Jorge's Vision for Villa Park
As a candidate for Village President, I am committed to ensuring Villa Park thrives as a vibrant, connected, and forward-looking community. My platform is built on the foundations of the Villa Park Comprehensive Plan and the Strategic Plan, reflecting both long-term goals and actionable priorities to meet the needs of our residents today and tomorrow.
Platform Priorities
1. Economic Growth
Building a stronger local economy through business development and workforce opportunities.
- Attract and retain businesses by streamlining permit processes and offering targeted incentives.
- Support local entrepreneurs through mentorship programs and “Shop Local” initiatives.
- Partner with schools and organizations to create job training programs and internships.
Villa Park's growth depends on a robust local economy. My platform aligns with the Comprehensive Plan's emphasis on diversifying the tax base through business attraction and retention, and the Strategic Plan's focus on fostering workforce readiness. By supporting small businesses, creating new opportunities, and building partnerships for workforce development, we can ensure Villa Park's economic foundation remains strong and sustainable.
2. Infrastructure Modernization
Ensuring safe, accessible, and efficient roads, utilities, and public spaces.
- Prioritize repairing and maintaining aging roadways to improve transportation.
- Upgrade water, sewer, and stormwater systems to reduce flooding risks.
- Expand sidewalks, bike paths, and public spaces to promote accessibility and recreation.
Modernizing infrastructure is about creating a community that works for everyone. The Comprehensive Plan emphasizes the need for long-term investment in critical infrastructure, while the Strategic Plan prioritizes service enhancements. By addressing these needs with a strategic approach, we can reduce costs, improve safety, and ensure Villa Park remains accessible and resilient for generations to come.
3. Sustainability
Advancing eco-friendly initiatives to protect our environment and ensure long-term resilience.
- Invest in green infrastructure like rain gardens and permeable pavements.
- Promote renewable energy adoption for municipal buildings and community programs.
- Expand recycling programs and introduce composting options to reduce waste.
Sustainability is both an environmental and economic priority for Villa Park. The Comprehensive Plan highlights the importance of green practices, while the Strategic Plan emphasizes efficiency and innovation. My platform integrates these goals to promote a healthier environment and create cost-effective solutions that benefit everyone.
4. Community Engagement
Fostering open communication and ensuring every voice is heard.
- Host regular town halls to provide updates and gather feedback from residents.
- Create advisory committees to focus on key community issues and solutions.
- Launch an online portal for residents to access updates, meeting minutes, and resources.
- Promote wider adoption of the My Villa Park App to enhance resident engagement and streamline communication.
Engaged residents make for a stronger community. My platform aligns with the Strategic Plan's emphasis on communication and collaboration and builds on the Comprehensive Plan's call for greater transparency. By driving adoption of tools like the My Villa Park App, we can create easier access to village services, faster issue resolution, and a deeper connection between residents and leadership.
Issues Q&A
Some of these ideas include: promoting renewable energy sources, creating more community gardens and urban farms, implementing a sustainable transportation system, establishing communitywide recycling programs, and supporting local businesses through tax incentives and other resources.
The effectiveness of these ideas will depend on various factors specific to our needs and will require collaboration and engagement between local government, community organizations, and residents to determine which is the best fit and how to implement it effectively.
As a dedicated member of the Villa Park community, I have a strong passion for making a positive impact. Through my volunteer work as a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, I have been actively involved in several projects aimed at enhancing our parks and recreational areas.
From the revamp of Cortesi Veterans Park to the creation of the Community Gardens at Westmore Park, I have been instrumental in improving the quality of life for residents of Villa Park.
Additionally, as a coach for the Villa Park Warriors Flag Football program, a supporter of the PTA, and an advocate for the music programs at Ardmore and Jackson schools, and an overly excited soccer dad. I have demonstrated my commitment to supporting the educational and recreational needs of families in our community.
My goal is to work toward a more holistic and inclusive community where everyone can thrive.
The best style in such a setting is to foster open communication, encourage active participation, and establish a shared understanding of the goals and objectives of the community. This can be achieved through effective collaboration, delegation of tasks, and regular check-ins.
In order to reach agreement, it's important to consider the perspectives and opinions of all community members, and work to find common ground.
This can be done through active listening, and the use of tools such as brainstorming, consensus-building exercises, and facilitated discussions.
Effective leadership is also critical in producing effective actions and decisions. The leader should encourage collaboration, foster a positive group dynamic, and provide support and guidance to group members.
In addition, the leader should ensure that the group stays focused on its goals and objectives, and helps members to stay engaged and motivated throughout the process.
During uncertain economic times, some communities may choose to delay nonessential projects such as new construction or beautification initiatives.
It is important for communities to prioritize spending based on immediate needs and available resources. Additionally, alternative funding options, such as grants or private investment, may also be explored.
Some common priorities include road and bridge repair, water and sewage systems, and public transportation. These projects are essential to ensure public safety and health, as well as maintain quality of life for residents.
In terms of funding, there are several options available, including tax revenue, bonds, and public-private partnerships.
It is important for communities to have a comprehensive financial plan in place, taking into account both current and future needs, in order to prioritize projects and secure sustainable funding sources.
Reducing frivolous spending is one of the top priorities for the community. I have seen instances of arbitrary spending that lack proper oversight, and this needs to be curtailed.
Instead, I want to focus on transparency and accessibility for the elected officials.
While coffee with the board events are a great initiative, they may not be convenient for everyone, especially those with young children.
That's why I plan to introduce an easy-to-use online forum that makes it easier for residents to connect with the village board without any barriers. This way, everyone can have their voice heard and contribute to the betterment of the community.
As a committed member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission for the past eight years, I am confident that the construction of a new Community Recreation building should be the utmost priority for Villa Park.
With 13 years of residency in the community, I have witnessed the increasing demands of its families and aim to address these needs through creative solutions and cutting-edge technologies.
I will make it my mission to secure the necessary support and funding for this project, as I understand its significance in fostering a stronger connection between residents and their community, in line with Villa Park's evolving landscape.
Additionally, I believe that long-term planning and adhering to a well-structured project timeline will ensure the village's capital projects are well-thought-out and prepared for any unforeseen situations, thereby safeguarding a secure future for Villa Park.
I am of the strong conviction that financial stability holds paramount importance for the future of Villa Park. I have faith in the competence of the newly appointed village manager to tackle the persistent difficulties and make astute choices for the well-being of the community.
My focus moving ahead will be to ensure the financial prosperity of Villa Park by prioritizing related concerns.
This includes being fiscally responsible in spending to plan for the future of Villa Park, ensuring that every decision and action taken is in line with maintaining long-term financial stability.
As a candidate running for the Villa Park Village Board, I believe the most pressing issue facing our community in the coming years is the need for responsible financial planning and management.
We must address budget shortfalls, infrastructure needs, and potential pension liabilities in order to ensure the long-term stability of our community.
To respond to these challenges, I believe the village board should prioritize proactive financial planning, invest in cost-saving technologies and innovative solutions, and work closely with all stakeholders to make informed decisions.
The ability to understand the complexities of our upcoming projects and the fortitude to see them through will be key to our success in long-term planning.
