This week, the Elmhurst Independent brings its readers coverage of the candidates in the contested race for Elmhurst Alderman who will appear on the ballot in the Consolidated Election to be held April 4. Candidates (vote for one) are running to serve a four-year term on the Elmhurst City Council.
Next week, the Independent will cover the races for School Board and Park Board.
The candidates were asked the following questions:
1. Number of years as a resident.
2. Education, occupation, community involvement.
3. Why are you running for this office?
4. What are the three biggest challenges the City is currently facing?
5. What else should our readers know about you?
Here are the candidate profiles listed by Ward. The Independent will not be endorsing candidates in this election.
Ward One
There are three candidates running. Ward One voters will elect only one. Listed alphabetically, they are: Rhian Fazzini, Engy Sutherland and the incumbent Jennifer Veremis.
Rhian Fazzini
Fazzini has lived in Elmhurst his entire life, which is about 20 years. He will not turn 20 until three weeks after the election. He works in a local restaurant, graduated from York High School and is in his second year of college at College of DuPage (COD), where he is majoring in political science.
Why are you running?
This is my first time running for office. I have been invested in politics and obsessed with the process since 2015. I’m currently a political science major, and am simultaneously taking a local government class, which is also helping me with my grade. But that’s not to say I’m running to get a good grade, I’m running because I genuinely believe that I can help improve our city for the better. I’m consistent in my views, and positions, but am willing to admit when I’m wrong. I offer a fresh perspective of a Gen-Z voter, and would be the first Gen-Z member of the council.
Biggest challenges:
Taxes: People are leaving Illinois, particularly because of the corrupt and absurd influence that Crook County has over the state, while it levies more and more taxes on the rest of us. People are moving into DuPage, but people are leaving just as fast. DuPage is attractive to those in “Crook,” but DuPage is not attractive to someone from outside Illinois, because our taxes are still high.
Safety & Education: Parents should know what funding, is going where, and what kind of subjects and materials are being taught to students, and it should be up to the parents whether or not materials are appropriate. And if a minority believe that a subject or material is inappropriate, they should be allowed to remove their child from the subject.
Handicap mobility: Senior and disabled residents often find it difficult to maneuver around the city. I’m sure as most people know, York road near city centre is a death trap if you’re not careful. I won’t support the construction of new residential properties, unless they have adequate parking. The one on Addison, is cramped, poorly designed, and is an accident waiting to happen.
What else should our readers know about you?
I am a right-wing libertarian who aligns himself with the likes of Ron Paul, Huey Long, and Joe Kent. I believe that residents who want to improve their properties should be free to do so without the permission of the city. I support gambling and dispensaries in the city, albeit I do not partake in either. I will support our law enforcement so long as they support their community.
Engy Sutherland
Sutherland, her husband, two children and their puppy moved to Elmhurst from Chicago during the pandemic. She is an actuary and managing director at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Her community involvement includes working on her local school council from 2016-20, serving as a co-leader and treasurer of a girl scout troop and is the co-founder of an organization called ROSE 205 – Respect Our Students and Educators 205 – to advocate for safe and inclusive schools.
Why are you running?
I’m running to bring a fresh perspective and new energy to Elmhurst City Council. As a professional, fully credentialed actuary with over 15 years of experience, I am skilled at looking at available data, digesting any demographic, regulatory, or policy changes, and then projecting forward the funding needed to execute plans to meet our strategic objectives. I’ve worked in forecasting, trend projections, financial planning, and policy and legislative analysis. This ties directly to the role of Alderman, where our responsibilities include managing our city’s priorities, setting policy, and approving a budget to fund it all.
Biggest challenges:
1. Elmhurst is experiencing rapid growth and development as it’s a desirable and attractive community for residents at various stages of their lives. But the City has to balance that with the needs of the residents, and it has to be done right. This requires reassessing our comprehensive plan to include more community engagement and feedback, consider environmental impacts, and whether the city can feasibly take in the additional projects from an infrastructure perspective.
2. The 2023 Budget is operating on a deficit, meaning the budgeted expenditures exceed our budgeted revenue. If we continue to use our reserves to cover budget shortfalls, we will deplete our reserves by 2024. I intend to ensure that we have a responsible and balanced budget with adequate reserves in the general fund balance to be financially stable.
3. The city is also facing a multi-million shortfall for stormwater projects and activities. General Obligation bonds were issued to pay for completed projects, but the City Council did not plan for a revenue stream to fund it. A stormwater fee is in the discussion to cover the gap, but this needs to be equitable across all residents.
What else should our readers know:
I’m a first-generation American that grew up in the Chicago area, both the suburbs and the city. If elected, I would be the first millennial, woman of color, and professional actuary to join City Council. I’m deeply committed to my community and raising my young family in Elmhurst – we are here for the long haul.
Jennifer Veremis
Currently representing Ward One on the City Council, Veremis has been a resident for 25 years. She owned The Beauty Lounge for 17 years and currently owns her own company Jennifer Veremis/Goal.Get.Her Inc., a business coaching firm that helps with goal setting, financial management, operations efficiency, time management, and productivity. Besides serving the First Ward, her list of community activities is vast, including Elmhurst Retail Grant committee member, Elmhurst City Centre Board of Directors (elected and ex-officio), Keep Elmhurst Vibrant co-founder, Elmhurst Business Owners COVID19 Support Group co-founder, USO of Illinois & American Legion volunteer, Spring Road Pet Parade Committee member, Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition liaison for Elmhurst City Centre (2019-20), Elmhurst Heritage Foundation Craft Beer Fest volunteer, Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce member and animal rights advocate and animal foster family. When one of her constituents with ties to Ukraine asked for help raising funds and awareness, Veremis stepped up and helped coordinate the effort in the neighborhood, getting other elected officials involved.
Why are you running?
As the current Alderman, I have diligently worked to protect taxpayers, improve public safety, and enhance the quality of life for all, including our seniors. I successfully initiated policy change based on residents’ concerns and observations, including a new standardized response to traffic and safety, the City’s first neighborhood-wide traffic study (in College View), and improved construction site standards.
I understand the municipal processes and know what it takes to get things done and move issues vital to Ward 1 forward. I have maintained a flat tax, saved taxpayers $2 million by securing federal funds, advocated completing the College View stormwater project, and increased communication.
My goal for the next four years is to maintain a solid financial position, have reliable infrastructure, low vacancy rates in business districts, and safe neighborhoods. I am actively working on innovative downtown planning and senior citizen programs.
Biggest challenges:
In a recent citywide survey, 98 percent of respondents rated Elmhurst as an excellent or good place to live. I have been honored to be part of that effort. However, there will always be challenges. Three of the biggest are aging infrastructure, an equitable stormwater funding mechanism, and responsible growth.
What else should our readers know:
I have been dedicated to Elmhurst for over a decade and have a track record of passionate leadership and active participation in creating change. As a community advocate, I spearheaded Keep Elmhurst Vibrant and organized over 200 neighbors to successfully oppose a gas station development along Salt Creek at Route 83 and St. Charles Road. We believed a gas station at the corner would threaten our environment, traffic, and public safety and negatively impact our community. The group’s work earned the 2019 Citizen Initiative Award from the Citizen Advocacy Center. Most importantly, it proved people working together at the grassroots level can prevail and have positive outcomes.
Ward Two
There are two candidates running, voters will elect only one. Listed alphabetically, they are: Jake Meding and Karen Sienko.
Jake Meding
A 30-year resident of Elmhurst, Meding’s occupation is the annual fund director for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. He received a B.A. in political science and an MBA, both earned at Elmhurst University. Community involvement includes serving on the Economic Development Commission and on the Board of Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, is a graduate of the Elmhurst Citizens Police Academy and is program coordinator of the Elmhurst Student Philanthropy Council.
Why are you running?
It has been a lifelong dream of mine to run for public office. My roots are deep within the Elmhurst community. I was raised and educated in Elmhurst, and my wife Annice and I have chosen to make this town our home. My civic and volunteer involvements demonstrate my dedication to this community. I plan to commit time and energy to keeping Elmhurst an economically robust, safe, and vibrant community.
Biggest challenges:
The three top priorities for our community are: an investment in citywide infrastructure, including improving water systems, broadband internet access, roads, and municipal facilities. Ensure that our fire, police and emergency services are funded to provide the best training, equipment, and performance. Continue and expand citywide economic development initiatives.
What else should our readers know:
I have experience with strategic planning and group leadership dynamics. I believe in listening to all points of view and being willing to compromise. Should I be elected, my experiences will allow me to be an effective and team-oriented Alderman.
Karen Sienko
Sienko and her family moved to Elmhurst in 2010. She works as a reference librarian at the Oak Brook Public Library and holds more than 20 years of experience in software development, including as a project manager and a people manager. She holds a Master’s degree in library and information science with a certificate in library management. Her B.A. is in business administration. For the last several years, she has served as a parent leader in District 205, was PTA co-president in 2019-21 and is currently PTA secretary. She represents the Dual-Language Parent Advisory Committee (DPAC) as a co-chair for the District 205 PTA Council. She also volunteers for the Elmhurst Neighbors and Newcomers Club (ENNC) and has served on various board and committee chair positions.
Why are you running?
Elmhurst is already a great place to live, which is why my family and I stay and why so many people want to move here. I love being an active part of the community, through my involvement in the PTA, PTA Council and local clubs, and I want to help ensure that Elmhurst remains the vibrant place that it already is. I am also very invested in the diverse community that is North Elmhurst, with proven leadership skills and excellent research abilities.
Biggest challenges:
The city’s debt for the general obligation bonds purchased to create the Stormwater Fund and prioritizing the remaining flood remediation projects, need to be dealt with. Also, there are areas throughout Elmhurst that still see flooding and effected residents deserve remediation.
Overall Elmhurst is a safe place to live. However, there needs to be an assessment of how to deal with the current rise in property crime.
Create improved environmental and sustainability practices for the city and residents, through the creation of a Sustainability Commission. This would allow the commission to not only carry on the work from the Sustainability Task Force, but also to create long-term goals and initiatives.
What else should our readers know:
I am approachable and a great listener. I also believe that our similarities outnumber our differences and I will take this approach when working within city council, as well as with the people of the 2nd Ward. We all have something in common, especially when we start with the same goal of making Elmhurst better.
Note: Races for alderman in Wards 3, 4 and 5 are uncontested.
Ward Six
There are two candidates running, voters will elect only one. Listed alphabetically, they are: Guido Nardini and Laura Ann VeVers.
Guido Nardini
Born and bred in Elmhurst, Nardini is a small business owner who holds a B.A> from the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign. He also took supporting coursework at Harvard University. He feels his biggest claim to fame is serving as the Elmhurst Eagles Football 11 Silver team announcer.
Why are you running?
I grew up in this town and I’m proud of this town. I went to Jefferson Sandburg York. I moved back to raise my boys here. I’m running for alderman because I want Elmhurst as good or better for them as it was for me. As a small business owner, I deal with vendors and customers. I deal with budgets and contracts. I’d like to think I know how to strike a deal. My job is to find common ground. I’ve learned no matter how charged the environment or flawed the argument, arriving at a “yes” is a win, an imperative.
Biggest challenges:
There is no one issue that outweighs all others in
Elmhurst. My Hometown is dealing with A $13m bill come due for necessary storm water remediation, the developing face of Uptown’s density and the completion of our public schools’ referendum through Covid. If I earn a seat on City Council, I will look to property taxes and stormwater fees to address our debt. I will demand refined development and a respect of Elmhurst’s Comprehensive Plan to keep Uptown vibrant into the 21st century. At the Board of Education, I will trust reasonable people to eschew today’s culture wars and carry Russell Thiems’ torch to modernity and academic excellence. After all, we have that tradition.
What else should our readers know:
Should I be lucky enough to represent the 6th ward, I will reply to every text, respond to every call. I will do my homework on City Council. I will try to make my Hometown proud with my votes. I was a kid in this town; now I’m a grown ass man. Challenge accepted.
Laura Ann VeVers
Since 1971, VeVers has lived in Elmhurst with her daughter. She is a student as well as a life coach who obtained a bachelors from Elmhurst University and a Masters at Wheaton College. VeVers is a certified Chaplain and is CRI Certified (Crisis Response International). (Note: VeVers did not provide a photo by press time.)
Why are you running?
Having served for dozens of years with many nonprofit organizations. I have decided to serve within my hometown of Elmhurst. I am a life coach for special needs families and a Certified Chaplain. Elmhurst has been a part of me since my childhood. I went D205 school, Religious Education from Visitation, graduated from York and received my bachelors degree from Elmhurst University. My daughter is a second generation D205 graduate who has moved into secondary education. I believe I am a leaving a legacy rooted and grounded in community.
My Irish and Italian ancestors immigrated here for a better life. I honor them by striving for excellence to do my best every day. As a single mom with neuro- diverse daughter, I have learned how to navigate bureaucracy, advocate for my family, and fight tenaciously to get things done right. I will put those life skill to work for you, to make sure the 6th Ward residents are protected that voice is truly heard and will get what they need from our city Government.
Elmhurst is a dynamic place with a long history. I grew up in this neighborhood. Our city Council needs people who will ensure that our City promotes good policy, and respects our residents who have worked long and hard to make Elmhurst a great city. My vision for Elmhurst is that it is not just somewhere you live; it is your home. I hope to earn your trust and vote.
Biggest challenges:
Safety: our City Police and Fire Rescue standing together united to ensure safe secure neighborhoods, playgrounds, schools, and businesses.
Common Sense: good government, fiscal responsibility, and smart support for services that our residents value.
Environment: Committed to Elmhurst’s small-town intimacy in the midst of big city culture: attracting both families and businesses, and growing friendships.
What else should our readers know:
I will work hard for the 6th Ward, not just because of my education. The 6th Ward is where both my daughter and I have lived life in. I have a vested interest here in the 6th Ward it is my home where my heart, family and community have grown roots leaving two generations of legacy building.
Ward Seven
There are two candidates running, voters will elect only one. Listed alphabetically, they are: Rex Irby and Mark Mulliner.
Rex Irby
An Elmhurst resident for 27.5 years, Irby is married and has five grown children. He is a solar developer and principal at Solar International Services. He holds a BBA in Accounting from the University of Texas. For community involvement, he lists the following: 2004 – Elmhurst D205 Financial Task Force, making recommendations to the school board after a full review of revenues and expenditures. I’m a proud Jackson Elementary School Art Parent and PTA Field Day horn blower for 8 years. 2008 – Contributor to the Smart Grid Energy Task Force for all of Illinois. 2015 – Sustainability Task Force for Elmhurst City Council. 2018 – Founding member of the DuPage Clean Energy Coalition, I have worked collaboratively in DuPage and surrounding counties. Since 2015 I have been involved in city council public comments both in subcommittee and full council and Zoning Board working with Elmhurst Cool Cities and other key stakeholders.
Why are you running?
I have lived in Elmhurst 27 years with my wife Jen raising 5 children. Elmhurst D205 schools have provided 10 fold for our family. My involvement in multiple groups over the years gives me a unique perspective to be a new voice. Volunteers keep Elmhurst a prized gem, I would be honored to work alongside and support them. It is time to take a step forward and serve on council now that the kids are grown. I am ready and committed to give back to and serve the city that has given us so much.
Biggest challenges:
Meeting our current debt obligation for storm water mitigation projects completed so far. Lower cost storm water mitigation strategies, planning and implementation are needed as alternatives immediately.
Debt to budget has exceeded normal revenues to pay the debt. This debt ratio was mainly by overspending on large storm water projects at a cost of over $100,000/home.
Currently about 500 homes have been protected at the 100-year flood level, but we have more projects and lower cost strategies needed.
Water bills are too high and careful review and changes are needed.
What else should our readers know:
I have a passion for conservation of our natural resources, including water and land; and have always prioritized sustainability without increasing property taxes. Our family has three electric vehicles and would like to see the city embrace the addition of chargers around town. I will advocate for younger aged housing seekers who need a pathway into Elmhurst that is quickly disappearing while keep housing available for seniors. I am passionate about making all of Elmhurst more inclusive, diverse and welcoming and look forward to earning your trust and vote.
Mark Mulliner
A lifelong resident of Elmhurst, Mulliner was educated at Lincoln, Bryan, York and Northern Illinois University. He is currently retired following a career in education. Besides being the incumbent in the 7th Ward, his community involvement includes chair of the Elmhurst Technology Task Force; Elmhurst Public Library Board of Trustees, member and vice-chair; Member – Public Affairs and Safety Committee, member, vice-chair and chair. He has served on the Finance, Council Affairs, & Administrative Services Committee and the Development, Planning, & Zoning Committee, as a member and vice-chair; he is a member of Veterans Commission, Economic Development Commission, the 2020 & 2021 Memorial Day Convoy Committee, and is a member of EAO.
Why are you running?
I use a common sense approach to the City Council. I look at issues that are brought to us, look to see if the issue is truly a problem in the city and/or will it make the city better for all. Then by working with staff and other council members, we work to find a solution. I have an understanding of the history of Elmhurst, as well as a vision to continue to move Elmhurst forward.
Biggest challenges:
The three top priorities are Public Safety & Health, Economic Development, and Communications. I have addressed Police and Fire. Keeping our public infrastructure in good working order is how we help to keep everyone healthy. Economic Development throughout the city helps to keep our taxes low. Increased communication through the use of technology and personal outreach helps the community to understand what the city is doing.
What else should our readers know:
Elmhurst is wonderful city that I love and I know you love it too. I have been honored to represent you and would be honored to continue to represent you. For these reasons I ask for your vote.
