Pradip Sahu: Candidate For Grayslake Village Board

GRAYSLAKE, IL — There are six candidates vying for four open seats on the Grayslake Village Board this upcoming election.

Five candidates are looking to fill three full-term seats on the village board. Incumbents Kevin Waldenstrom, who has served on the village board since 2009, and Elizabeth Davies, who was first elected as a trustee in 2014, will be seeking re-election. Meanwhile, newcomers Kathleen Wasik and Rachel Rezek are looking to join the village board, and Shawn Vogel, who served on the board from 2005 to 2021, is also vying for a seat.

Pradip Sahu will run unopposed for a two-year unexpired trustee position. Sahu was appointed to the village board last year after former trustee, Adam Shores, stepped down from his post after his family decided to move from Grayslake to Libertyville.

Patch.com reached out to all candidates to request they fill out a candidate questionnaire. Here are the responses for Sahu:

Name: Pradip (Pete) Sahu

Age (as of Election Day): 51

Town/City of Residence: Grayslake

Office sought: Village board

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for: My wife Alpana Sahu is on the board of the Grayslake Area Public Library. It is a volunteer position.

Education

LL.M. in Intellectual Property Law, John Marshall Law School
J.D., Northern Illinois University
D.C., National College of Chiropratic
B.S. in Molecular Biology and Economics, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

Intellectual Property Attorney, 20+ years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Trustee, Village of Grayslake, Current / since May 2022

Commissioner, Grayslake Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals 2021-2022

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

Most of the issues facing our Board are mundane matters related to village administration and public utilities. However, I believe the "most pressing" issues facing our Board relate to finances/budget. I intend to continue to improve oversight of the Village budget. This involves continuing to obtain feedback from residents and studying the various projects and initiatives in which the Village engages to ensure our assets are managed correctly.

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

N/A - I am running unopposed for my seat. However, I am very happy to see so many candidates are seeking seats for the full term. All have significant experience representing the community, and I will be proud to work alongside any of them.

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

N/A - I am the incumbent.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Residents have told me that they chose to live in Grayslake because of the small town feel, the proximity to urban amenities, the great schools and the safety of the community. I hope to continue to do what I can as a Trustee to maintain all of this.

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

I have been a corporate attorney for approximately 20 years, and I am a licensed chiropractic physician. I have led and have been a member of various bar association groups, including those related to diversity, corporate law and intellectual property law. I have also participated in numerous charitable events along with my family. I have experience managing budgets and establishing relationships with people of very diverse backgrounds throughout the world. I am also the incumbent, having been appointed to the Trustee position in May 2022.

Why should voters trust you?

I have no personal agenda, and I am simply trying to fulfill my desire to serve the public. My family and I have been members of the Grayslake and Lake County communities for approximately 10 years, and we have tried to volunteer and serve the public the best we can.

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

I would consider my term a success if the budget remained balanced and we continued to maintain the small town feel of Grayslake.

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

I believe managing the budget is one of the most important things the Board can do. We are entrusted with governance of the Village and managing its assets, and I hope to continue to maintain a balanced budget while providing the services we need and amenities we enjoy as residents.

Do you support the Illinois assault weapons ban, and would you support a local assault weapons ban in this community?

I don't think there is a question of support at our level of the government. Everyone must abide by all applicable laws passed by the state legislature, including new firearms laws.

I do not believe it is appropriate for the Village to enact ordinances related to banning firearms. State and federal laws, rules and regulations would preempt any ordinances and/or quasi-legislative acts by a municipality.

Do you support the SAFE-T Act? Why or why not?

I don't think there is a question of support at our level of the government. Everyone must abide by all applicable laws passed by the state legislature, including the "SAFE-T Act".

The Act is voluminous and complicated, and it affects many different laws and procedures. Questions regarding the Act are not amenable to a simple answer.

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town?

Any amount of crime is too much. Grayslake's crime rate appears to be average for the size and type of community.

The Chief of Police has provided great leadership in combating crime. Under his leadership, the police department has implemented effective amounts and types of community policing. The department has continued to encourage and provide education and training opportunities to its officers. It also collaborates with law enforcement organizations in other jurisdictions. In addition, both the Village and the police department continuously invest in new and updated policing technologies.

I believe we should continue to encourage these programs and initiatives to lower the crime rate further.

When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? What will need to be done to make this happen?

Residents views on development are quite diverse. Some have told me that they would like more higher end establishments in the Village. Some have said they would like to see more locally owned stores. Some would like to see less chain stores and businesses like gas stations. Many residents are environmentally conscious and want to see more open lands with native flora and fauna. Some want to see all new housing equipped with solar power and/or other forms of clean energy. Some want to phase out gas powered vehicles and equipment. Some desire a greater investment in the arts.

The Village is engaging in various initiatives to attract new business and development in line with our community's diverse desires. We should continue to work with our various development consultants, the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Commission to effect these desires.

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:

Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.

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

I am a very simple, down to earth, average person who was given an opportunity to help serve the Village. I hope to continue to share my diversity of thought, education and culture with the Village and its residents. I also hope to encourage everyone of all ages and backgrounds to engage in community service. My family and I love Grayslake, and I am looking forward to continuing to serve our community.