Jessica L. Kopka: 2021 candidate for Oakbrook Terrace, 2nd Ward

Three candidates are running for the 4-year seat in Oakbrook Terrace's 2nd Ward.

Bio

City: Oakbrook Terrace

Age: 35

Occupation: Registered Dental Hygienist

Employer: Peter L. Noto, DDS

Civic involvement: Mission of Mercy

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. There are ways to go about our regular responsibilities safely without jeopardizing anyone's safety. As a registered dental hygienist I have a thorough understanding of universal precautions and infection control and I hope to bring that expertise to the people of Oakbrook Terrace. Compromising safety is not acceptable, what's important is to understand why. This will surely settle any disagreements which could only arise from confusion and misunderstanding.

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. The city of Oakbrook Terrace has done a great job staying open and keeping up with the ever changing pandemic environment. Continuing to stay up to date and meet state requirements isn't easy, but extremely important! There's always room for improvement. Each situation needs to be assessed separately to make the safest decisions that allow for the same great experiences and traditions that we have had in the past in all arenas of our great city.

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. This is not the first public health crisis that we have over come in our lifetimes and it certainly won't be the last. However, COVID-19 has managed to affect every person, unlike recent health crises like the swine flu/H1N1. Learning from this experience is the most important thing which everyone has been forced to do. Staying up to date with current risks and continuing safe practices everyday, like hand washing and social distancing are key. A great addition to public places would be city provided hand wash stations/hand sanitizer and masks on hand where social distancing issues may unexpectedly arise (i.e., parks, restaurants and public events).

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

A. Utilizing aid from the federal government, continuing revenue generating practices that are currently in place and adding fundraising events will prevent the taxpayers from being burdened by the pandemic financially.

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. One of the great qualities of Oakbrook Terrace is that all of our infrastructures are currently in great shape. As a citizen who exercises daily around our town, I can say with confidence that over the years the city has done a great job of keeping our parks, paths, streets, etc. in great condition.

Q. Do you plan to address businesses that don't adhere to the governor's order to close or restrict business?

A. We are all trying to survive this pandemic and small businesses have been hit the hardest. I would not be an advocate of any plan that would add any more of a financial strain on any business.

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. I fully support the use of medical marijuana. I view the recreational sales and use of marijuana as being similar to alcohol (which as no medical value). There are rules to be followed, if they are not there are consequences.

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

A. There has been a lot of negativity that has carried over from past administrations and the previous election. One theme that I want to bring to Oakbrook Terrace is positivity and open mindedness; this mentality can be applied to all ideas.