Paula Deacon Garcia: 2022 candidate for DuPage County Board District 2
Bio
Party: Democrat
Office sought: DuPage County Board District 2
City: Lisle
Age: Not given
Occupation: DuPage County Board Member, and retired municipal worker
Previous offices held: None
Q&A
Q: Describe your position regarding the balance between county spending and revenues as it exists today, then describe the chief threats you see looming in the future and how the county should deal with them.
A: DuPage County (unfortunately due to COVID) has had an influx of money in the last few years. This has allowed many projects to be planned to help with stormwater mitigation, road infrastructure, solutions to homelessness, and more up-to-date (and safer) living quarters for our residents and staff at the DuPage Care Center. I am proud that we have also done a pay equity study for our staff as they are the ones that do all the work. The balance is deciding what is a project that is the best for the County and is also sustainable. We don't want to be trying to find money down the line to sustain approved projects from today. We need to be fiscally responsible in all decisions.
Q: Is there a specific service or amenity that is lacking in the county? If so, how do you propose to provide and fund it?
A: The DuPage Health Department will be bringing before the County Board a plan for a Central Receiving Center that will help people that may be suffering from mental health issues. So when the police are called they can take the residents to this Center instead of the Correctional Center. A grant for partial payment of this Central Receiving Center has been applied for by State Rep. Deb Conroy and has been awarded. I have already brought up to the DuPage County Board that money should be set aside for this much-needed facility from the ARPA funds.
Q: Should the county board continue to start its regular board meetings with an invocation? Please say why or why not.
A: I am a firm believer in the separation of Church and Government - I truly believe this is something that is not needed. While this is what I believe - I do believe that if the beliefs of all residents are done in these invocations then there are many more important issues we should be concentrating on.
Q: Does there need to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board? If yes, what would you do to help make that happen?
A: Bipartisanship on important issues does happen for the most part. We are all working hard on the committees to follow the facts, work for solutions and do the best for our residents. I am a bit dismayed when an issue becomes politicized and the facts are not followed. I plan to have more conversations with all board members when I see this happening and make sure the facts are explained on the board floor - Something I have tried to do this term.
Q: If your political party has control of the county board after the November election, how would that benefit DuPage residents?
A: The board has had a Democratic majority since 2020 and I have seen great solutions being found. Democrats are looking at buildings that haven't been improved in decades and finding plans to make them safer for residents and staff. There is always an ongoing discussion between us on how to make the quality of living in DuPage the best for all residents - no matter who they are. I feel that all residents would benefit from the solution-based thinking of the Democrats.
Q: The COVID pandemic put a spotlight on the need for mental health services. What role should the county play in this?
A: Other than the Central Receiving Center which I already mentioned, the DuPage County Health Department through Behavioral Services is planning ways to help in so many ways. I am on the Behavioral Collaborative and we have discussions about trends that are happening and solutions that can help. One thing that I am so happy about is that the 988 helpline is now available so that people experiencing a mental health issue can call or text 988 and talk to someone 24/7. DuPage County, since 988 started in July of 2022 has received the highest amount of calls in Illinois. The county should help by finding ways to staff the 988 and help the Health Department to staff mental health counselors. There is a high demand for professionals to help and we have to make it a priority to help the Health Department in any way with this need.
Q: What is the single most important issue facing your district and how should the county address it?
A: This is a difficult question as I believe that there are many important issues - but one thing that is really needed in my district and around the whole county is affordable housing. Younger adults who are trying to start their careers, young adults with disabilities that yearn for independent living, single parents trying to
create nice homes for their families and senior citizens wanting to stay in the county they raised their family in but want to downsize. There are few and far between places for these groups to stay in DuPage. I would love to have conversations with municipal stakeholders, developers and concerned groups to get this started in the county.