Deborah Banach: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Deborah Banach

City: Rolling Meadows

Office sought: 3rd Ward Alderman

Age (on election day): 65

Family: Husband - Herb Banach, married for 43 years; plus three children Tiffany Ferguson, Matt Banach, Megan Evans and 9 grandchildren, who all reside in Rolling Meadows.

Occupation: Retired from the Rolling Meadows Police Department in 2018.

Education: High School

Civic involvement: This is my first time running for public office. I have always stayed involved in politics both locally & nationally. When I have had concerns, I have reached out to those who represent my city/district/state.

Previous elected offices held: none

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected?

Website:

Facebook: banachfor3rdwardrm

Twitter: @irishbora

Issue questions

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

The revitalization of our downtown area without the focus on housing. I feel our citizens deserve a downtown where we can gather, shop, socialize and support each other. There needs to be accountability to the decisions being made on behalf of the citizens.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

My overall experience working for and living in the City. I can see both sides of the issues from the Council to the citizen. Working for the City for almost 18 years with the Police Department, in various positions, I saw the inner working of how our City operates. I believe this knowledge allows me to hit the ground running and focus on the issues that are important to the 3rd Ward.

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

I would have to say the best way for me to lead would be through transformational leadership. I want to motivate this council and most importantly, our Ward 3 citizens to get involved and move our City forward.

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 knowledge that I have today on our City's budgets that it is stable, but we have to plan better for the future. Each and every citizen in this Ward is responsible for their home's budget, and have to adjust to make ends meet. Our council members need to take a better look, and think outside of the box more then they have in the past.

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

We need to give back to our community. To be more involved and supportive of each other. When I go for walks throughout my Ward I have noticed many homes that are in need of help in someway or another. One idea to help homeowners would be to partnership with school Districts 214 & 211 in regard to their Harper Promise. With the students volunteering their time wether it be mowing lawns, trimming bushes or painting a house. I'm sure we could come up with a solution. Volunteering is a wonderful thing and you're never to young to start. It's not always about taking from the citizens, but helping.