Jennifer Veremis, Elmhurst Ward 1 Candidate

ELMHURST, IL — Jennifer Veremis is one of three candidates for the unexpired two-year Ward 1 seat on the Elmhurst City Council. Here are her responses to the Patch questionnaire:

Jennifer Veremis

Age (as of Election Day)

42

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Attended Oakton Community College & Certified Business Coach

Occupation

Small Business Owner
I started and owned The Beauty Lounge for 17 years. Currently, I own Jennifer Veremis/Goal.Get.Her Inc., a business coaching firm that assists small business owners with goal setting, financial management, operations efficiency, time management, and productivity. Both businesses are in Elmhurst.

Campaign website

www.veremis4elmhurst.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Elmhurst 1st Ward Alderman & Elmhurst City Centre Board of Directors

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

A pressing challenge is the Covid-19 pandemic as it relates to our residents and the city’s financial stability, business growth, and retention. Sales taxes, which are generated by local businesses, are the most significant revenue source (28%) of the city’s general fund. General fund expenditures include departments such as police, fire, streets, and sanitation. Because of the pandemic, sales taxes in 2020 were down significantly, although not as much as predicted, and the pandemic is not over. Therefore, it will continue to have residual effects on our economy.
To maintain our exceptional city services, such as public safety and public works, I will continue to scrutinize all spending and identify creative cost saving options. As an example, I formally submitted a referral to examine fees assessed to the city when payment is made to the city by credit card.
The city’s post-pandemic recovery depends in part on the continuity of our local businesses. I voted in support of waiving city fees for the businesses most affected by the pandemic and will work with city staff and Elmhurst City Centre to support and promote our businesses.
For both business owners and residents, I will continue to proactively communicate and be a point of access to updated Covid information.

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?

There is no place for discrimination. I support equality, peaceful protests, and freedom of speech. Treat others how you want to be treated, regardless of your views, race, creed, color or sexual orientation.

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 feel open dialogue is a great start. The City Council Public Affairs and Safety Committee has initiated a discussion on diversity and inclusion in city operations. The Elmhurst Youth Commission hosted a forum to discuss the experience of Elmhurst youth and racial bullying. The Elmhurst Police Chief presented a thorough overview of the city’s police operations and policies and answered questions from residents. I support the ongoing efforts of our committees, commissions, and departments.

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?

I am unique in this regard. I had a business that was non-essential and mandated to shut down (https://patch.com/illinois/elmhurst/coronavirus-elmhurst-nail-salon-deals-closure). My mother is a health care provider, and I have family members who are compromised. My perspective is people need to respect one another, follow the CDC guidelines and take personal responsibility for their health and comfort level.

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?

The State of Illinois and DuPage County have been preparing for the COVID vaccination distribution since the pandemic started. The City of Elmhurst first responders have already received the vaccination. As alderman, I will use my various communication platforms to keep residents informed on vaccine distribution. I will work with the City of Elmhurst in any capacity to assist our residents.

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

In addition to being the current alderman, I have a demonstrated record of hands-on community involvement, especially when I see work to be done. I spearheaded and organized neighbors and community support to successfully oppose a gas station development along Salt Creek at Route 83 and St. Charles Road. We believed a gas station at the corner would threaten our environment, traffic, public safety and negatively impact our community.
The work of the group, Keep Elmhurst Vibrant, earned the 2019 Citizen Initiative Award from the Citizen Advocacy Center.
As an elected member of the Elmhurst City Centre board of directors, I encouraged the creation and was a member of the ad hoc goal-setting committee. We increased our social media presence to assist City Centre businesses, updated the strategic plan, held focus groups, and created new committees through teamwork.
More recently, I co-founded the Elmhurst Business Owners COVID-19 Support Group that serves as a platform for sharing ideas and resources and distributing information about relief initiatives.
I am a member of the Retail Grant committee, which determines eligibility for the business incentives.
I am an active USO of Illinois volunteer ( 2015 - present). I spearheaded the USO's participation in the Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade and co-chaired a successful community-wide USO fundraiser leading up to the parade.
I organized a Salt Creek/Prairie Path cleanup and invited Villa Park Trustees. I demonstrated what our community can accomplish when we work together.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

The three pillars of my campaign are dedication, community engagement and vision. As I have for several years, I will continue my dedicated service to Elmhurst through volunteering, community advocacy, and serve on various committees.
Proactive communication and resident connection are top priorities. My business success is based on my ability to connect and effectively communicate with all kinds of people. I am committed to maintaining the communication platforms that Ward 1 residents expect, which include emails and annual town hall meetings. I also actively share information with residents through Facebook, and I created a YouTube channel and a series of videos to keep residents informed and engaged. I will bring the community’s voice to city hall.
My vision for the future includes Safe and Vibrant neighborhoods.
I am actively working on an expanded approach to responding to reports of high speeds on city streets. In addition, I formally requested enhanced code enforcement and improved construction site standards to minimize the impact of development on neighboring residents and businesses.
In addition to safe neighborhoods, I will continue to advocate for VIBRANT neighborhoods.
I have proactively submitted my observations and recommendations to the City Council Development, Planning, and Zoning Committee regarding expanded outdoor dining for restaurants. I included five points: functionality, visually appealing, safety, cleanliness, and effects on neighboring businesses. I also formally requested the city to consider murals, which many suburban towns utilize to enhance business districts and attract visitors.

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

As an advocate for our community, I successfully led opposition to proposed zoning changes that would have allowed the development of a gas station along Salt Creek at Route 83 and St. Charles Road.
As an Elmhurst City Centre Board member, I pushed the organization to increase its social media presence, strengthen its strategic goals, and connect to more stakeholders.
As a small business owner, I maintained a fiscally responsible and thriving company through various downturns that closed many businesses. Through the mandated COVID shutdown, I quickly and successfully adapted my business to continue to generate revenue. Through years of small business ownership, I developed strong listening and communication skills. I am a firm believer in teamwork, listening to all types of people, and understanding various perspectives.
As the current alderman, I have established working relationships with city staff and my colleagues. I have worked hard to be responsive to residents, listen to their concerns, find practical solutions, and proactively communicate.

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

I view a successful term as the city maintaining a robust financial position for future generations, reliable infrastructure, low vacancy rates in business districts, and safe neighborhood streets.

Why should voters trust you?

I built my business over 17 years and conducted my company and myself with integrity, I established trust with clients, vendors, employees, and fellow business owners. My company maintained a stellar reputation and received several awards and press recognition. I was committed to high standards and customer service. I have been involved in the local business community and have continually developed innovative ways to work with fellow business owners. I made a practice of giving back to the community and charitable organizations. Over the years, my business donated to various organizations in our community, including giving ten percent of our holiday gift certificate sales to the American Legion Post 187 and the Veterans Memorial in Wilder Park.

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

The city budget is approximately $140 million. Elmhurst maintains the highest possible bond rating, and for the thirteenth year in a row, our budget was recognized for its transparency and high quality by the Government Finance Officers Association award. Elmhurst has one of the lowest property tax rates of 34 DuPage County municipalities. Only about $0.07 of every property tax dollar you pay goes to the City of Elmhurst.
The city’s finances reflects a disciplined approach to spending that I am committed to continuing.

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

I do not foresee any reason that I would not serve my full term.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The only real failure is never trying.

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

I am the current alderman and the only small business owner on City Council. I have proven to be an effective community leader and advocate before I had the title of alderman. My commitment to Elmhurst is stronger than ever. I am eager to continue working hard to help our city thrive and exceed its reputation as a desirable place to live, raise a family, and do business. I ask for your support on April 6th.