Chodri Ma Khokhar: 2021 candidate for Glendale Heights Village president
In the race for Glendale Heights Village President, incumbent Linda Jackson is facing challengers Chodri Ma Khokhar, Mike Ontiveroz and Edward Pope for the top spot in the April 6, 2021, election.
In-person early voting with paper ballots is now available 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: Glendale Heights
Age: 64
Occupation: Self-employed business consultant; former adjunct professor of criminal justice at College of DuPage; former law professor of U.S. Constitutional law, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan; guest speaker on Pakistan Television, Lahore, spoke on U.S. Immigration Laws and International Court of Justice
Civic involvements: Trustee for Glenside Public Library District Board for last six years
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: My role is to see every resident in Glendale Heights receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Charity begins at home, Glendale Heights is my home. Police, fireman, and senior citizens are on priority list. Action is better than rendering opinion, sometimes disagreeing with people is OK, render an opinion.
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: I have seen Glendale Heights Village Hall services to its constituents during the disruptions caused by pandemic but it's not enough. As village president, I will be on the phone calling senior citizens vulnerable to COVID-19. Some senior citizens never answer doorbells or phones, no problem, no criticism. Food distribution, clothing, utility maintenance, and vaccination shall be provided on regular basis to senior citizens, children, and needy people. I will involve religious and charity organizations for this purpose.
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 will continue speaking with federal and state governments and keep village updated. Communication is the key. Village of Glendale Heights's constant communication with people, neighbors, police, and firefighter will be my priorities.
Q: What cuts can local government make to reduce the burden of the pandemic on taxpayers?
A: Posting standard operating procedures, promoting good sanitary habits, washing hands and food, eating fresh and free of viruses food, and using mask in public places and stores. I have spoken with my son, Dr. Suhail Khokhar. He emphasized on continuing practices of common sense and admired outstanding police efforts in enforcing federal and state health policy related to the present pandemic.
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: Generally, board, household cut spending and eliminate waste based on analysis of number of employees. Inexpensive products available continue on bidding process. Feasibility of constructing a bridge over the intersection of North Avenue and President Street with the help of county and state governments.
We absolutely need a dog park/area where dogs can run and socialize. We are dog lover nation and community. Dogs are faithful companions, I support only if adequate amount of land and funding are available. Owners will be responsible for picking dog poop and throw in big barrels. Small bags and hand gloves will be provided to the owners of the dogs. Benches will be installed in dog park where dog owners can sit and talk with other dog owners.
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the stance your board has taken on permitting recreational marijuana sales in the community? What would you change about that stance, if you could?
A: Safe stance and safe position might respect freedom of choice of the people. We have to collect and study relevant data and find out law for medical use and recreational use. None users, senior citizens, adult, and conservative citizens are no problem for medical use.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: As a village president, I will break the status quo, provide the best services to people that they deserve, and hold village hall accountable to its residents.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: My academic credentials, law graduation from The John Marshall Law School, master's in criminal justice from the University of Illinois, and an extensive experience of teaching law and criminal justice, coupled with 6-year Glenside Library Board, overseeing a budget of $31 million, Pakistan Television. Helping opening mid-size businesses and experience with people and community involvement.