Patrick Shannon: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Patrick Shannon

City: Bloomingdale

Office sought: Village Trustee

Age: 40

Family: Jill-wife; Cailin-Daughter; Brennan-Son

Occupation: SVP at ML Realty Partners

Education: BS University of Saint Francis

Civic involvement: Village Trustee (current), former Zoning and Planning Commissioner.

Previous elected offices held: Zoning and Planning Board - Bloomingdale

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? Yes, appointed 2017

Website: N/A

Facebook: Bloomingdale Unity Party

Twitter: N/A

Issue questions

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

Over the past four years, we have revitalized Bloomingdale with new businesses and redevelopment of some of our main thoroughfares. These projects keep our town moving in the direction and I want to see this movement continue. It is vital that we keep a strong and diverse retail base to serve our residents and grow our community.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I am committed to keeping Bloomingdale a great place to work and live. I plan to keep the momentum of revitalizing Bloomingdale going. We have added community programs, provided programs for seniors, expanded our retail base and eliminated our telecommunications tax. But we are just getting started and I want to continue to make a difference in our community.

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.

I promise to listen and work together for a solution that appeals to both sides. It is my job to represent all residents of Bloomingdale no matter their viewpoint. It is important to take into consideration all sides of an issue and make the best decision for our community which will continue to make Bloomingdale a great place to work and live.

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?

We have worked hard to maintain a balanced budget and this will remain a priority of mine as we continue to build and improve our community. A disciplined and strong financial foundation helps provide the support to continue the many vital services that we provide to the community.

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

I want to see the Village work hand in hand with the Park District to improve our services and facilities for the youth of Bloomingdale. The spectacular programming they provide to the community is vital for residents of all ages and I want to see the Village be more involved in doing what we can to support them. I plan on making sure the Village is participating when we can to help the residents.