Ashfaq Syed: 2023 candidate for Naperville City Council, 4-year term

Bio

Town: Naperville

Age on Election Day: 49

Occupation: Banking

Employer: Hanmi Bank

Previous offices held: Appointed to Naperville Public Library board in 2020

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: One of the biggest issues that Naperville (and other cities) will face in the coming years is an increase in mental health issues that will directly impact the youth, the elderly and community safety.

The implications from the stress of the pandemic combined with an impending recession will take its toll on many residents causing an increase in mental health.

The first thing the city council needs to do is recognize the problem and allocate resources for our public safety (fire, police and emergency services) to proactively address this.

We need more counselors who can assist our first responders in crisis intervention programs. Racial, social and economic inequities are real challenges and we do not want people suffering with mental health challenges to slip through the cracks.

We also need to pay extra attention to our senior population which was at high risk and suffered the most due to isolation and sickness.

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

A: The city finances as of the end of 2022 seem relatively healthy and are estimated to get slightly better as reflected by the 2023 budget. With an increase in the resident population and a revival of the hospitality industry, the retail sales tax revenue is estimated to increase by over 10% and the city's share of state income tax is also expected to increase.

However, some of these predictions may be dampened by a possible recession and this is the year that the city needs to watch its spending. My experience in the finance industry can be of great value to make sure that we are judiciously spending our tax dollars.

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

A: Attract new businesses to incorporate in the City of Naperville by offering innovative opportunities. Promote local businesses. Encourage minority and women owned enterprises.

Access to homeownership/rental. Identify criteria for eligible segment of Naperville residents in most need for affordable housing. Collaborate with housing institutions, such as homeownership counseling agencies, financial literacy, housing finance agencies; leverage federal and state housing subsidies/grants

Community safety. Build trust between law enforcement and community. Diversity and cultural sensitivity programming for law enforcement. Effective use of technology such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, cyber security, and more.

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

A: We should not cut spending on services that directly impact the residents. The way to cut spending is to find efficiencies in the system to reduce costs as well as better sourcing.

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: I see capital investment in water and wastewater infrastructure to be the top priority mainly due to the aging water mains.

With the growing population in Naperville, the strain on this infrastructure gets greater and it is a service/resource that just cannot be compromised.

During these uncertain times, I would hold off on beautification projects and other projects that don't directly impact services and revenue generation.

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: My vast experience in a group setting stems from my positions on various city boards and commissions including the Naperville Public Library Board, Loaves & Fishes, Naperville Neighbors United and co-chair, 2020 U.S. Census Naperville Complete Count Committee.

In each of these positions, I have been a part of critical decision making by collaborating with all the other board members and Naperville leaders.

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

A: I am passionate about Naperville and my track record of contributions have directly impacted the residents of Naperville. In addition to serving on the boards mentioned above, I was co-chair of the 2020 U.S. Census Naperville Complete Count Committee.

My significant contribution to the committee resulted in Naperville being ranked the highest in the country with a direct correlation to the federal funds allocated to Naperville.

Moreover, in an increasingly diverse community, I would bring a fresh perspective representing a fairly large segment of the population

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

A: I want to find innovative ways to leverage the large empty retail units in Naperville to encourage recession proof businesses to establish in Naperville that will generate sales tax and property tax revenue.