Reid Foltyniewicz: 2022 candidate for DuPage County Board District 4

Bio

Party: Republican

Office sought: DuPage County Board District 4

City: Lombard

Age: No answer

Occupation: Deputy chief, Oak Brook Police Department

Previous offices held: Lombard Village Board Trustee, 2013-21

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: Property taxes have been out of control for too long, driven by overspending politicians and governments that don't have balanced budgets. We must work to reduce spending to keep taxes low and even lower taxes wherever possible. We can do this because I've done it before.

As chairman of the Finance & Administration Committee for the village of Lombard, I was known for my efforts to streamline government services and eliminate luxuries our taxpayers couldn't afford. On the DuPage County Board, I will demand a balanced budget that plans for the future and doesn't kick cans down the road. I will focus on core services while finding creative ways to save tax dollars.

I will fight Springfield politicians' unfunded mandates and push our state legislators to address the pension crisis. And I will work to support our county businesses and bring new job creators to DuPage County. This is how we make DuPage County a destination, so people move here - and stay here.

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: My first answer is mental health services, but you ask a specific question about that later in this questionnaire. My focus here will be on our elected officials needing to actively serve the public.

I hate it when politicians say, "my door is always open." That's lazy leadership, putting all the responsibility on the public to reach out, build a relationship, and solve their problem. That's not how I operate.

I go directly to the people I represent. When I was elected village trustee in Lombard, I got business cards and went to the doors of those who voted to thank them for participating, gave them my card, and asked what I could do to help their family and our community. Then I continued communicating with them and built a direct relationship.

As a DuPage County Board member, I will continue to focus on active local community service because that doesn't cost taxpayers anything.

Q: Should the county board continue to start its regular board meetings with an invocation? Please say why or why not.

A: I believe the invocation is a time of reflection, regardless of religion or beliefs. When I'm on the county board, my time will be spent focusing on issues that will lower taxes, bring jobs to DuPage County, and keep our communities and families safe.

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: Absolutely. I've had enough of the childish, Chicago-style politics on our county board. We're there to serve DuPage County, not grandstand or create division. I will work with anyone willing to put politics aside and do what's best for the families of DuPage County.

Q: If your political party has control of the county board after the November election, how would that benefit DuPage residents?

A: DuPage County residents will have lower taxes and safer communities.

Q: The COVID pandemic put a spotlight on the need for mental health services. What role should the county play in this?

A: This is a big area where we're lacking as a county, and it's been made evident to me during my 16-year career in law enforcement. I've seen people with mental health issues get forced into the criminal justice system, never having the opportunity to solve or get to the root of their problem.

I will work to prioritize victim services and mental health. Keeping the public safe isn't just about law and order; we must also support victims and assist those with mental health issues who shouldn't simply be forced into the criminal justice system. I will also work to ensure our sheriff's and local police departments have the training and personnel they need to continue to evolve and improve as they handle these delicate situations.

Q: What is the single most important issue facing your district and how should the county address it?

A: Our biggest challenge is the crime coming out of Chicago and Cook County. I have dedicated my life to making our communities safe. On the DuPage County Board, I will continue that vital work.

I'm done with this violent crime invading DuPage County. Our top priority must be keeping people safe. We need to prevent crime, and when crime does occur, criminals must be charged and locked up. Thankfully, we have an excellent sheriff, state's attorney, and judges in our county who are doing just that.

To help strengthen our efforts to keep families safe, I will make sure our sheriff's department and local police departments have the training and personnel they need to continue evolving and improving. I will fight to make combating the heroin and the opioid epidemic in our community a priority. And I will work to institute a countywide Citizen's Police Academy to help educate residents on ways to help keep themselves and their families safe.