Jeffrey M. Jacobson: Candidate profile
Bio
Name: Jeffrey M. Jacobson
City: Downers Grove
Office sought: Downers Grove Village Commissioner
Age: 59
Family: Wife: Heidi; Children: Andrew, Sarah, Samuel and Matthew
Occupation: Attorney
Education: Northeastern Illinois University, BA 1983; IIT-Kent, JD 1991
Civic involvement: Member of Downers Grove Liquor Commission, 2nd term. Past member of Downers Grove Performing Arts committee. Coach of numerous park district and YMCA youth sports, baseball, basketball, swimming. Past co-president Downers Grove North High School Parents Organization. Past vice-chair Pierce-Downers PTA.
Previous elected offices held: None.
Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected?
Website: Jeff4DG.org
Facebook: facebook.com/Jeff4DG
Issue questions
What are the most important issues facing your community and how do you intend to address them?
One of the top issues is how to finance the expenses in the coming years. We must look to other sources besides real estate taxes, such as getting more funding from the State. We need to be fiscally responsible.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I have spent most of my life doing public service. My years on the Liquor Commission have given me experience on weighing what is best for our residents and businesses. First, I would listen, learn, and research the issue. Then I would
make prudent decisions for the residents and businesses in Downers Grove. We must have resourceful members on the council who can make good decisions that benefit the residents and businesses. I believe that I can make those decisions.
Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing actions and decisions with your village board or city council.
My style is to listen and learn. I get along well with others. The council is made up of individuals, but we must work in unison to make sure we consider the residents and businesses as our #1 priority. I can do that.
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 future level of services is going to put constraints on the budget. We need to work together to find resources for our future budget. The residents and businesses cannot afford another tax increase.
What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
First, I think we need to work together as a community. Put politics aside and focus on what is best for the residents and businesses. I would like to see our community market its resources better, from stores to restaurants, events, and a place to call home. Downers Grove offers an incredible number of benefits that are highly desirable, but not well known. Having more people active in Downers Grove is a win-win.