Kathi Quinn: Candidate profile
Bio
Name: Kathleen "Kathi" Quinn
City: Prospect Heights
Office sought: Alderman Ward 2
Age (on election day): 63
Family: Married, two sons, one daughter-in-law
Occupation: Membership Director for a non-profit
Education: Graduate of Cooper School of Art in Photography/Communications Design; course work at Oakton Community College, Public Relations; International Academy of Design & Technology (IADT) Retail Buying courses
Civic involvement: Rotary Club, 2019-20 Board; TreeGuardians.org; Rob Roy Country Club Village Board, Secretary, former appointee on the City of Chicago: Irish-American Commission
Previous elected offices held: no political offices
Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? Not applicable
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Issue questions
What are the most important issues facing your community and how do you intend to address them?
Our infrastructure is top of mind! If we do not address this now we won't be able to properly support the residents or businesses. We must manage the immediate- of course, but also create a comprehensive long-term plan that includes investments in infrastructure to stay viable, as well as make sure funds we do have are used wisely. This has to be addressed as a community - and I plan on being a part of the process.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
More than being a team player - I am a team builder! For my job I meet with and connect hundreds of people. My passion for getting involved and getting others involved makes me the best person to represent the voices of ALL the people in Ward 2. Hearing all ideas and concerns, making sure each resident is heard - is my goal. Our current alderman has made great strides for our ward, I will continue on this path.
Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing actions and decisions with your city council.
Collaborative. Team work can't be dictatorial. Every decision the council makes on behalf of their own ward will have city wide implications and consequences. One must consider the impact on the entire community-while looking out for their ward. Having served on various boards I am well versed in working with people who have different ideas, yet need to accomplish a common goal.
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?
Budgets are fluid. They are a benchmark. Making sure Prospect Heights is a viable community as it faces and addresses issues like: aging infrastructure, water, flooding and sewers, airport noise and so on, is my concern. We must fund the most basic services by maximizing how we allocate funds. We need to look at options and prioritize how to do this effectively.
What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
We actually have been talking about it! Currently the council and a few candidates are looking for a way to bridge the council and the community as we move forward with a new administrative vision. I am fortunate to follow in the footprints of the current Alderman, Larry Rosenthal who is running for mayor. He has begun to develop a concept of a team culture among elected officials. I see my role being to help grow this initiative to the advantage of the people I will serve in Ward 2.