Scott Levin, Elmhurst Mayoral Candidate

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

Scott Levin

Age (as of Election Day)

66

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)

N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

B.S. Bus. Adm.; M.A. Public Admin.; J.D. (Juris Doctorate); LLM (Master of Laws)

Occupation

Attorney at Law for 35 years

Campaign website

www.Levin4Mayor.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Alderman, City of Elmhurst 2010-present

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

The most important role of local government is to keep its residents safe and healthy. Beyond issues related to public safety, the City’s finances are the most pressing issue this year. Sales taxes, which are the greatest single source of revenue in the City’s General Fund, were markedly decreased in 2020 due to the pandemic and are projected to be impacted in 2021. In 2009, I was appointed co-chair of the Mayor’s Finance Task Force that performed a line-by-line review of the budget and expenditures of every City department. I authored the Task Force’s report that served as a blueprint to lead the City out of the Great Recession. We will follow the same approach. Additionally, I will work with the Chamber of Commerce and our own economic development team to attract new retail businesses to Elmhurst to increase our revenues and lessen the burden on residential taxpayers.

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?

The death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake were among multiple events in 2020 that elevated issues of racial inequalities to a high level throughout the nation. The existence of these issues cannot be denied. I attended the peaceful protest in Wilder Park in June that was organized by recent York High School graduates, and I was impressed with its educational orientation, the quality of the speakers and the civil way it was conducted. In the months since, I have had the opportunity to meet with minority residents in our City, and I heard their concerns. I fully support our police department, which is highly trained in diversity and other related issues, and I am not in favor of any effort to defund our police department. I have, however, come to realize that there are people of color in our community who have concerns that must be addressed. As mayor, I must be receptive to the needs and concerns of all groups in our community, whether they are people of color, seniors, neighborhoods or any other group that has unique needs or concerns.

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

There has been a national response to the Black Lives Matter movement and the social unrest of this summer. Major corporations and many other companies, including my law firm, have undertaken Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, commonly called DE&I. This refers to the broadly outlined efforts an institution takes to create a more welcoming environment for people of less-privileged identities. The City of Elmhurst has undertaken some DE&I training of our staff, but, like most corporations, DE&I must be regarded as an ongoing effort, with continued training and programming.

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?

There is a delicate balance between the need to protect our residents and the needs of our small businesses that are struggling to survive the pandemic. I do not favor a local mask mandate; however, I do believe that a mayor and the City Council must demonstrate leadership on the uncontroverted fact that wearing masks and social distancing are the essential steps to prevent spreading of coronavirus. We must encourage our businesses to not only themselves comply with these steps, but also require compliance of their patrons.

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 current priorities for distributing the vaccine are correct, and we would fully cooperate with the DuPage County Health Department or any other entity that requires our assistance. Although municipalities do not have a direct role in the rollout of the vaccine, the City should utilize all its communication channels to educate the public and share updates related to coronavirus, including vaccine information.

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

This may be the most important question. All three candidates are long-term alderman. What distinguishes us are experience and qualifications. My experience, which neither of my opponents can claim, includes serving as acting mayor for six months, serving as chair of two of the City Council’s four committees and vice chair of a third and a more than 30-year career as business lawyer, litigator and mediator. I also served as a deputy director of a State agency and acted as its legislative liaison in the General Assembly. I have volunteered in a leadership position or as a pro bono attorney for more than ten Elmhurst community organizations and many others outside of Elmhurst. I have represented businesses before city councils on zoning and business matters, and I have successfully fought for the interests of residents and neighborhoods in matters before the City Council. My qualifications include a bachelor's degree in business, a master’s in public administration and two law degrees.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I have posted on my website (www.levin4mayor.com) issue statements on (1) a commitment to integrity, (2) transparent and easily accessible information, (3) working together, (3) police and crime, (4) fire and paramedic, (5) planning, (6) downtown Elmhurst/City Centre, (7) retail economic development, (8) code enforcement and (9) finances, and I will post additional issue statements.

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

Most relevant is my six months of service as acting mayor. During that time, I declared a state of emergency related to widespread flooding, investigated and formally addressed the Council when a claimed violation of the Open Meetings Act occurred, and chaired an election board hearing of a disputed candidate petition. My service as deputy executive director included a key role in developing the agency budget and advocating the budget and other agency issues in Springfield. I served on the executive committee of my law firm, owned a retail business and have represented well over 100 small businesses. I have successfully advocated or opposed issues before the Council that were against the prevailing thought or the presumed majority position.

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

Making Elmhurst a safe, stable, affordable and attractive city to raise your children, build a business, or enjoy your golden years.

Why should voters trust you?

Personal integrity and honesty have always been top priorities for me. I have long been an advocate of “good government,” including open government and responding to issues raised by residents. My ten years of service as an alderman evidence these strongly held beliefs.

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

The mayor and the City Council are the stewards of the City’s finances, and we have the obligation to spend as if the money was coming out of our own bank accounts. It must also be recognized that our residents expect high quality City services. For the past ten years, the Council has not raised property taxes, except where required to fund police and fire pension contributions as dictated by State law. We must never raise taxes unless there has been careful analysis of whether funds may be freed from other areas of the budget, and whether the anticipated benefit will justify the increased costs or spending. Every five years or so, the staff and Council should perform an in-depth review of the budget to ensure that the way we are doing things is the most cost-effective.

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

No.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

There are two sides to every story. As a lawyer, I have learned that there are at least two sides. It is important to take the time to fully explore every issue and take into account differing viewpoints before making a conclusion.

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

I have been a resident of Elmhurst for over 24 years. I raised my children here. I believe Elmhurst offers a great quality of life for residents of all ages. We have a strong industrial business base and are becoming an entertainment and restaurant destination. Between the Great Recession and the pandemic, we have faced some challenging times in the last decade. I have a track record of resolving tough issues by thinking independently and building consensus among my colleagues on City Council. I want to keep Elmhurst a thriving, safe and healthy city. By serving as Mayor, I believe I can help us do just that.