Yeena Yoo, Elmhurst Ward 6 Candidate

ELMHURST, IL — Yeena Yoo is one of four candidates for the Ward 6 seat on the Elmhurst City Council. Here are her responses to the Patch questionnaire:

Yeena Yoo

Age (as of Election Day)

41

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Wellesley College, B.A. 2001; Washington University in St. Louis, M.S.W. (Masters in Social Work) and J.D. (Juris Doctor) 2007

Occupation

2017-2019 Senior Attorney at Catholic Charities Legal Assistance
2009-2016 Staff Attorney at Legal Assistance Foundation
2008-2009 Clinic Coordinating Attorney at Domestic Violence Legal Clinic
2007-2008 VISTA Americorps Attorney at Legal Assistance Foundation

Campaign website

yeenaforward6.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Precinct Committeeman

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

The City of Elmhurst has done a great job in maintaining city services, providing assistance to our local businesses, and planning ahead with the Rainy Day Fund. However, no one can deny that our businesses have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and that our financial recovery remains a pressing concern. First, I will delve into the city budget, and work with our city administrators, including our city manager Jim Grabowski, Business Development Coordinator Erin Jason, and our Economic Development Commission. Second, although Elmhurst is home to many industries, including global companies, we should also focus on the small business owners, many of whom are our neighbors. Recently, there has been more attention paid to local restaurants which is commendable; however, I plan to meet with other small businesses in Elmhurst to see what specific issues they face, and how the city could respond. Lastly, with the change in federal administration, there may be additional help to aid in economic recovery, so it will be important to research possible grant options, federal monies, business incentives not tied to TIF funding, as well as other strategies that other local cities and governments have used.

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 unequivocally support Black Lives Matter (BLM). I believe in peaceful protest and participated in both of Elmhurst’s major demonstrations during the summer with my children, where the protesters were later praised by Mayor Morley for exercising their right to speech and protesting peacefully. BLM is a movement that is driven on the premise that brown and black people’s lives ALSO matter because, historically, people of color have been undervalued, and continue to be at high risk for harm. I oppose any person or group who threatens or causes violence, or destroys public or private property during any BLM protest because, among other reasons, it takes away from the important message that there continues to be inequality and inequities throughout our country and in Illinois. I hope that my fellow candidates will join me in supporting BIPOC and the Black Lives Matter movement.

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 city has previously sponsored a police forum, provided an opportunity for residents to speak regarding their personal experiences with racial animus, and created a taskforce. However, I believe we can do more as a whole to support racial equality. There are numerous ways to implement DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) measures in local government, including implicit bias trainings for city staff and elected officials. If I am elected alderman, I will research best practices to support people of color in local government.

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?

The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis. I have many family members and friends in the medical profession so I believe it is important to listen to our health care workers, and I am thankful that health care workers have been getting vaccinated. Limiting operations for non-essential businesses was necessary at the height of the pandemic, but restrictions have been easing recently, and I think we can keep the public safe while supporting our businesses in measured and thoughtful ways. Elmhurst residents have done their part in keeping these businesses alive; my family and I frequently support local restaurants by ordering takeout at least three times a week. I absolutely believe masks are effective in slowing the transmission of the virus, and would favor a local mask mandate if public health officials deemed it necessary.

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 support the state’s plan to prioritize vaccine rollout through a tiered approach, where the more vulnerable members of our community are vaccinated first. I think communication between cities, the county and state, as well as the dissemination of information is vital for local governments to effectively handle vaccine rollout. Weeks ago, I posted on my Facebook page that DuPage County Health Department has set up a vaccine website to register for specific information when appointments or clinics are available. Please check out www.dupagehealth.org.

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

Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to public service. The motto of my college alma mater is “Non Ministrari sed Ministrare,” which essentially means “Not to be served, but to serve.” I pursued my law and social work degrees with that motto in mind, so that I could more effectively serve vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. Upon passing the Illinois bar, I worked 12 years in legal aid, providing court representation and legal advice to low-income individuals, immigrants, and senior citizens, as well as protecting women and children from domestic violence and sexual abuse. I have been a long-time advocate for people, and plan to use my passion and professional skills to serve my neighbors in Ward 6.
In addition, my top priority is to be available and accessible to my constituents. In these times, it should be easier to reach your local officials and understand what is happening in government. I intend on cultivating an open dialogue that is both timely and responsive by using newsletters, social media and open office hours to connect with residents. Ward 6 deserves this kind of attention, and I have the time, flexibility, and desire to make this happen.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I want to continue to prioritize stormwater management and floor relief projects, improve pedestrian and bicycle access to businesses and green space in Ward 6, and promote fiscal responsibility and transparency of Elmhurst’s $167 million budget.

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

As a trial attorney (in both family and domestic violence law), I have won countless hearings and trials for the benefit of my clients, most of whom were domestic violence survivors. I worked tirelessly so that they received orders of protection against their abusers, child custody, child support, or maintenance (formerly known as alimony). The skills required to win a hearing include the ability to weigh evidence and testimony, ask the right questions, research and follow the law – all of which I know will be useful in making decisions as an alderman. In addition, even more than preparing for trial, I frequently had to negotiate and design agreements, sometimes with very difficult people. Consequently, I have experience in reaching common ground across divides, as well as communicating effectively and respectfully with people who have strong opinions. I know that, as an alderman, I may be faced with opposing viewpoints, among community members, city officials, and other stakeholders. I believe I am well-equipped to meet those challenges.
I am also proud of the work that I have done in my personal life, where I have advocated for issues of justice and equity, including racial reconciliation at my church, gun violence prevention, and the empowerment and education of women. For example, as an elected board member of the Chicago Wellesley Club, I currently make decisions similar to that of aldermen, whether it has to do with allocating finances, communicating with our members, or planning future events.

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

One of my priorities is to increase communication and engagement between Ward 6 residents and their local government. It would make me most pleased to know if my neighbors felt heard, felt represented in city council, and were satisfied with the level of information and services I brought to them.

Why should voters trust you?

My parents were hard workers, built their small business from the ground up in Missouri, and taught me a strong and honest work ethic. I was raised on religious principles, including integrity and kindness to your neighbor, on which I am also raising my children. As an attorney, I am bound by rules of ethics, and am proud of my reputation as an advocate. For all these reasons, I believe voters can trust me to care, to be transparent, and to take the responsibilities of alderman seriously.

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

Like many in Elmhurst, I am concerned about rising property taxes, transparency on the handling of taxpayer money, and long-term financial stability. Continued economic growth of our city is key to our fiscal health and the vibrancy of our community. I support reasonable and sustainable economic development throughout the city provided that it falls within the city’s strategic plan and truly benefits most Elmhurst residents. I also believe that it is important for the city to meet its financial and service obligations, while maintaining a balanced budget. I am grateful that Elmhurst’s finance department instituted measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a temporary hiring freeze, cutting programs that were not utilized this past year (e.g. parade funds), and deferring unnecessary purchases. Based on my conversations with Ward 6 neighbors and elected officials alike, transparency on how taxpayer dollars are being spent is paramount to greater satisfaction of our residents and trust in our local government. As such, I will not only take the time to scrutinize budget line items and review recommendations from city staff and departments, but also keep my Ward 6 constituents informed as to why I voted for specific initiatives and how their taxpayer dollars are being used to benefit them and the 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:

Sometimes the best pieces of advice are the most simple, and one that frequently comes to mind is: “There’s a reason God gave us two ears and one mouth.” Listening is one of the hardest things a person can do. I learned early on, in both social work and law, the importance of listening to a client, or a constituent, so that you reach the most successful outcome or solution.

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

I think Elmhurst is a wonderful city, made special by the quality of government and the kindness of its residents. Since my family and I moved to Elmhurst, we have been welcomed by warm neighbors, fellow parents, and community members. I was surprised to discover, however, that despite the varied cultures and backgrounds in my neighborhood, local government does not reflect the full diversity of our city. I believe there is value in representation that reflects our different backgrounds, perspectives and life experiences. If I am elected to city council, I intend to be an alderman who gives voice to residents previously not heard. I believe I am uniquely suited to represent our evolving city and help shape its future.

Editor's note: Candidate Yeena Yoo responded to some of the questions after the deadline.