead">What are your expectations for the Charlestowne Mall/The Quad during the next four years? What can the city do to help the property reach those goals?</h3>
My expectations are that we will evaluate the current and new business success on and around that property in the next year to hone in on a direction. Decisions will need to be made in the next four years. I am confident the new business development that is currently underway (Cooper's Hawk and Starbucks) will spark momentum. Our goal then should be, whatever that redevelopment looks like, to build partnerships with these businesses, open the door to relationships in the community and focus on the sustainability of those locations.
<h3 class="briefHead">What is your philosophy regarding local events involving alcohol and new businesses coming to town that involve the sale of alcohol? Would you support more taverns and alcohol-related events in the downtown?</h3>
City events that showcase and attract people to St. Charles are great for the City, and with careful thought and planning, can be extremely valuable for our community. The key here is careful thought and planning. I am a mother of two small children and my values are rooted in building a community that is a great place to live, work and play for all individuals and families. I believe the decisions that the City Council has made have positively impacted our community " and are inline with my values. It ultimately depends on the venue and event under evaluation and if they enhance our City and help us achieve our goals.
<h3 class="briefHead">The city is just now seeing some income from video gambling activity. Should video gambling remain legal in the city? If not, how would you go about removing the machines from local businesses/organizations that receive the income from the machines?</h3>
I do know that the City Council and Staff plan to look at the reports on income related to this activity more closely and for a more extended timeframe over the next few months. Initials reports represented such a short time period. Once the extended reports are available, I would also like to know if video gambling increased crime to the city? Has it brought increases in sales to the establishments with machines? Those answers would help guide my decision.
<h3 class="briefHead">What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?</h3>
A growing and thriving downtown community is what is important to me. That means:
*Connecting and communicating with schools, businesses, civic organizations, and historical institutions to build partnerships and facilitate relationships for the greater good of the City of St. Charles.
*Continuing to develop our city as a great place to live, work, and play for not only my children, but all the families, residents and for future generations to come.
*And finally working to preserve and maintain the historic charm of St. Charles.
<h3 class="briefHead">Please name one current leader who most inspires you.</h3>
Warren Buffett " a very smart and successful businessman. He is someone that has knowledge, power and resources but has harnessed it for "Ëgood'.
<h3 class="briefHead">What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?</h3>
I grew up in a one bathroom house with six family members. I learned to share, be grateful and to appreciate what you have.
<h3 class="briefHead">If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?</h3>
To eliminate FEAR and take more risks. Now, I use knowledge to fight fear. The more I know about something, the less I fear.
<h3 class="briefHead">What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?</h3>
Keyboarding! I took the class when computers were first introduced in the classroom. Being an efficient quick typist is definitely an essential skill today.
<h3 class="briefHead">If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?</h3>
To be kind and compassionate. The ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes and see things from his or her perspective.