Nitai Pandya: 2021 candidate for Round Lake Beach mayor

2 candidates running for 1 seat

Bio

Town: Round Lake Beach

Age: 60

Occupation: Income Tax Professional, self-employed

Civic involvement: None provided

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: Unfortunately, leadership failures practically at all levels reduced the pandemic to either an extreme panic or gross ignorance. Most people try to get current pandemic news from TV anchors. Most everyone has been overwhelmed by continually shifting data, charts, and global statistics. So, while we can blame the macro or top leadership, conspicuously, I have not heard a word from the micro or local leadership. I think that is the biggest failure of this current Administration. Their silence either suggests cluelessness or disregard for the issue. Their roles are to keep the community updated to facilitate some normalcy at the local level. Leadership is all about steadiness, consistency, and composure, especially in challenging times. As a leader, I believe that regardless of the constituents' reaction, popular or not, one should let the community know and understand the truth and the reality behind the issue. Like a doctor's role, a true professional knows how to present an accurate picture, diagnosis, and best path forward. Imagine a medical practitioner does not disclose a critical illness to their patient to make them feel as if all is well. The Village administration missed an opportunity to serve its constituents in the face of this pandemic! My role as Mayor will be to ensure opening additional communication channels while providing greater outreach and understanding. Maintaining open communication entails addressing residents' concerns, making them part of the process, keeping residents updated regarding coordination efforts and safety protocols. If one is honest and forthcoming - while all may not agree - it helps mitigate any confusion.

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: Vast community segments were acting above and beyond to continue our everyday lives; front-line and health care workers, services associated with hospital and medical infrastructure, and funeral homes. Essential workers, police, firefighters, manufacturing, service industry employees, public transportation workers, retail store clerks, bankers, and small business owners are other examples. I did not notice any extraordinary out-of-box attempt by the current Administration. Writing an article in a bimonthly newsletter is undoubtedly not the only option to the disruption caused by this pandemic. The Village could have taken other initiatives to increase awareness at the same time avoiding misinformation. Conducting virtual town halls can go a long way to ease the stress of the community. Local administrators ignored even the essential basics.

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 consult the Public Health Professionals to understand the requirements for safety. Equally important, disseminating information and supporting the community in following the safeguards/guidelines.

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

A: Cuts in services may not reduce the burden of the pandemic on the taxpayers. By a clear understanding of the 'real costs,' a benefit-cost analysis will dictate how to lessen the load without contributing to it in another way.

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 more important question should be: Is our current public infrastructure up to American standards? The answer is 'No.' The Village Administration has ignored it for decades. Our starting point is to catch-up with the current infrastructure gaps that have been neglected over the years. The community sets the priorities. The Administration may lead the conversation. That should always be the essence of any plan, regardless of buoyant or uncertain economic times.

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 agree with the permission of recreational Marijuana sales.

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

A: Contained within the question is the answer, better communication. We end the "Inspector Raj" (British bureaucracy in colonial times) by integrating community voices in Village developmental processes. When the community knows their input is valued and considered, residents take more ownership of their town.

Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?

A: I do not think that anyone is just "the best" candidate for the job. I believe that everyone can become "the best" by becoming a better human, person, professional, and candidate! To that end, I consider myself a lifelong student. I learn and appreciate from every life, opportunity, and source. My curiosity leads me to seek better outcomes in most situations. I am independent in my thinking process and not beholden to any artificial influence! I strive to add to people's betterment, happiness, and joyfulness. That is how I have lived my life - in every role, profession, relationship, and interaction. As Mayor of Round Lake Beach, I will bring this attitude at play with honesty & authenticity. Converting from being a professional to a politician will not change me. I will only have a broader canvas to spread the happiness!

Q: What is the primary reason you're running for office? What is the most important issue?

A: I have been part of the Round Lake Beach community for almost 20 years. I feel there are tremendous opportunities to improve residents' quality of life. I have observed the town's lopsided development with vast swaths of area ignored and denied any meaningful improvement. Now is the time to reorient the development of the town and create all-around, equitable advancements. There is a crying need for essential infrastructure and investment in the community. I want to make Round Lake Beach better and happier for anyone, and everyone to live, work and visit.