Eric J. Swets: 2021 candidate for Itasca village board
Seven candidates are squaring off for three 4-year seats on Itasca Village Board in the April 6 election. They are incumbents Jeffrey T. Aiani and Frank J. Madaras, and challengers Joshua Beauchamp, Patrick A. Powers, Dustin Sneath, Eric J. Swets, and Jennifer C. Troutman.
The Daily Herald asked the candidates several questions about issues facing the village.
Below are Swets's responses.
In-person early voting is 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
City: Itasca
Age: Candidate did not respond
Occupation: Construction business owner at Swets Construction Inc.
Civic involvement: Itasca Planning Commissioner
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 believe we need to open our town and schools
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: Candidate did not respond.
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: Candidate did not respond.
Q: What cuts can local government make to reduce the burden of the pandemic on taxpayers?
A: Not sure if there is much they can do that will make a significant impact. Opening businesses will make a larger impact.
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 village needs to address property flooding and street resurfacing first and foremost. We need to stop spending money on comprehensive and strategic plans that we don't end up using or following.
Q: Do you plan to address businesses that don't adhere to the governor's order to close or restrict business?
A: No, I have disagreed with closures from the start.
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: I agree with the village to opt-out. If necessary, we can always amend this to allow the sale if it is beneficial to the community.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: Candidate did not respond.