Denice Bocek: 2025 Candidate For Buffalo Grove Trustee

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Ahead of the April 1 consolidated municipal elections, Buffalo Grove provided questionnaires to all candidates on the ballot.

Three four-year trustee seats and one two-year trustee seat on the Buffalo Grove Village Board will be up for election in April, according to the Village. The 2025 Consolidated Election will take place on Tuesday, April 1.

Current trustees Joanne Johnson, Lester Ottenheimer and Denice Bocek are all running for reelection, while Paulette Greenberg will be on the ballot to gain a seat. The term is four years.

Buffalo Grove Patch is publishing all responses submitted by candidates verbatim.

Denice Bocek

Town/City of Residence: Buffalo Grove

Office Sought: Village Board trustee

Campaign website: https://electdenicebocek.com

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race): N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for. No

Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design-NIU

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

30+Years in Commercial Real Estate Development/ Construction. manage my own boutique real estate consulting business.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I am an incumbent Trustee and was appointed in October, 2023.

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

The Village Hall and Police Facility require upgrades to meet the growing needs of our community. These aging structures are outdated, inefficient, and inadequate for current staffing and operational demands. Village Hall, built over 50 years ago, suffers from a poorly designed layout, chronic maintenance issues, and insufficient space for staff and community use. As the Village grows, these shortcomings hinder our ability to deliver the high-quality services our residents expect and deserve. Addressing these deficiencies is essential for long-term sustainability and operational efficiency.

Similarly, the Police Headquarters, constructed in the late 1980s with no expansions since 1997, is now undersized by approximately 40% based on current needs. This space constraint affects the police department's ability to maintain its high standard of service. Additionally, there are concerns about the building's physical condition and security.

Upgrades to the Village Hall and Police Headquarters will require careful review of the needs, options available and cost analysis. I will continue to advocate for responsible spending while also providing the high level of service required of our community.

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

My 3 decades of commercial real estate development and construction management experience and 12 year tenure on the Buffalo Grove Plan Commission (served as Secretary and Vice Chairman) make me uniquely qualified to serve the Buffalo Grove Community. Also, I currently hold IL State licenses as a Real Estate Broker and Interior Designer. As the owner of a boutique real estate consulting firm, I understand both business development and community needs. In addition, I was able to utilize my real estate contacts and introduce Rivian to the Buffalo Grove team!

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

The Village of Buffalo Grove, like many communities nationwide, is grappling with rising costs. Addressing this challenge requires a focus on maintaining critical infrastructure and ensuring sustainable funding. Prioritizing capital investments is essential to meet ongoing infrastructure needs. To achieve this, Buffalo Grove must continue diversifying revenue streams through economic development, efficient spending, securing grants, intergovernmental collaboration, and leveraging technology effectively. For example, the Infrastructure Modernization Program (IMP) has been a cornerstone of the Village’s strategy. Additionally, measures like the approved water/sewer rate increases aim to fund long term improvements without increasing property taxes. These strategies will help Buffalo Grove maintain and enhance service levels while navigating financial pressures.

I support strong fiscal management that protects taxpayer interests and enhanced quality of life through our beautiful open spaces and services. Also, I support our forward-thinking ideals including investment in infrastructure, continued economic growth and a strong sense of community.

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

As a part of my real estate development experience, I was asked to fill a role as Community Liaison for a high profile mixed use development in Chicago where I successfully lead all collaboration, communication and relationship management with the members of the community. I will hit the ground running and continue to be a very productive and effective Trustee.

Why should voters trust you?

I have a proven 30 year track record in Buffalo Grove of being an active member of our community. In my roles as a Trustee, member of the VBG Plan Commission and an advocate for animals I have shown my ability to be a leader in our community. I pride myself in being an honest person and an advocate for our community and taxpayers.

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

I will consider my term a success if the following remains true at the end of my 4 years in office; Buffalo Grove preserves its AAA Bond rating, we have a strong fiscal standing, continued re-investment in the (IMP) infrastructure modernization program, the strategic economic development momentum progresses and the expansion is completed for two fire stations.

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

I support strong fiscal management that protects taxpayer interests including; long term planning, utilizing grants, smart spending, cost cutting and intergovernmental cost sharing. Due to our responsible management of taxpayer dollars and forward thinking, the Village is able to recognize favorable rates and strong buying power for financing capital projects. Lastly, we will increase our revenue through strategic economic growth and development in our TIF districts. This will help Buffalo Grove to maintain our reserves and/or offset cost increases which may arise.

The Village of Buffalo Grove has a AAA Bond rating (S&P) and a strong fiscal standing. The Village has been awarded for excellence in financial reporting for the annual financial audit by the Government Finance Officers Association. Buffalo Grove has received this honor for 42 consecutive years.

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?

BG has historically had very low crime rates, particularly crimes against persons and crimes of violence. This is largely attributed to our police department’s commitment to innovative community policing strategies and strong partnerships with our community.

In order to maintain our low crime rates, our police department will continue to emphasize public engagement and collaboration while demonstrating timely communication and transparency.

Although violent crime in BG is minimal, it’s very important to take proactive measures to include general law enforcement, crime prevention, community engagement and implementation of sound policies and best practices. As a nationally accredited agency, BGPD has incorporated these fundamental principles into their mission and service delivery.

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development?

As a trustee with extensive real estate development experience, I bring valuable industry insight to Buffalo Grove's growth initiatives. I strongly support strategic economic development that enhances our tax base while preserving our community's distinctive character. I believe in thoughtful, balanced development approaches that create vibrant, mixed-use spaces where businesses thrive alongside residential neighborhoods. I am committed to continuing our positive development momentum through projects that strengthen our local economy, create gathering places for residents, and position Buffalo Grove for long-term prosperity. I support enhanced quality of life through our beautiful open spaces

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?

The residents are looking for revitalization of the older commercial areas in Buffalo Grove. Some of these areas are in the TIF districts which will encourage owners to make improvements to their property, look at adaptive re-use options and attract new tenants. The value creation thresholds of the developer/ owner in the TIF districts are at no cost to the taxpayer. I will work with the Village Board, staff and the property owners on possible strategies to revitalize these properties.

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:

"Listen to understand, not to respond." When you truly listen with the intention of understanding another person's perspective — rather than simply waiting for your turn to speak or formulating your response — you create space for genuine connection and learning.

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

I am a dedicated member of the Village Board with a commitment to community service and a passion for Buffalo Grove. In addition, I volunteer my time to help homeless animals by advocating for animal rights against cruelty and neglect, animal rescue, fundraising, animal transports and I currently serve as a Board Member for St. Louis Samoyed Rescue.