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John N. Anos: 2023 candidate for Oak Brook Village Board

Bio

Town: Oak Brook

Age on Election Day:

Occupation: Salesman

Employer: Case Paper Co.

Previous offices held: None

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: Public safety is the most serious issue facing our community in the years ahead. Oak Brook has invested significant resources to have a fully-staffed police department, along with the addition of a K-9 unit. While we live in what many would consider a safe community, our shopping district makes us a more visible town.

Recognizing this, the village board and many homeowners have opted into a program to provide license plate readers near the entrance of their subdivisions. We have outstanding police and fire departments in Oak Brook and I believe we need to continue to remain vigilant and support the resources they need to continue to keep our village safe.

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

A: The decision to adopt a zero-based budgeting system has positioned us for greater transparency and accountability, which I fully support. The rather large turn around with the Sports Core was the result of work done by our committee as well as, trustees Larry Herman and Mike Manzo and village manager Greg Summers.

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

A: Technology, resident communication, and public safety

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

A: While I believe zero-based budgeting will alleviate any previous concerns, I think the village manager and his team will continue vetting all upcoming projects to be as cost-efficient as possible without lowering standards.

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: Water mains and roads throughout the village and around the mall. The Village of Oak Brook is in a strong position financially and that allows us to address these needs proactively rather than needing to be reactive in the future.

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: I have been part of the Sports Core Advisory Committee for the last four years, and the last two years as a co-chair of the committee. This committee has allowed me the opportunity to interact with Oak Brook residents and village trustees and staff to hear their thoughts and concerns.

I've always maintained an open and collaborative working style in which all voices are heard and considered. I believe honesty and constructive feedback will either strengthen a position or point out flaws.

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

A: As a small-business owner, this has taught me the importance of listening, to treat others with respect, and consider all opinions before coming to a decision. I was born and raised in Oak Brook, and have been a longtime resident of this community. I have a vested interest in the growth and safety of this community. I believe this is the best town to raise a family and we have so much to offer the community, and I only want to see it continue to thrive.

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

A: Families and businesses are experiencing the long-term effects of COVID in both positive and negative ways. I would like to see a village survey sent to residents and business owners to better understand their unique needs and experiences.

The Village of Oak Brook offers a number of resources for residents and in a time when families are bombarded with information and commitments, we need to target our communication efforts to more efficiently and effectively reach our community.

While we're relatively small in size, we have the feel of a larger community due to Oak Brook Mall. We're extremely fortunate as the mall offsets the property taxes for real estate owners, but as we've come out of the pandemic, we must remember small business owners in our community and how to support them. I'd like the village trustees to spearhead this project and have a listening tour to understand the ever-evolving needs and experiences our community members.

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