David Kupczyk: 2023 candidate for Pingree Grove Village Board, 4-year

Bio

Town: Pingree Grove

Age on Election Day: 72

Occupation: Retired

Employer: Retired

Previous offices held: Appointed to Pingree Grove Village Board in November 2022

Q&A

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

A: Growth of commercial/retail business will be imperative for the future of Pingree Grove.

While some candidates are calling for a moratorium on new residential housing, I find this to be counter productive. Businesses follow population growth and any hindrance to that growth would, in my opinion, be detrimental to attracting new commerce.

We have invested in a preliminary retail market study by Melaniphy & Associates to assist prospects with current detailed market information and projected growth/outlooks. We now need to invest in infrastructure improvements to enhance our position in a competitive marketplace.

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

A: The 2020 census confirmed a 22% increase in our population. This increase in population had a positive effect on monies received from the state.

The village was also successful in aggressively pursuing the following: 1. Richard J. Brown & 72 Intersection - $150,00 grant from DCEO (2020/2021) 2. Water Treatment Plant #2 - $3,500,000 community project funding from Congresswoman Underwood (2021) 3. Water Treatment Plant Principal Forgiveness - $400,000 from IEPA loan program (2022) 4. Cambridge Lakes North #2 Annexation Agreement - $250,000 1st phase acreage fee (2022) 5. FY26 Reinking/Damisch Improvement - $2,500,000 awarded through Surface Transportation Program (KKCOM) (2022)

These various grants, project funding and such totaling close to $7 million dollars has enabled Pingree Grove to stretch taxpayers dollars without overextending ourselves financially.

Our current, solid financial footing reflects our responsibility with taxpayer dollars.

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

A: 1. Public safety and timely response to calls for police service. This can be accomplished by hiring additional officers in order to achieve a ratio of police officers to population that reflects that of surrounding communities. Negotiating a new contract with the police union that will keep Pingree Grove competitive in attracting qualified applicants and keeping them here.

2. Commercial/retail growth. Continue to finance our Infrastructure & Commercial Redevelopment Assistance Grant Program and add new infrastructure needed to make our community a desirable area for commercial/retail expansion.

3. Public works. Keeping Pingree Grove a clean, well maintained and desirable place to live and raise a family. Streamlining and/or updating digital technologies that benefit all our residents in their dealings with the village.

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

A: I feel the current administration has done a good job in being responsible with taxpayers dollars up to this point. However, new state mandated police pension payments and a new police contract will place a heavier burden on the budget then we have previously dealt with.

Being a Non-Home-Rule Community, we are somewhat limited in ways to find new revenues. In February, the current board will begin work on the next fiscal budget. Until that process begins, it's difficult to say what, if any, areas of spending will need to be curtailed.

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: Construction of waste water treatment plant #2 and extending a sanitary trunk sewer and lift station to serve the Route 47 commercial corridor.

While upcoming budget talks will do more to address exactly how these infrastructures will be paid for, there are a few items that could have an impact.

1. Canadian Pacific Community Investment Agreement - $700,000 (pending STB approval of merger)

2. Waste Water Treatment Plant Principal Forgiveness - $5,000,000 from IEPA loan program (pending approval of loan agreement)

3. Cambridge Lakes North #2 Annexation Agreement - $603,000

4. Cambridge Lakes North #2 Local Road Impact Fee - $98,100

At one point during 2022 a new multiuse path along Route 72 was proposed by the village. The cost of this path would be around $2.2 million dollars. If we get the grant we applied for it would lower our cost to under $500,000. Should the grant money not come through, this project may have to be put on the back burner, depending on budgetary constraints.

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 village board.

A: As a village trustee, I have the responsibility to vote on proposals brought before the board. Those decisions should be based on what's best for the village as a whole. Realizing I can't possibly be an expert on all aspects of village affairs, I confer with others who are better versed in various areas. This could include, but not limited to, our chief of police, village manager, director of public works, other trustees, and our village president.

Keeping an open mind while inviting an exchange of ideas can brings new ideas to light and promotes good faith and compromise.

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

A: I'm invested in Pingree Grove, both financially and emotionally. The village a wonderful, diverse community and a great place to raise a family. A place I'm proud to call home for the past 8 years. I believe in being involved in my community.

I began attending Village board meetings long before serving as a trustee. I have also been a volunteer, helping the village special events committee with different celebrations.

Prior to moving to Pingree Grove, I served the people of the city of Chicago for 20 years, both as a patrolman and detective. It always has been, and will continue to be, my goal to represent all residents of Pingree Grove, to show fiscal restraint with taxpayers dollars and respect/consideration for the thoughts and opinions of those I represent.

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

A: This is perhaps the most difficult question, as it being election season and so many "pie in the sky" ideas are being dished up on social media by the various candidates.

While most of these "ideas" may be good for rousing emotions and gaining votes, I think they hardly have a place in a serious discussion about which direction the village should be moving.

So I'll risk being boring and mention something that I've yet to hear from the other candidates; that is to continue with measured, well thought-out growth plans. Plans that will benefit the quality of life for all our residents, keep us on a stable financial path and take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves in the future.