Anita Mital, Burr Ridge Trustee Candidate

BURR RIDGE, IL — Anita Mital is one of the five candidates for three seats on the Burr Ridge Village Board. Here are her responses to the Patch questionnaire:

Anita Mital

Age (as of Election Day)

55

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

NO

Education

Masters in Early Childhood Education, India
CLU, CHFC, RICP, American College of Financial Services
CFP, Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards

Occupation

Financial Advisor for over 11 years

Campaign website

https://www.facebook.com/Vote1...

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Trustee, 2017 to present
Chairperson of the Complete Count Committee (2020)
Chairperson of the Event Committee (2019 to present)

The single most pressing issue facing our village is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Covid-19 has not only had devastating physical and mental health consequences for our residents, it has also had distressing economic consequences for our businesses. As we continue to cautiously advance mitigation measures, I will work to help our small businesses who have been adversely affected by the pandemic. Our Village needs to have a robust and thriving Village Center, which has been further impacted by Covid-19. We need to bring new businesses and new sources of revenue to the Village---now more than ever. I intend to work with the Village Center, County Line Square and other properties to plan and implement ideas to attract new businesses. This will provide greater revenue sources to the village to finance capital improvement projects, pension commitments and keep Burr Ridge “a very special place.”

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

I am a first generation American and a person of color. I believe in treating everyone around me with love and respect regardless of their color or socioeconomic status. I do not condone violence or looting.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

I do believe the Board has always made great efforts to support racial equality. Not only am I a woman of color and provide diversity to our board, but our Village itself is comprised of diverse backgrounds, all of which make up everything that is beautiful about Burr Ridge. Our committees and volunteers who serve are representative of the resident make up of Burr Ridge as well. We are an inclusive Village and as a sitting Trustee, I feel that we are very supportive of all the residents.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

We have a pandemic on our hands. It is my responsibility as a Trustee and individual to do what I can to prevent the spread of the virus. I personally believe in wearing a face covering when I am in a public setting.
I think it is appropriate for businesses and places of retail to require their employees and customers to wear masks to be socially responsible and prevent the spread of this deadly disease. The Village of Burr Ridge has done a wonderful job to support our restaurants by putting the tent program in place. My husband and I supported the local restaurants and enjoyed the outdoor dining experience multiple times. I was happy to see that our restaurants were following the outdoor dining guidelines.
This effort to keep our businesses open during the pandemic went a long way to support our business.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

I would like to work with the local distribution centers to ensure that the rollout is smooth and the maximum number people are able to receive the vaccine in the shortest amount of time possible. This could be as simple as educating people about how to sign up for the vaccine and—the million-dollar question—where they can find it? As the vaccine is distributed and becomes available locally, it will be our number one priority to distribute to our residents. We have already had success with a local Burr Ridge business facilitating this effort.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have had the pleasure of serving on the village board for the past four years. We are all independent, critical thinkers who have different perspectives and ideas. Many times we agree….and many times we do not, but that is the beauty of having six trustees and a Mayor serving you on the Board. There should absolutely be differences of opinion and many conversations on topics. I believe a diverse board is a rich board that brings different perspectives so that we can come to the best solution. I would stress that these conversations must be respectfully had and all who serve should focus on being a part of the solution----not creating problems. I have treated, and will continue to treat the Mayor, Village Staff, residents and our Police Department with respect, and follow due process to get answers to any questions I may have.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I am for growth and exploring new options to get new businesses and revenue for the village. This will help keep our taxes low. The residents’ involvement and their input is very important to me.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have worked as a financial advisor for the past 11 years. I help my clients with their financial needs in a fiscally responsible manner. I have been on this board for the last four years and I have had the opportunity to review three budgets. I know the importance of having a balanced budget and making sure that we use our dollars where they are most needed in the most efficient manner possible. I know the importance of getting multiple bids, to lock in low pricing.
As the chairperson of the Complete Count Committee, I led a dedicated group of resident volunteers who helped engage our residents and inform them of the importance of the Census. We used centers of influence, religious leaders, advertising and public events to get our message across. I also work with the Events Committee to make sure that we have fun activities in Burr Ridge for all age groups in our Village. Covid-19 has provided new challenges, but we are working towards having events which follow the social distancing guidelines.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

I will make sure that the residents views and concerns are heard and represented at the board level. I will focus on having a balanced budget and focusing on cost cutting measures with the support of the village staff. I will work with the Village center and County line square to listen to their challenges and come up with a plan to attract more places of dining, shopping and fun. We have the best access to highways and are surrounded by a lot of neighboring villages who don't have similar amenities. It is important to take advantage of our strategic location.

Why should voters trust you?

I have always had the best interest of the residents at heart. I have demonstrated respect, integrity and responsibility in the Board Room.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

I have a fiscal responsibility to use taxpayer dollars in the most efficient manner possible. Our staff does their due diligence to make sure they get multiple bids for projects, take advantage of grants for capital improvement projects and are proactive in seeking bids early to lock in the lowest price. I would like to work with staff to make sure that we are taking advantage of all the discounts and cost saving measures that become available in the future years.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

NO

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Listen to everyone, get the facts and then make your own decision.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My husband and I have lived in Burr Ridge for 26 years. I am a Certified Financial Planner and my husband is a Kidney Transplant Surgeon. I also volunteer as a board member for the Chicago Foundation for Women and serve as a committee member for the Western Suburbs Giving Circle: both organizations support charities that help women.
I also worked at Gower School District as a substitute teacher, while my children attended and thrived at Gower and Hinsdale South High School.