Nektarios Arvanitis, Elmhurst Ward 3 Candidate

ELMHURST, IL — Nektarios Arvanitis is one of three candidates for the Ward 3 seat on the Elmhurst City Council. Here are his responses to the Patch questionnaire:

Nektarios Arvanitis

Age (as of Election Day)

43

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Columbia College Chicago
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism

Occupation

Strategic Account/Territory Sales Manager

Campaign website

www.Arvanitisforalderman.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I have never held an elected or appointed office.

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

Elmhurst is a highly sought after community making it imperative that we work to continue to preserve what makes our city a great place to live. Proposals are presented to City Council and I aim to be open-minded yet critical as we consider plans and work to make decisions that result in mutually beneficial opportunities. I intend to approach the evaluation process from a mindset that preserves the uniqueness of our community and culture while allowing for new, exciting additions to compliment what we have in place. It is also important to consider and minimize the potential unintended consequences prior to approval to avoid negatively impacting our community and its long term prosperity. Finally, hearing from our neighbors in the 3rd ward will help guide my decision-making so residents have the ability to influence the city's long term plans.

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 applaud Black Lives Matter for the tremendous amount of awareness they have raised related to issues like systemic racism, inequality, and justice in our country. I am also a supporter of peaceful protests and free speech. Elmhurst is a place where everyone, no matter their race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation should feel safe, welcomed, and at home.

I have always felt that Elmhurst has a had well-trained, community engaged Police Department that prioritizes safety for all. Over the summer like many residents, I wanted more information about the hiring/evaluation process and annual training requirements for our officers as well as use of force statistics. On September 29th, Mayor Morley, City Manager Grabowski and Chief Ruth hosted the Police Forum on Elmhurst TV addressing these topics and much more. It confirmed for me that our officers are held to a high standard and was reflective in the statistics shared. This is the kind of transparency we need to continue. As Alderman I will support more actions like this and will look to collaborate with the Police Department and our residents on ways to ensure our police officers continue to engage in response and de-escalation training along with other beneficial practices.

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

Acknowledging any existing racial inequality is essential for progress to occur. I am pleased to know the current City Council has engaged in conversations on diversity and inclusion as it relates to city operations. I am also excited to see the work of many community organizations like the Elmhurst Commission on Youth creating awareness around racial bullying and the Elmhurst Art Museum’s work in developing a long-term Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion plan. These are all steps in the right direction and more can always be done. I look forward to engaging Elmhurst residents in this discussion and in identifying more opportunities for us to continue this important work as a community.

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?

My clients and personal friends are small business owners. I have a vested interest in multiple small businesses. I understand the frustration and difficulties that our business community has faced as well as their employees. This is why I believe it is up to the residents to choose whether or not they are interested in engaging in indoor/outdoor dining and other non-essential activities. Research shows when measures such as mask wearing, social distancing and washing hands are performed in continuity, transmission of the virus significantly reduces. I feel strongly that the virus is here to stay, so it’s imperative that we formulate a plan forward to keep small businesses open, so our residents can safely and consistently access the businesses of Elmhurst, if they choose to do so.

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 city should be prepared to distribute vaccines if requested/invited to do so. So many factors come into play with how local governments play a role in mass distribution. I look forward to the opportunity to work with local Police and Fire Departments, Elmhurst Hospital, pharmacies, schools and the city on a plan, if offered the opportunity to become a mass distribution site.

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

I’d like to take the opportunity to wish my opponents well and give them thanks for stepping up for Elmhurst.
I'm committed to taking a pragmatic, unflappable approach to handling the duties of Alderman. If elected, keeping the concerns of my neighbors in a preeminent position will always be my focus. Having lived in Elmhurst for 10 years with school age and involved children, I have a thorough understanding of all aspects of our community and I look forward to the opportunity to share the important vantage point from the 3rd Ward.
Also, growing up in a family of small-business owners along with having worked in a variety of sectors, my experience can bring a balanced perspective to the City Council.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

ACCOUNTABILITY
• Actively listen to and solicit input from residents
• Transparency and rationale behind voting record
• Collaborate with co-alderman to effectively represent the 3rd Ward
RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT
• Being mindful of the impact decisions can have on taxpayers
• Committed to sensible economic expansion
• Support necessary infrastructure policies
• Balance budget
ACTION
• Tackle pressing issues without delay
• Lend support beyond defined responsibilities
• Commitment to continuous action for continued progress

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

In my professional life I am constantly negotiating, representing, and working towards sound decisions that best meet the needs of my clients as well as the organization I work for. I believe this type of work is what has made me successful, and I intend to continue to listen, problem solve, and support the important issues of the residents in the 3rd Ward.

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

Elmhurst is a great town that has a lot to offer. The accomplishments that would make my term in office a success include the assurance that my neighbors feel they are represented and providing support to select business development plans that compliment what residents want and what our community needs in order to continue to be a highly attractive suburb to live in.

Why should voters trust you?

My family and I love the community, the opportunities it’s given us and the relationships we’ve made. Elmhurst is our home and will continue to be for a long time. Like many other Americans, I am the son of immigrant small business owners that aspired to live honest, hardworking and purpose driven lives. This is the example that was set for me, one that I try to uphold for my children and will do the same for the City of Elmhurst. I’m running for Alderman of the 3rd Ward in hopes of setting a positive example for my children and to help maintain a tremendous quality of life for current and future Elmhurst residents.

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

If elected one of my commitments to the voters of the 3rdward is responsible government. Being a good steward of taxpayer dollars is one of the most important responsibilities of this role. I will work to ensure we get the most out of each dollar spent in order to maintain the quality and value of services that Elmhurst residents expect. I think it is important to build relationships with other tax funded entities so that we understand each other’s long-term plans and maximizing the value of every tax dollar spent by residents.

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

I intend to serve my full term of office if elected

The best advice ever shared with me was:

I don’t know if I can limit it to one. A few things from my father stick out the most. “Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today”. It’s important to finish because you never know what tomorrow will bring. Also “Never underestimate the benefits of being the quiet one in the room”. Being quiet permits you to listen, observe better along with providing ample time to reflect. Both I think ring true and can play an important role in being a great Alderman.

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

I’m looking forward to interacting with the residents of the 3rd Ward . Please reach out any time during the campaign so we can set up a time to discuss your thoughts on Elmhurst and what we can do together to keep our community a great place to live.