Guy Papa: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Guy J. Papa

City: Bartlett, Illinois

Office Sought: Village Trustee

Age: 42

Occupation: Police Officer

Education: St. Mary's University, Winona, MN. B.A., Lewis University, M.A., Valparaiso University School of Law, J.D.

Civic Involvement:Monte-Clare/Elmwood Park Lions Club, Italian American Club of Berwyn, Prior DuPage Easter Seals, Board Member

Previous Office Held: Division Commander-Berwyn Police Department-Appointed

Incumbent: If yes, when were first elected?

Website:

Facebook:

Twitter:

Issue questions

What are the most important issues facing your community and how do you intend to address them?

Taxes would be one of the most important issues impacting the residents. It's concerning to everyone but difficult to fix. I want to continue to assist our community in doing whatever we can to keep our taxes from increasing. Another important issue is our depot area in downtown Bartlett. That area has a lot of potential and I would like to see a gentrification to that area. If we can build up the downtown depot district, we will see an increase in visitors coming to Bartlett to eat, shop and enjoy our downtown. There are some major concerns with the Canadian National Railway tracks on the west side of Bartlett. I would like to revisit that issue to see if there are ways to prevent the trains from blocking that area for the extended times that currently exist. This also causes a delay in police and fire response to our residents.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I have been involved in public service since high school. I have assisted candidates in numerous elections in both Cook and DuPage Counties. I have always been interested in local politics and involved in helping the community. I believe that I will serve the community well being a newer member in Bartlett government. My standards are high and I want the best for this community. As a police officer with over twenty years of experience, I place public safety for the citizens of Bartlett a top priority. The plaque on my desk says it best, "The Buck Stops Here," a quote by President Harry S. Truman. When faced with a problem or issue, I do not delegate it somewhere else. I handle the issue to the best of my ability.

Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing actions and decisions with your village board.

My leadership style is one that incorporates the thoughts of others to achieve the best possible result. If elected, I am placed in a position to represent the entire community. I plan to work progressively with the mayor and other trustees to continue to make Bartlett a great place to live. My experience in public service has taught me to work well in government to accomplish positive results for the community. I understand the importance of working collaboratively to achieve the best result.

How would you describe the condition of your community's budget, and what are the most important specific actions the town should take to assure providing the level of services people want?

The community budget can always improve; however, I feel the current administration has consistently done well reviewing the budget. My nature is to always look for some ways to assist management in cost cutting to save money, while getting a higher level of service to the community. There are many different ways to accomplish this by trying different techniques away from the status quo. Even saving small amounts in various areas would be beneficial over time. A thorough review of the budget from an outside source may help identify issues of waste.

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

Trustee Deyne had mentioned a community garden to assist local food pantries in the past. I think that is an excellent idea and it has my full support. Additionally, to help the community I pledge to donate at least one-quarter of any compensation received as a Village Trustee to local animal shelters.