Tammi Karam: 2021 candidate for Downers Grove Village Council

Six candidates are running for three, 4-year seats on the Downers Grove Village Council in the April 6, 2021, election. They are newcomers Chris Gilmartin, Danny Glover, Tammi Karam and Andrew Pelloso, and incumbents Margaret "Marge" Earl and Greg Hosé.

The Daily Herald asked the candidates several questions about issues facing the village.

Below are Karam's responses.

In-person early voting with paper ballots began Feb. 25 at DuPage County Fairgrounds Building 5, 2015 Manchester Road, Wheaton. In-person early voting with touch-screen voting begins March 22 at locations throughout the county. Learn more at www.dupageco.org/earlyvoting/.

Bio

Town: Downers Grove

Age: 42

Occupation: Business owner and support staff at local private school

Employer: Humidor Cigar Lounge/Kingswood Academy

Civic involvement: Advocate for small businesses and local parish member

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 am an honest, straight forward leader that deals with issues head on. As a leader, I set my personal opinions aside and defer to those who are experienced and experts in that area. Like most issues the pandemic is multifaceted. The issues of the pandemic are not simply about having masks on and enough hospital beds.

Residents have lost their jobs and businesses, children have been isolated, drug overdose is on the rise, crime has increased, and there continues to be uncertainty on what the new normal is supposed to look like. I will listen and make decisions based on what is best for the village not what is best for just one group. I will advocate for the village's needs with both state and federal authorities when needed.

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 village did a good job allowing residents to make utility payments online and communicating changes.

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: I would work on ways to communicate with the residents and build a strong community of nonprofit providers. I want to make sure we are getting information out to all residents equally.

The distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has been confusing and not user friendly for our older population. The council must not be blinded by technology leaving communication voids in our services. Stronger relationships with our nonprofits will help meet the needs of residents during future health crises.

Nonprofits are a vital component to social welfare needs.

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

A: I would look at all possibilities. The village must look at how to efficiently run and cut costs of items that can be considered not fundamental. We budgeted $220,000 for parkway trees.

Trees are a great addition and bring many benefits to our community but during a time of revenue shortfalls we must prioritize all spending.

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: The stormwater project is still one of the most important projects our village must continue to move forward on. Flooding and water issues affect residents, businesses, and commercial property. This project is priority because it can lead to a direct impact on all parts of the community.

It should continue to be paid for through the stormwater utility fee. It has been brought to my attention that the village needs to make sure that fee is being properly assessed. As part of council I would request more insight into this potential issue of improper fees. I would place the village facilities on the back burner.

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

A: I plan to talk to businesses and find out how the village can help them be successful.

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

A: I agree with the council's most recent vote. The sales of recreational marijuana is a much needed source of tax revenue. The important aspect of recreational marijuana is zoning.

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

A: Bridging the need of social welfare through nonprofit partnerships.