Ralph Stompanato, Darien Ward 2 Alderman Candidate

DARIEN, IL — Ralph Stompanato is one of two candidates running for Ward 2 Darien alderman in the April 4 election. Here are his responses to the Patch questionnaire:

Name:

Ralph Stompanato

Age:

No answer

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting

Occupation:

Former owner of a Darien printing business located in Brookhaven Plaza for over 20 years.

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

Commissioner on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Darien, IL

Campaign website or social media page:

None

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

I feel one the issues facing our city is staying relevant and vibrant. The city administration has been addressing this issue by assisting businesses through the pandemic and working to bring new businesses into our city. We have to continue along that path and look for ways to bring entities that residents are looking for. I will work with the council to continue this journey. I hope to do that by building a network of residents in my ward that I can reach out to with new ideas on pressing issues facing the city. I want to seek their opinions and work to fulfill their needs. Without having a delivered newspaper to our city, it is sometimes difficult for residents to learn what is happening in our city and I’ll do my best to keep my ward informed.

How do you view Darien's handling of economic development?

I feel the city has a solid plan to address economic development moving forward. The city has established an Economic Development Committee that has been working with the city council and the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewing current zoning requirements, and identifying parcels within the city that could be developed. The city has also added a part-time business liaison position that should be up and running in the next few months. The city has very few open parcels so there is a focus on re-developing existing parcels by working with current parcel owners and finding their needs. The new Business Liaison person along with the Economic Development Committee will be working with the city council to attract new businesses to the community.

What is your perspective on the City Council's approval of an apartment complex on Sokol Court in 2021?

I feel the new complex can attract residents looking to live in a great city without the burden of home ownership. I feel the complex aligns with similar developments found in our neighboring cities of Westmont and Downers Grove. The complex is located in an area that already has multifamily dwellings with easy access to highways and amenities.

What type of residential and commercial development would you like to see in Darien?

One of the main challenges facing all cities is keeping businesses in their existing malls. Many of our neighboring cities have vacant malls that result in reduced taxes and lower quality of living for their residents. The city has already been working with mall owners to keep and bring businesses to Darien. I would work to encourage that line of thinking and bring business to our city.

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

I believe I'll bring a unique perspective to the city council as I owned and operated a business in Darien for over 20 years. During that time, I was a member of the Darien Chamber of Commerce and served on their board. I understand the challenges that businesses face and have experience working through those challenges. I have spent the last 5 years on the Planning and Zoning Commission working with zoning issues and resident requests and understand the concerns presented by both.

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

I have managed a successful business in Darien and had the honor to be awarded the Sam Walton Business of the year award through the Chamber of Commerce. Having a solid business background and an accounting degree, I am proficient in reading and evaluating budgets and financial statements. I also have an extensive customer service background and will look at sitting on the city council as an opportunity to provide customer service to the residents of Darien.

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

Working with the city council to promote the city, bring solid business to the community and ensure that Darien remains "A Nice Place to Live". If I am elected to this position, I will listen to the residents in my ward and always respond in a timely manner to any questions, concerns or requests.

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

None

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Life is all about managing expectations . . . most of all your own. Success is never final and failure is never fatal.

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

I have been a resident of Darien for most of my adult life.

I owned a business in Brookhaven Plaza, CDR Printing, for over 20 years.

I've served on the Planning and Zoning Commission of Darien since 2018.

I was a member of the Darien Chamber of Commerce and served on their Board of Directors.

I served on the Darien Fest Committee and volunteered many years in running the fest.

I managed a team of Service Quality Evaluators for a major nursing college ensuring quality customer service was provided to nursing students.

I have an accounting degree and a business background and am aware of the importance of fiscal responsibility.

I had been active in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel's religious education program when my son was in high school hosting several high school students, along with my wife, in the Godparent program through the church.

I’ve served on the Eisenhower Band Booster Board.

I’ve served on the Hinsdale South High School Band Booster Board.

I have participated in many of the services and activities the city has provided and know the importance and appreciation that the citizens have for these services.

I truly believe Darien is "A Nice Place to Live".