Syed Hussaini: 2021 candidate for Hanover Park Trustee

Five candidates for three 4-year terms

Bio

Hometown: Hanover Park

Age: 44

Occupation: Sr. Relationship Manager, Commercial Lender

Employer: Hanmi Bank

Civic involvement: Hanover Park Development Commissioner, 2019- Present; President, Indo American Center, Chicago; Golden Corridor Family YMCA Board Member; Asian Media Online Newspaper Board Member; Adbhuth Media USA New Media Board Member; Urdu Samaj of Chicago Advisory Board Member; Federation Indian Association of Chicago/Schaumburg, Advisory; United Cricket & Entertainment Advisory Board; Global Organization of People of Indian Origin board; Chicago Indo-US Lions Club president

Q&A

Q. What is the primary reason you're running for office? What is the most important issue?

A. There are two primary reason for running, first to help keep Hanover Park a safe place to raise families and second to attract new business to Hanover Park with my resources of helping small business as commercial lender for last 22 years in banking industry.

As a Development Commissioner of Hanover Park, I am concerned about which business we bring next to the town that not only grows revenue but at the same time attract more families to move to HP.

Q. How do you view your role in confronting the pandemic: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents - even ones with whom you disagree - or defer to state and federal authorities?

A. I believe in science and adhere to CDC guidelines. For example: I am president of Indo American Center where daily 60-70 seniors come to have lunch and socialize with others. During pandemic we delivered the meals and used zoom to conduct daily activities as social insolation was the biggest concern. At first it was not easy as seniors wanted to visit the center still. Educating seniors about the risk for themselves and others solved the issue and acceptance of new normal for time being.

Q. Did your town continue to adequately serve its constituents during the disruptions caused by the pandemic? If so, please cite an example of how it successfully adjusted to providing services. If not, please cite a specific example of what could have been done better.

A. Honestly no one was prepared for such pandemic. Given the unpredictable situation I think Hanover Park did a great job like:

• Created a Business Assistance grant and provided free signs and banners.

• Made free websites to help online.

• Did several webinars.

• Created Web pages for business resources,

• Connected businesses to resources to help with PPP, BIG, and other grants,

• Sent out more than 30 special edition newsletters with timely info on evolving regulations.

Flexible with ordinances:

• Relaxed water billing and parking billing.

• Stopped on water shutdown for delinquent fees.

• Street parking expanded hours. Overnight parking restrictions were relaxed.

One thing could have done better was to start COVID testing earlier than we did. Partnering with neighboring communities create more resources for Hanover Park residences.

Q. In light of our experiences with COVID-19, what safeguards/guidelines should you put in place to address any future public health crises?

A. Initial stages of pandemic were out of control because of lack of PPE. Every village should have reserves for their constituents, especially for front-line workers, essential worker, hospitals, etc. Hanover Park created a new position "Emergency management coordinator" to be better prepared for another health crisis. Ongoing focus on sustainability Emergency needs. Hanover Park needs to have an emergency funds reserve.

Q. What cuts can local government make to reduce the burden of the pandemic on taxpayers?

A. Hanover Park came long way since 2008 to now reduced Part one crime scene From over 1200 crimes to under 300 today. Continue Police dept. is fully CALEA certification. Did not raise property taxes for 5yrs

Replacing cars from every three years to every four years, in future electric cars will reduce of expense.

Here are some of the thing implemented to reduce taxpayer burden:

• Created a Business Assistance grant and provided free signs and banners.

• Made free websites to help online.

• Did several webinars.

• Created Web pages for business resources,

• Connected businesses to resources to help with PPP, BIG, and other grants,

• Sent out more than 30 special edition newsletters with timely info on evolving regulations.

Flexible with ordinances:

• Relaxed water billing and parking billing.

• Stopped on water shutdown for delinquent fees.

• Street parking expanded hours. Overnight parking restrictions were relaxed.

Q. What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what infrastructure project can be put on the back burner?

A. Hanover Park's Water main age is around 50 years pipes are build with clay, I think it's important to focus on water infrastructure first and we do have issue with streets with bumps which can wait, its important but not urgent. We depend on both local and state funds. We are expecting a capital grant to assist us with road, sewer and water pipeline replacement.

Q. Do you agree or disagree with the stance your municipality has taken on permitting recreational marijuana sales in the community? What would you change about that stance, if you could?

A. The fact is in 2019 Illinois became the 11th state to legalize cannabis for adult use and first in the country to adopt a regulatory system for cannabis cultivation, testing, and sales through a state legislature.

The most important thing for me was where it is sold, it cannot be near play areas, schools, grounds where the kids play, etc. stand alone building rather than retail store where other business are exposed. Advanced air filtration to avoid smell of marijuana. This decision was made after carefully reviewing concerns from the Hanover Park residence by holding open hearing by development commission.

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

A. As I am on several nonprofit boards like Federation Indian Association, Urdu Samaj, Lions Club, etc. that organizes cultural events like 4th of July, Indian independence Day, Republic Day, Holi, Dewali, etc. which brings communities today to celebrate each other's culture and enjoy various traditions around the world. Hanover Park is a Global Village, and we should celebrate cultures from around the world.