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Artur Zadrozny: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Artur Zadrozny

City: Des Plaines

Office sought: Alderman 4th Ward

Age (on election day): 36

Family: Wife Kathy and two daughters, Eleanor and Sara

Occupation: Attorney

Education: DePaul University BS, Valparaiso School of Law JD

Civic involvement: President of a condominium association for 5 years. Responsible

for collecting assessments, paying bills, creating budgets, hold

meetings, resolving unit owner disputes.

Previous elected offices held: n/a

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? No.

Website: www.artforalderman.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artforalderman

Twitter: n/a

Issue questions

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

Many residents have shared their concerns about rising property taxes and that feeling that they get less and less in return. If you look at your 2017 2nd installment tax bill, only about 12% of the tax goes to the City of Des Plaines and roughly 68% goes to the school districts. The issue is the way Illinois funds schools: the state puts most of the burden on local funding because the it is not paying enough. There needs to be a fundamental change on how schools are funded and the underling tax structure. While the City cannot overhaul the way its residents are taxed (a tough job for our State legislators,) we must work hard to ensure that the City continues to treat taxpayer dollars responsibly - using the its portion of funds wisely so that our residents have access to valuable and useful City services.

· What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I am the best candidate for the job because I have a strong foundation in the law and significant experience advocating on behalf of residents. As an attorney, I help my clients solve their complex problems and issues on an everyday basis. Whether it's negotiating a real estate contract or advocating for my client in front of a judge, I strive to achieve the best possible outcome. My wife and I have chosen to raise our family in Des Plaines because we fell in love with the community and I am running for office here because I know I can play an important role in making it even better. In addition, as a small business owner with my practice located in Des Plaines, I see the impact of small business policies firsthand. I am in a unique position to look at issues that both individuals and businesses are facing in Des Plaines. Lastly, I pride myself on being available to legal clients: they can call me, text me or email me anytime, even on the weekends. When elected, residents of my ward can expect a similar approach and level of service: I will put their needs and concerns first.

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

I believe that in order to lead someone you must have a very good understanding of the subject matter at hand. Before I make a decision on any issue, I make sure that I research a particular subject to get a firm grip on it. I do not believe in aggressive or confrontational leadership style, i.e. "my way or the highway." When I make my case to someone, I back it up with research and data. At the same time, I am open to hearing the other side and I have no problem admitting a mistake or taking responsibility for actions I took in good faith. I believe that my leadership style will be effective because I will do my homework on issues that that the city council faces, while keeping my residents' concern in mind.

· 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 current administration did a very good job at considerably slashing the City debt. The reserve fund is also healthy. The City is no longer taking on debts to fund infrastructure projects: its all included in the annual budget. At the same time, new businesses have moved in, the downtown theater is being renovated and new housing construction is booming, all of which should bring additional tax revenue. I believe the City should continue on its current track, working to reduce costly financial obligations so that we have the funds to address the City's future needs from a strong position.

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

The City should do a better job notifying residents about available services. For example, there should be a better way to notify residents about changes to garbage and recycling pick-up dates. Recently, due to the extreme cold, recycling pick-up was canceled for the week. I only found out about this because I am on the current alderman's email list. Most of my neighbors did not know about the change, leaving their recycling containers curbside for days. I am aware of the CodeRED texting service available to City residents. It would be good to have the changes to the refuse pick-ups communicated through CodeRED. Alternatively, a good way to notify new residents about City services and the City in general is to provide a brochure whenever a transfer stamp is picked up when a property is sold. As a real estate attorney, if I represent a seller in Des Plaines, I must pick up a transfer stamp at the City Hall in order for the closing to occur. The City could attach a brochure to the stamp, to be given to the new buyer at closing. These are just two examples of how we can better connect residents to City services.

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