Mary Sullivan, Darien Ward 5 Candidate

DARIEN, IL — Mary Sullivan is one of two candidates running for the Ward 5 seat on the Darien City Council in the April 6 election. Here are her responses to the Patch questionnaire:

Mary Sullivan

Age (as of Election Day)

53

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelors of Science in Business & Political Science, Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois

Occupation

Current City Council Member for Darien since May 2019, Freelance writer/editor, Community Volunteer currently devoting time to Hinsdale South Booster Club serving as President and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Food Pantry volunteer & coordinator.

Campaign website

www.marysullivan.org

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

City of Darien Planning & Zoning Board 2017-2019, City of Darien Alderperson Ward 5 May 2019 – current

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

The single most pressing issue is Covid-19 and the impact this global pandemic has had on our residents and businesses. This pandemic has further impacted our city’s finances. As an elected official, it is my intent to make decisions that will serve and protect our community while continuing to shore up Darien’s financial position. I want to ensure services and support are provided to our citizens and strive to keep political posturing out of this health and economic crisis.

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 firmly against racial injustice. I support peaceful protests. I do not condone any violence or rioting that has taken place in the past. I am an advocate of the 1st Amendment and everything it stands for, as well as the other rights the US constitution affords its citizens.

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

Even in smaller communities like Darien, I see room for growth and progress when it comes to racial equality and equal opportunity in the work force both public and private. Darien is a diverse community and City Hall is very mindful of this and continues to evaluate different ways to provide equal opportunities for its 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?

It is hard to fathom that it has been 12 months since our world has been turned upside down with Covid-19. So many lives have been lost and forever changed because of this global pandemic. Much has been learned since the beginning and throughout. I do believe it is time to re-open our businesses under cautionary protocol. Our economy has suffered greatly, businesses need to open to survive and people need to work. The toll this virus has taken on our mental health will linger for a long time as well. This will also seriously need to be addressed along with the desperate need for better vaccine distribution. Federal and State officials have urged us to follow the science, yet I do not believe decisions have always been made in support of the science and have personally questioned how the determination was made on what is essential and non-essential. The livelihood of our residents is always essential. Mayor Marchese and City Hall have been at the forefront of Covid issues and have actively participated in numerous task forces. Darien has been actively involved in every possible level in terms of getting informational and economic support through the county, state and federal governments.
Illinois already has a state-wide mask mandate and now the Federal government is also making additional mandates.

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?

Approval of the vaccines have taken place in record time. I am, however, extremely disenchanted with the rollout process. With our healthcare workers now vaccinated, the rollout to our senior citizens and most vulnerable has been a daunting process. It should not be this way. The shots need to be distributed to this group in a streamlined process. The only way we can ever resume some sense of normalcy is to vaccinate our population. The City of Darien has been actively involved with the county in preparing for distribution. I am relieved to see progress being made with local distributions centers being established, like the one at Hinsdale South High School set to open. This will help to enhance the distribution process and target our educators and essential frontline workers.

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

I have the best interest at heart for all my constituents in Ward 5 and the community of Darien as a whole. I have no personal agenda. I am an open-minded, approachable individual who wants to continue to represent my community and be their voice at the city council. I have shown a commitment to my post and have no intention of traveling for a significant amount of time what would prevent me from representing Ward 5 at council meetings, committee meetings or other activities.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

a) Maintain a safe and resilient community
b) Be a civil voice for the residents of Ward 5 and the City of Darien
c) Be fiscally responsible when building a city budget and spending taxpayer dollars

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

I was appointed as the Chairperson for the Administrative/Finance Committee in 2019. This council committee overseas the budgeting process and holds monthly meetings to review city finances. I serve as the council liaison to the Economic Development Committee and Darien Citizen of the Year Committee.
I have worked diligently on behalf of all of our citizens and done extensive outreach on matters such as ComEd outages, Cannabis, Marquis Signage, Chickens, Economic Development & sustainability for Darien businesses. I actively seek out residents view points on such matters and consider feedback when casting my votes.
I am actively involved in numerous community groups that support Darien and have held leadership positions in several of them. The backbone of our community are the organizations that serve thy neighbor and help each other out in good times and in bad times.

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

Reinstatement of the majority of city services suspended during Covid-19 global pandemic. Maintain Darien’s low local tax rate. Continue to foster a business-friendly environment while maintaining a family focused community.

Why should voters trust you?

I have clearly displayed integrity and dedication in all of my service to the community. I have a proven track record on the council that will clearly show when it comes to a vote I always talk to residents and research issues. No matter what is on the table, I always have the citizens of Darien best interest at heart.

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

Having served on the Administrative/Finance committee, I have had first hand exposure to the city finances and how the budget is developed. City Hall has a very conservative approach to budgeting and staffing. The cost/value analysis they conduct annually is extensive. City services are managed lean and mean. They maximize resources continually. It is critical that we as taxpayers have a voice on how our tax dollars are spent and managed. I believe the city is doing an excellent job managing tax dollar revenue while balancing excellent services to the residents of Darien. This has been accomplished without raising taxes.
Additionally, the growing Police Pension debt needs to be thoroughly evaluated on how the City can further plan for the long term funding of this mandated expense.

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

I am fully committed to serving my full 4-year term.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be a good person - be kind to people. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Kindness and empathy are critical components of fostering a prolific life and community.

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

I am a hard-working individual, with a strong sense of family values and integrity, who would like to continue to represent the City of Darien Ward 5. I will always look out for the best interest of those who reside in our community. I appreciate all the feedback I have received from residents and will always consider all sides of the issue at hand before making a decision and casting a vote. I bring no agenda to this race. I just want to continue to serve the Darien Ward 5 community.