David Brummel: 2021 candidate for Warrenville mayor

In the April 6 consolidated election, incumbent David Brummel is running for reelection as Warrenville mayor, for a new 4-year term, against former Alderman Michael Hoffmann. Hoffmann did not respond to the questionnaire.

Bio

City: Warrenville

Age: 74

Occupation: Business owner/cabinetmaker, Rymar Kitchens Inc.

Civic involvement: Warrenville Plan Commission, 1997-99; 3rd Ward Alderman, City of Warrenville, 1999-2005; Mayor, City of Warrenville, 2005-present; BOD member, DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference, as well as two-time past president DMMC; Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee, DU-COMM, 2011-present; member and Vice Chair of DuPage County Stormwater Committee, 2015-present; Member BOD, DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2014-present; 2017 recipient of DMMC Intergovernmental Cooperation Award; 2016 Mayor of the Year Award, United Hellenic Voters of America, DU-COMM

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: Every decision I make regarding the pandemic is, and will be, informed by the guidance of the DuPage County Health Department recommendations, as well as requirements/recommendations of the state and federal 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: Our service levels have not been adversely affected, save for steps taken to protect staff and the public by contact and scheduling changes, and public building accessibility restrictions.

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: There will certainly be adjustments in procedures, especially those activities that involve contact with the public and public meetings. We are already doing more business online, including permit applications and inspections. Some precautions will no longer be necessary at some point, but exactly what changes will prove to be permanent will be determined as we proceed.

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

A: Warrenville has always been fiscally conservative, with no bonded debt against the general fund. We continue to maintain a lean staff, and have deferred filling some openings to cut expenses. We have also deferred some capital purchases and projects that could be delayed without serious consequence. We will concentrate on protecting service levels and staff by making adjustments in spending, rather than tax increases, to bridge the gap between the onset of the pandemic and recovery.

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: We have a highly contaminated former gas station site in the Old Town Civic Center. The city has purchased this parcel, along with two other contiguous parcels with the intention of cleaning them up to a residential standard to allow for quality redevelopment with an open space component. As with all of our projects, we will secure outside funding for the majority of the cost for each step in the redevelopment, which will be over the course of several years. We have already deferred some equipment purchases as well as road projects, and filing open staff positions.

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 completely with the city council decisions regarding this issue.

Q: Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your city council.

A: I strive to encourage responsible and community-minded individuals with solid portfolios in profession and service to run for public office and serve on our commissions. I do my best to see that they have all they need to make informed decisions by making sure we have excellent staff to provide the information and context for decisions that serve the long-term best interests of Warrenville. I provide my insights and or opinions when appropriate, but otherwise trust that good people with good information and good intentions will make good decisions. This approach has worked so far.

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

A: I can think of nothing that has not been discussed at some point over the years. I would like to see a rental registration/ crime-free housing program designed and implemented when we are able. I also am excited about our trailhead plan for the Prairie Path that will help facilitate the redevelopment of the bank building complex with new boutique-type businesses, which has already begun.

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

A: The best predictor of future performance is past performance. I have served in the public life of the community that I grew up in for the past 24 continuous years. Warrenville during that time has prospered by all substantive standards. I have lived nearly my entire life in Warrenville, married my childhood sweetheart-Warrenville girl 53 years ago, and built our home here in 1975, where we raised our two children and still reside. My father was born in a house in Warrenville in 1913, and also lived his whole life here. My roots are deep and my dedication and competence are proven. Four more years of service is my fondest wish.

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

A: We follow up complaints (which have been few) with a warning and education efforts. Serious complaints are referred to the DuPage County Health Department for appropriate action.