Mahdi Sellami: 2021 candidate for Green Oaks trustee

5 candidates for 3 seats

Bio

City: Green Oaks

Age: Didn't answer

Occupation: Commercial Analytics with AbbVie

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: The pandemic is a health crisis that should be dealt with by leaning on Science and not politics. As such, my decisions will rely on listening to subject matter experts but also equally importantly to residents as to how they are impacted on a personal level.

I see an opportunity in pooling parental efforts together and share ideas on how to limit the growing share of screen time that our youth are being targeted for as filler for the isolation created by the pandemic.

As a citizen I will continue to volunteer through my local congregation who has been proactive in extending a helping hand to citizens who are impacted by the pandemic in Green Oaks and its surroundings.

As to the role of the board it should be complementary to the efforts that are already underway by higher level government authorities without being duplicative of those efforts. As such the board carries the duty to maintain proper level of communication with residents and businesses, via its website, directing to various COVID-related resources and guidance put at the disposal of the general population by other authorities.

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 of Green Oaks was agile in adapting to the new imperatives imposed by the pandemic, mandating precautionary safety and anti-contagion measures (temperature checks, PPE equipment ...) needed to minimize disruption and maintain continuity in serving its constituents. It also kept a channel of communication open through its website with regards to the latest updates and relevant developments with the pandemic. Given the time-sensitivity of some of the pandemic-related issues and/or their severity, some topics warrant the reliance on 'push' type of communication (email) rather than relying on website postings.

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: Learn from the COVID-19 experience and treat the heightened safety and precautionary measures learned from it not just as temporary mitigation but as an asset to be followed and adopted for the long-term as the new norm especially given some of the infrastructure cost has already been incurred.

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

A: From what I noticed, the Village has been somewhat over-reliant on consultancy and professional services that tend to be costly and not always bring the value they are expected to add. This is a low-hanging fruit with respect to cost savings opportunities.

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: When founded in 1960, Green Oaks aspired a countryside lifestyle among the surrounding industrial expansion. An ordinance mandating residential development of single-family homes on fairly-sized lots was relied upon for carrying this vision. And it did. Today, Green Oaks offers a great environment for raising socially responsible families, a blessing we are grateful for every day. The flip side though is such geographically-spread model is not the most conducive for social interactions, an important aspect of what makes a community. School being almost the sole public forum where families meet, empty-nesters are left to their own devices for integrating their community. Last year's Santa Claus parade was greatly welcomed by residents but was also a reminder of the unmet need lying within and how untapped is the sense of community at Green Oaks. As such, one infrastructure that I always wish we had is walkways/bikeways that promote nonmotorized mobility. Lake County is planning one project (Patriot Path) that is a step toward this goal. I would collaborate with the county to ensure the constituents' interests (safety/convenience) are well represented with this project

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

A: Yes, as inconvenient as it may be for business owners, public safety takes precedence and trusting governor's orders and adhering to them is our best guidance to navigate the pandemic. No one is above the law and businesses should adhere to governor's orders.

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: The board's position on this issue is reflected in ordinance 17 of 2019 (passed on 8/28/2019), and which amends the Municipal Code to prohibit Cannabis Business Establishment within the Village. This is a position that represents the views of many constituents including myself and I will not look to change it.

I believe that marijuana's potential harm exceeds its benefits. Legal marijuana makes its illegal use all the more accessible. It is a leading cause of substance dependence adding to the growing list of addictive behaviors that target our youth like alcohol and tobacco on top of the more recent spike in screen time that we witness during the pandemic. Youth particular vulnerability is aggravated by their brain developmental stage. Many problems and costs are associated with Marijuana use like driving accidents, crime, and emergency room traffic. The negative effects of Marijuana go beyond the user and well into society at large.

If allowed, marijuana will work against the favorable environment that Green Oaks strives to provide for raising socially responsible families. As such I am aligned with the Village stance to prohibit its sales.

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

A: I currently serve on our Homeowners' Association Board where among things we look to strengthen our subdivision's sense of community. If given the chance to serve at the Village, this would be an initiative I would look to scale up to the community level. Green Oaks harvested a diversely rich character over the years of its existence, an asset that its residents are entitled to discover and benefit from when brought closer together.

I would also look at optimizing the Village's public communications strategy and tactical mix of media. An example of what would have lent itself to a proactive email is warning residents about intruders preying on local residents during COVID with various scams. Also, data warrants a proactive communication reminding residents on the importance of code requirements in protecting residents' personal safety and property value as well as the overall appeal of the community.

I close with touching on my professional background which has over 20 years of advanced analytics applied to commercial execution including contract negotiations. I am eager to put to work for public service aiming at fiscal responsibility and stewardship toward taxpayers.