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Gloria Jean Ludwig: 2021 candidate, Des Plaines City Council Ward 1

2 candidates for 1 seat; Mark Lysakowski did not respond.

Bio

City: Des Plaines

Age: 68

Office sought: Write-in candidate for Des Plaines City Council, Ward 1

Occupation: Owner of two businesses: Glamour On The Go licensed cosmetologist and Jewels the Clown performance entertainment and face painting

Civic involvement: Des Plaines Youth Commission (2001-2009 and 2017-present); Des Plaines Historical Society; Frisbie Senior Center; Corresponding Secretary, Des Plaines Garden Club; Des Plaines Healthy Community Partnership (2001-2009); Financial Supporter Des Plaines Community Foundation (2001 to present); Ladies of the Elks; Des Plaines Ministerial Association; Maine West High School Community Relations Committee; Crochet Club at Maine West High School; United Way Women's Leadership Council; American Cancer Society "Look Good, Feel Better" program; volunteer for Junior Achievement in a Day and Community Paint-A-Thon

Q&A

Q. How do you view your role in confronting the pandemic: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents - even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state and federal authorities?

A. I see my role as Alderman to assist in keeping the public informed and being the example of staying safe during this pandemic. As information is disseminated from the CDC and other governmental entities, I would make sure to pass along the information to the residents of my ward and the city. I would listen to anyone's concerns regarding the mandate for masks.

Q. Did your town continue to adequately serve its constituents during the disruptions caused by the pandemic? If so, please cite an example of how it successfully adjusted to providing services. If not, please cite a specific example of what could have been done better.

A. A request for an appointment was instituted in order to keep employees safe. This was disseminated through the City's website and the media.

Q. In light of our experiences with COVID-19, what safeguards/guidelines should you put in place to address any future public health crises?

A. Ensure that all means of media are used to make residents aware as soon as information becomes available. Encourage residents to call or email to ask questions.

Q. What cuts can local government make to reduce the burden of the pandemic on taxpayers?

A. Freeze penalties for late payments of water and sewer bills and not shut off water if an account is delinquent.

Q. What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what infrastructure project can be put on the back burner?

A. Flooding in the 1st Ward has always been an issue. Many mitigations have been instituted over the last 10-20 years including purchase of homes on Big Bend Drive by FEMA in order to demolish these structures and provide more space for water to flow. Infrastructure such as alley improvements can be put on the back burner until revenue is available.

Q. Do you agree or disagree with the stance your board/council has taken on permitting recreational marijuana sales in the community? What would you change about that stance, if you could?

A. Initial discussion by the Council, most aldermen agreed to permitting marijuana sales. However, by the time the Council agreed to allow it, other communities around us had already accepted proposals and granted a license to open a store.

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

A. Creating a Human Relations Commission to discuss community issues regarding race, ethnic, cultural, religious and sexual orientation backgrounds.

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