Paulette Greenberg: 2025 Candidate For Buffalo Grove Trustee

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Ahead of the April 1 consolidated municipal elections, Buffalo Grove Patch 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 is publishing all responses submitted by candidates verbatim.

Paulette Greenberg

Town/City of Residence: Buffalo Grove

Office Sought: Trustee on Buffalo Grove Village Board

Campaign website: Facebook

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 members of my family work in politics or government

Education: Southern Ill University

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

Retired insurance adjuster/part-time drivers' education instructor

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

No previous elected office

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

Courting new businesses to current empty lots and empty storefronts. We have several high-volume intersections that are ripe for redevelopment. I will support policies to increase economic development. A strong business community is important to the financial health of the Village.

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

I have demonstrated my commitment to the Village through my 30 years of volunteering on committees and

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

The current board has not failed the community in my opinion. They have steered the Village forward with repurposing an existing building for the Public Works department. Rebranding the Village's logo makes the area more relevant and appealing to younger generations. The new colorful logo may attract potential developers and businesses.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Housing: There are two new apartment developments underway. The proposed rents will be $1900 upwards to $3,000+ per month. I know of many seniors in the area who would like to downsize/sell their homes. But for those seniors who receive less than $2000 a month in social security benefits, it is not feasible for them to live in these new buildings. I would like to include lower-priced rentals with any future housing developments.

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

I served on the Buffalo Grove Days Commission for 28 years/I was the co-chair for 22 years.

I created ( with Penny Novy) the Buffalo Grove Farmers Market in 2009. I completed 16 years of managing this market as of 2024.

I was a member of the Buffalo Grove 50th Anniversary Committee.

I was named Rotary Person of the Year in 2009

I have been a Cook County Election Judge for several elections

I am a coordinator of special events with Arlington Heights Frontier Days

Why should voters trust you?

I have successfully proven my capabilities of leadership with the co-chairing of Buffalo Grove Days and the creation of the Farmers Market. Each of these roles, plus other committees served on, required a keen understanding of details and coordination between vendors, suppliers, promoters, and Village and park district staff.

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

A Trustee must have the courage to challenge or speak up when seeking information on various issues. Success in getting lower rentals for seniors seeking housing in the area would be a great accomplishment.

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

A recent AAA bond rating shows how well the Village manages finances. Pension payments are made in a timely manner. Reserves are strong and the future development of Village buildings has been carefully planned.

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?

Our crime rates are low due to our effective police department. Police officers are visible in local schools and the general area. Residents have great confidence in the police department.

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

Buffalo Grove currently has two large developments under construction. Both developments will add retail and apartment housing to the community. Village taxbase will increase. Keeping the infrastructure up to date is very important — roads, water/sewer lines.

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? Residents want affordable housing, especially for seniors who wish to downsize from their current homes. Residents want the local shopping centers to improve parking lots and sidewalk areas. Residents want empty storefronts to hold businesses or be reinvented for different use - This may involve changing building codes, which I plan to follow up on.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

Best Advice: If you don't try, you will never know if you could have succeeded.

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

I am excited of the opportunity to join the Board of Trustees as we move forward in the coming years.