Mark A. Mulliner: 2023 candidate for Elmhurst City Council Ward 7

Bio

Town: Elmhurst

Age on Election Day: 65

Occupation: Retired

Employer: My family

Previous offices held: Elmhurst City Council since 1999

Q&A

Q: What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council respond to it?

A: Public safety is one of the most serious issues facing Elmhurst today. We need continue to find, hire, train and support the best police officers and firefighters available today. We need to continue to have the police and fire department personally reach out everyone in the City of Elmhurst, so that people can develop a personal connection to our police and fire staff.

Additionally, we need to review and look to new technology and practices for both departments and other departments in the city.

Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?

A: We currently have a AAA bond rating for the City of Elmhurst as we have for decades. A main focus of the current city council and city Staff is to control spending, while providing the highest services for everyone in Elmhurst. For the past 5 years, the city council has not raised the property taxes.

Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?

A: The three top priorities are Public Safety & Health, Economic Development, and Communications. I have addressed Police and Fire. Keeping our public infrastructure in good working order is how we help to keep everyone healthy. Economic development throughout the city helps to keep our taxes low. Increased communication through the use of technology and personal outreach helps the community to understand what the city is doing.

Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?

A: We review all of the city's operations on an annual basis through the budgeting process. During the budget time any number of items have reduced or eliminated.

Q: What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

A: The most important infrastructure project is to continue to work on the projects that we have been working on during the past few years.

For example, we will be working on stormwater management, sanitary water management, waste water treatment plant upgrades, and our water delivery pipe (water pipe) replacement plan. These projects are all important to keeping the people of Elmhurst safe and healthy. Funding should come from grants, water rates, and bonds.

During uncertain economic times, we scale back on road work. We delay new projects that will not affect the health and/or safety of the people of Elmhurst. We did this during the COVID shutdown as well as during the 2007-08 recession.

Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your city council.

A: I will identify the problem or issue, look at the cost/benefit. If it make sense, I will bring to the committee, research solutions. I listen to the members of the committee, city staff and other outside experts. I will discuss it with the committee, come to an agreement.

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

A: I use a common-sense approach to the city council. I look at issues that are brought to us, look to see if the issue is truly a problem in the city and/or will it make the city better for all. Then by working with staff and other council members, we work to find a solution. I have understanding of the history of Elmhurst, as well as a vision to continue to move Elmhurst forward.

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

A: I believe that the people of Elmhurst would be better served with a government center. One location that would house, city hall, park district offices, school district offices, and possibly a walk-up Post Office.

The cost savings would be great and the intragovernmental cooperation would improve. I see a lot of opportunities for all. The four groups can do much more together.