What I’ve Done So Far
May 8, 2023 - October 18, 2023
Sworn in by Judge Teresa Molina, May 8, 2023 - Village Hall
Environment/Water/Traffic and Safety
Promoted Public Works Week and electronics recycling program May 22-27, 2023
Shared MWRD of Greater Chicago Climate Action Plan online.
I attended the Greentown Climate and Equity Conference at Triton on June 22, 2023, where we discussed sustainability, bike and traffic infrastructure, and recycling.
Thrilled to help unveil a named street sign on Ferdinand in memory of Maryann Geraci, an effervescent longtime resident.
Active leadership of the Traffic and Safety Commission with collaborative communication with CMAP - plans for grant funding, strategic planning of community input and data already underway in four meetings; I attend every commission meeting
I regularly promote overflow action days and liaise with MWRD to provide resources to Forest Park community members on what we can do to reduce flooding while pursuing systemic solutions. I provided grant and funding solutions to residents impacted by severe floods in July.
I attended Garage Galleries in August with traffic trivia and provided bike lights and reflectors to quiz Forest Park residents about our speed limits!
I share many transit-related news items, including safety, updates, and surveys from Cook County, on my Commissioner Facebook page, including Walk, Roll Illinois, from IDOT. I hope you’ll follow me.
Business Community:
I regularly support local businesses by frequenting and posting pictures of their services and my experiences online to encourage Forest Park residents and my friends to visit businesses locally and support them. I hope you will do this too. Please help our businesses by telling your friends about your experiences!
First Responders, Veterans, and Service Members:
Supported Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, cheered on our Forest Park police at the start, provided raffle prizes, and promoted the event to Facebook followers to encourage supporters to cheer on the event!
I promoted the Cycle Across Illinois events to honor our Fallen officers, including Officer Nick Kozak, in July. I attended the Fire Buddies Softball Tournament to cheer on our Police Department in August!
At the suggestion of community members, fundraised for the installation of a second flagpole at the village hall to honor our first responders, veterans, and service members in accordance with the Illinois Flag Act. Community members responded, and the fundraiser was successful in three weeks. I also donated flags (at private expense to our D91 schools and village hall to ensure that our service members and veterans could be honored properly.) The installation was completed in August, and we will have a flag ceremony on 11/9, two days before Veteran’s Day.
Highlighted National Police Week and the service and honor of Police officers during May who gave their last measure for our communities across America for us to be safe.
Education:
I participated in our D91 back-to-school fair, our D209 back-to-school health fair (Hillside), and two other community back-to-school backpack giveaways this summer. I was a reader this summer at a freedom school in Broadview. Attended community input meeting for use of Grant White.
Serve as a consistent volunteer and supporter of the Forest Park Library, the Forest Park D91 PTO and their events, and attend, volunteer, and support public/community events at the Park District of Forest Park (Fall Fest, Juneteenth Pool Party). I support our Forest Park Scout Program!
Represented Forest Park at the Equality Illinois Pride Event, the Answer Autism Event, and the Standing up for Ryan Fundraiser. I supported and promoted the Village Forest Park Pride celebration.