Michael Bram, Elmhurst Mayoral Candidate

ELMHURST, IL — Michael Bram is one of three candidates running for Elmhurst mayor in the April 6 election. Here are his responses to the Patch questionnaire:

Michael J. Bram

Age (as of election day): 51

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No, I do not have any relatives that work in politics or government.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Occupation: Engineering (21 years overall experience in engineering, approximately 12 years as a licensed REALTOR and 5 years as a small business owner)

Campaign website: www.BramforMayor.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Alderman, Third Ward, City of Elmhurst

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

The overall city finances/budget is the most important issue. There are many areas of the budget that demand higher expenditures and fund balances, and I will continue to take a fiscally conservative approach to our budget by working with the city staff and council. COVID-19 has impacted aspects of the city budget as well as the financial health of the businesses in town. I will work to find different ways to assist our businesses to get through this pandemic so they can thrive in the city for many decades to come.

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?

Black Lives Matter has raised local and global awareness about racial injustice. We are having uncomfortable, but necessary, conversations that we’ve never had before, including residents addressing City Council with their own stories of racism and bias. I support peaceful demonstrations that shed light on an issue and open dialogue, which the rallies in Elmhurst have done. I plan to continue this open dialogue going forward.

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

The first steps, including City-sponsored racial bullying and Police Department forums, have opened up conversations about diversity and inclusion. I have participated in neighborhood conversations, the United Way of Illinois Equity Challenge, and I’m enrolled in the Elmhurst Public Library’s Social Issues Learning Group. I’ve also talked with members of the community about the need for a City of Elmhurst Diversity and Bias Task Force. This isn’t an issue where we take a class or form a committee and then think we’re done. Each of us has work to do, and that on-going work will benefit our community as a whole.

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?

With increased vaccine availability and lower COVID-19 rates, we are moving in a direction which should assist in minimizing the risk, depending on the rate of vaccine distribution across the country. The COVID-19 virus is not going away anytime soon, so we need to remain diligent and creative so businesses can stay open, which includes wearing a mask when social distancing is not possible. I am hopeful the upcoming warmer weather will help.

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?

Communication needs to improve on the status and distribution of the coronavirus vaccine. Although I am not currently part of these discussions, I believe there is room for improvement. Elmhurst needs to be a voice in the conversation at the State and local levels to ensure aggressive planning and communication regarding vaccine distribution, especially for our most at-risk population. I will speak with our local state and county elected officials while working with the DuPage Mayors and Managers to ensure that we have a well-developed and communicated plan. One of my platform goals is to utilize what we have learned from this pandemic to strengthen and improve on the plans we create for future preparedness.

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

I have always been and will continue to be an elected official who is accessible to the residents of Elmhurst. I have a 20-year track record of listening and responding to residents throughout the community, no matter their ward or neighborhood. My strong track record holds true in every year, and it is not limited to an election year. Another difference is that I have always challenged the status quo when trying to get the most for the residents of Elmhurst. Some examples are that I have challenged the City to gather competitive bids to get better rates from our refuse contractor, and I recommended better services for our senior residents by advocating for Ride DuPage. I have always put the residents first in every decision.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

There are many issues at the forefront of my campaign, and I have spoken to some of them already by responding to the other questions.
Fiscal Responsibility
• Advise City staff and Council to take a fiscally conservative approach to our budget, and stay diligent on all expenditures like consultant fees, city contracts, competitive bidding, and financial incentives
Communication and Accessibility
• Stay connected and responsive to you, the residents
• Maintain open and transparent discussions with City Council and City staff
Community Growth
• Support economic growth with sustainability, safeguarding quality of life for future generations
• Address attainable housing for seniors and first-time home buyers
Improved Public Safety
• Advocate for our firefighter-paramedics to be allowed to initiate Advanced Life Support as needed (like IVs, cardiac and respiratory support), which they are not allowed to do today
• Endorse diversity and bias training within the police department
• Continue to pursue resolutions for traffic control and neighborhood speeding concerns
Future Preparedness
• Create a joint panel to focus on pandemic recovery as well as prepare for future crises
Stronger Inter-Governmental Collaboration
• Strengthen relationships with Park District and School District leaders
• Devise new opportunities for sharing resources and expenditures
It is best to refer to my website (www.BramforMayor.com) as it is too difficult to respond to such important issues in a couple sentences.

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

My 20 years as alderman are a testament to my commitment to our community. I have a solid reputation of assisting all residents by listening to their concerns and seeking solutions. I have an outstanding attendance record, and I’ve served on most sub-committees, working with many different aldermen and City staff. I have addressed concerns and have taken the lead on many issues like O’Hare noise, the North York TIF area which has significantly improved development, comprehensive storm and sanitary study for flooding, traffic/pedestrian safety and businesses encroaching into residential neighborhoods. I have met with countless residents and community groups. Many residents can’t name or identify who their alderman is, whereas I have made myself readily available to all residents.

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

I will work hard with the City Council and City staff to improve the overall city finances and budget. We are currently seeing the need for a lot of capital improvements which, when paired with the financial impacts of the pandemic, are straining our city budget. This will take someone who is fiscally responsible but also who is able to listen to the residents and businesses to continue to grow our sales tax base. We have made great progress with stormwater mitigation, but there is more work to be done, which will put added pressures on the budget. I plan to strengthen our finances so we can meet the capital and service needs throughout the city. The other accomplishment would be to make sure our medical services improve with the expansion of Advanced Life Support (ALS) throughout the community. I will continue advocating for our firefighters who are certified paramedics to carry ALS equipment and initiate ALS as needed (including, but not limited to, starting IVs, administering medication, cardiac monitoring including cardioversion, and advanced airway maneuvers including endotracheal intubation), which they are currently not allowed to do. We need to give our firefighter-paramedics the ability to provide Advanced Life Support to all residents.

Why should voters trust you?

I have a proven record of walking the talk, and I have always been a man of my word. I work to get an honest answer back to anyone who takes time to reach out to me, and I always explain my perspectives when making difficult decisions and asking the tough questions. From day one, my actions have shown that I am working for the Elmhurst residents, and representing them with every decision I make. Because I pursue issues that are important to residents, we now have recycling in City Centre, a smaller refuse toter option, changes in the solicitation ordinance, a comprehensive sanitary and stormwater study, alternate fuel city vehicles, stormwater detention for all City-owned parking property and so many more.

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

I pride myself on being fiscally responsible with the taxpayers’ money, and I take every decision seriously when it comes to spending taxpayer dollars. A resident of Elmhurst said of me, “Michael does his own due diligence and operates as if the money that is being divvied out is coming from his own pocket."

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

No, there are no reasons that would prevent me from serving my full term.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Giving back to others is its own reward.

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

My ethics, morals, integrity, and motivations have not changed since the first day I was sworn into office. I have stayed true to who I am while working for the best overall outcome for the Elmhurst residents, always putting Community First. My love for the Chicago Cubs only grew after I went to my first Cubs game in 1977 with my grandpa, dad and brother. My favorite athlete is Walter Payton because of his humility and great work ethic.