George Popelka, Candidate For Palos Heights 3rd Ward Alderman

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL — The 3rd Ward alderman seat is the only contested race on the Palos Heights City Council. George Popelka is challenging the current alderman, Brent Lewandowski in the April 4 consolidated election.

>>> Are you a candidate for local office? Please email Lorraine Swanson, lorraine.swanson@patch.com and we'll send you a candidate questionnaire to feature on Patch.

Patch has reached out to Lewandowski to give him the opportunity to answer our candidate questionnaire.

Early voting is underway. The consolidated election is April 4.

Read Popelka’s answers to the Patch questionnaire.

Name: George Popelka

Age: 70

Town/City of Residence: Palos Heights

Office Sought: 3rd Ward Alderman of Palos Heights

Family: My family descends from one of the original pioneers of Palos. In particular John & Marie Busch, who had a small farm across the street from Sacred Heart Cemetery in Palos Hills, Illinois.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Occupation: Business Manager/Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA)

Campaign website or Facebook or other social media: George Popelka For Alderman

Previous or current elected or appointed office: During my career, I have served on several community-based boards including having been appointed to one in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where I was elected as Board Chairman by my peers.

The most pressing issues facing Palos Heights are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them. Upgrading the water delivery system. In reading the March 9, 2023, Edition of the Regional News, it was reported that $264,000.00 of various water and sewer projects were approved by the City Council. This action prompted a motion to increase single-family and commercial water rates by 4% and single-family sewer flat rates by 50%. While this action was referred to committee for review, I calculate that this proposed rate increase will impact most single-family residences by about $100.00 per year.

Now while I do not dispute that infrastructure upgrades benefit our community, I question this proposed rate increase considering the statement which was made at the same meeting stating that, “we have a reserve fund that remains steady…”

Certainly, our elected representatives have an obligation to review all funding options both short as well as long term and to disclose those options to the Palos Heights community, so that any rate increase decision can be made in a fully informed and transparent manner.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? The Recreational Advisory Board Ordinance (RAB): Volunteering within a community is especially important because it enables individuals to help others in a selfless way. When individuals volunteer, they may choose to help people, support philanthropic causes, and aid their local community. Additionally, volunteering benefits everyone and is a terrific way to have a positive impact in the community.

While I strongly believe in volunteerism, my opponent does not. This is evidenced by the fact that my opponent voted to accept the Recreational Advisory Board (RAB) Ordinance which now minimizes the long productive input this body has had on city policy. A body which was instrumental in helping to secure passage of the referendum to enlarge the current Palos Heights Recreational Center. I personally do not know what behind the scenes events led to this ordinance, but it seems to me that given the long, productive history of the RAB, I do not see how this action will benefit our community.

Source: The Regional News, September 29, 2022.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community or district? The Parking Lot at 12303 South 71st Court: Recently the City acquired this parcel of real estate for the purpose of adding additional parking to help our Harlem Avenue Merchants. While the effectiveness of this action can be debated since no success measurements have been officially announced, what strikes me as odd is that the city purchased the parcel of real estate and then proceeded with the project without either first obtaining the zoning necessary or secondly, considering the impact of those individuals living within proximity to the proposed parking lot project. And to add insult to injury, the council failed as of the last day to file for public office, to obtain the “super” majority necessary to proceed with the project.

Now I do not know if this proposed parking lot is going to help enhance our business community on Harlem Avenue. What my take-away is from this story is that simply the cart was put before the horse, since there obviously was no thought given, or planning done towards implementing this project. All the actions which I have reviewed seem to suggest that the city simply wanted to get it done regardless of any local concerns.

My opponent voted to proceed with the parking lot which conveys to me that he as well, just simply wanted to get it done without regard to either procedural requirements or the residents who lived around the project. This is not the way our elected representatives should function.
Source: The Regional News, October 6, 2022

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: Local Tax Relief: For the year ended December 31, 2021, the City reported that it received $25.4 million dollars in income and saw an increase in year-end funds of $3.2 Million Dollars. (*) So, with this fund increase, the question arises what dividend/tax relief can the city give to its residents during this time of soaring prices and inflation?

I would propose that the city first eliminate the cost of obtaining a vehicle sticker. This has been done before in Palos Heights without catastrophic financial results so why not do it now? My research shows that city sticker revenue is about $184,000.00 or 0.007244% of overall city income. And if a study were done, it would no doubt show that there is little cost/benefit associated with collecting the fees which the vehicle tags generate. While this proposal offers immediate tax relief, certainly there are other ideas that could be explored.

In addition, if I am elected, I will commit to you the taxpayers, not to accept any form of compensation during my first year in office. After all actions do speak louder than words.
(*) Source: The Regional News, July 7, 2022.

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

As a graduate of Lewis University with a bachelor’s degree as well as a graduate from Loyola University of Chicago with a master’s degree, I believe that I have the necessary skills and expertise to successfully perform the duties associated with this position. In an effort to become a better business professional, I have attended the University of Illinois at the Medical Center, Tulane University School of Business, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs as well as Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Throughout my life, I have been engaged in public service for decades. Serving both as an active volunteer and supporter of the Illinois Epilepsy Association, Easter Seals, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, the Chicago Hearing Society, as well as the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation.

In addition, as a long-time member of our local community, I have been both a staunch supporter and member of Lions, Sertoma and Civitan International as well as the Palos Area Chamber of Commerce and Sacred Heart Parish.

Why should voters trust you?

By way of introduction, I am both a twenty (20) year plus resident of Palos Heights as well as a savvy business professional with over twenty-five (25) years of experience in finance with a strong understanding of the major components associated with both business growth and development.

My experience in the nonprofit industry and business expertise provides me with a unique skill set to ensure that both your voice regarding city business is heard and your input regarding city matters can be relayed to a policy making forum.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success?
Given that I am seeking a legislative position, one (1) of the measures of success is the number of meetings attended. If a representative does not attend a meeting, how can he or she either vote or voice a concern? While I have shared some of my ideas with you, ultimately, they require a consensus of the majority, which can be achieved through seeking collaboration among the members.

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

As an individual with a business background, I strongly believe that all organizations need to focus on their internal controls. Too often, when fraud or embezzlement occurs within an organization, it is the direct result of that entity having poor control over its financial activities. As such, if the city has not already done so, I would advocate that an independent firm be retained to ensure that the procedures for both the collection and dispersing of funds are indeed properly segregated, and monitored accordingly.

In what ways can intergovernmental relationships with state, county and other local governmental agencies be strengthened or improved? Most local governments have mutual assistance agreements whereby numerous services, especially police and fire, agree to assist one another in the event of an emergency. In any business whether it be a public or private enterprise, collaboration is a key component to success. As such, I would welcome any opportunity to forge a partnership to both strengthen and improve the quality of life for the citizens of Palos Heights.

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: Always invest in yourself.