Susan Smentek, Elmhurst Ward 1 Candidate

ELMHURST, IL — Susan Smentek 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:

Susan Smentek

Age (as of Election Day)

54

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

One of my sisters is the Caregiver Support Program Manager with the Iowa City Veterans Administration Health Care System. My brother works for the US Postal Service in Marshalltown, Iowa. (Referencing their employers here does not in any way imply endorsement or support of a political candidate, which would be in violation of the Hatch Act.)

Education

BS Speech Communications, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
MA Music, Northeastern University of Illinois, Chicago, IL
Certificate, Level 2: IPRA Leadership Academy, University of Illinois Dept. of Recreation, Sport & Tourism and the Illinois Park & Recreation Association

Occupation

Managing Director & Associate Producer, Nonprofit Organizations including The Old Town School of Folk Music & The Lira Ensemble of Chicago - 23 years
CPRP, Certified Park and Recreation Professional - 8 years
Director of Music, Elmhurst Presbyterian Church - 12 years

Campaign website

www.susanforelmhurst.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

The single most pressing issue facing Ward 1 is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Ward 1 in Elmhurst includes neighborhoods such as College View, Pick Subdivision, the Tree Streets (between the Metra tracks and North Avenue), and the western half of City Centre. Residents of the First ward have voiced their concerns about several pressing issues, including stormwater management, construction site standards and code enforcement, and safety on neighborhood streets (in fact, my own child was hit last July by a motorist who ran through a stop sign).
With regard to these issues, I will work to ensure that the College View stormwater management project is completed, to develop construction site standards and code enforcement that minimizes the impact of development on neighboring residences and businesses, and to expand the city’s approach to controlling high speeds on neighborhood streets.

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 Black Lives Matter movement has created a broad awareness and frankly, I know I need much more education on this subject but, I think it is time to bring education on this subject to the forefront so that everyone can try to have greater understanding.
I find the shootings to be horrific. We all want to feel safe. Are we welcoming and affirming the lives of people of color in our community every day? Are we properly supporting, equipping and, training those who are called to serve and protect us? These are the vital questions that every community must ask itself. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke and wrote of the quest for the Beloved Community; these ideals are both inspirational and aspirational. I recommend visiting www.thekingcenter.org for further reading about Dr. King’s fundamental philosophy of nonviolence.

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 past year we have seen so much turmoil in our country and we are beginning to talk more and be truly more aware of systemic inequalities. The City of Elmhurst is making some efforts in regards to diversity and inclusion via the Public Affairs & Safety Committee Discussion of Framework for Exploring Diversity and Inclusion in Elmhurst (Review of Elmhurst Demographics, Training and Outreach Efforts). Providing more training and education on these issues and opportunities to listen to residents can only help everyone.
I would work to add a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility (DEIA) officer to city staff to support equity in all areas—from hiring to citizen relationships.

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 support measures designed to slow the virus and keep everyone safe. A concerted effort at the Federal Level will clarify guidelines for all. I will do my part to connect the Elmhurst response to the state and federal regulations. I encourage people to support local restaurants and to join the community groups on social media that are working 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?

I look forward to the time when COVID-19 vaccines become widely available and I follow the DuPage County Health Department website for updates. The DuPage County Health Department is working with partners at all levels, including hospitals, health care providers, and community leaders, on COVID-19 vaccination distribution.

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

I represent residents from the community, for the community—and not any other outside interests. As the founder of Elmhurst VOICE Ward 1 Group, I will provide ward-focused representation.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

The incumbent was only recently appointed to the position and was not elected by the residents. I would instead offer direct representation chosen by the voters and working only for the voters.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Elmhurst is a wonderful community in which to live and do business. As an alderman, I will stay connected with the residents in order to bring their voice into decisions made at City Hall. I will work hard to provide excellent services to the those that live and work in Elmhurst while keeping in mind the budget constraints due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Supporting local businesses and a vibrant downtown, promoting sustainable growth and redevelopment through comprehensive planning and, maintaining and improving infrastructure are pertinent to this position.

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

My career as the Managing Director of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and as a CPRP (Certified Park and Recreation Professional) has equipped me with extensive experience in budgeting, visioning for the future, the bid process, and accountability. Detailed planning for revenues and expenses, writing grants, seeking sponsors and fundraising have been integral to my profession. I also have experience with intergovernmental agreements, including the creation of an innovative partnership with Elmhurst Public Library and Elmhurst Art Museum to bring “Movies in the Park” back as a regular Elmhurst Park District community event.

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

I would be honored to serve the residents with my ability to bring a common sense yet educated voice to the table when making decisions that will carry us through the recovery period of the pandemic. Successful accomplishments would be to ensure the city is in a sound financial position and receive feedback from my constituents that reflects their satisfaction at having their concerns heard.

Why should voters trust you?

Many residents of Ward 1 know me and know that I’m an advocate for our community. I served along with my neighbors as chair and supporting member of many PTA committees at Hawthorne, Sandburg, and York schools as well as during my time as a board member for Elmhurst Music Boosters. I served as Cultural Arts Program Supervisor for Elmhurst Park District from 2013-2020, where I met and assisted thousands of residents through our community programming of dance, music, and theater for all ages. I produced dozens of community events in order to provide enriching experiences for Elmhurst residents, including Summer Community Band concerts in the park. We have also cheered together at youth sports events and school concerts, hiked with the scouts, and held donation drives for local organizations.

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

I am fiscally responsible. I understand the importance of being efficient with taxpayer dollars, providing services to residents that meet and exceed their expectations, promoting sustainable growth and redevelopment through comprehensive planning, and sensible, realistic budgeting in the face of economic challenges. Now more than ever, as elected officials who the public entrusts with their tax dollars, we need to roll up our sleeves and come up with creative ways to fill any gaps that will be missing due to loss of revenue and work together with the council and all departments of the city to make mutual decisions in the best interest of the entire community.

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:

I've heard lots of great advice, it's hard to pick just one bit. Right now, I'm going to say it is this: You have all the time there is.

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

As a resident of Ward 1 since 1998, I am dedicated to our community, to serving others, and to providing a positive environment in which residents and businesses may thrive. I have a history of listening and responding to the concerns of my neighbors, adding my voice to theirs, and helping them to effectively advocate for their causes. For years, I have volunteered my time and skills in service to our town of Elmhurst. Now, as Alderman of Ward 1, I will put my experience to work for you. To connect with me, get involved or learn more, please visit my website or contact me via email. I humbly ask for your vote. Thank you.