Eric Gustafson, Darien Ward 6 Alderman Candidate

DARIEN, IL — Incumbent Eric Gustafson is one of two candidates running for Ward 6 Darien alderman in the April 4 election. Here are his responses to the Patch questionnaire:

Name:

Eric Gustafson

Age (as of election day):

68

Does Anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

1. Undergraduate degree in accounting – Lewis University
2. Master’s degree in finance – DePaul University
3. Certified Public Accountant

Occupation

1. Over 40 years of progressive financial and auditing experience for multi-billion-dollar international companies. Strong focus on budgeting, financial reporting, auditing, revenue enhancement, expense control, internal controls and operational improvements.
2. Over 30 years of experience as tax and audit consultant.
3. Currently semi-retired.

Campaign website or social media page:

None

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

1. Current Darien Alderman since May 2019
2. Member of the Municipal Services Committee since May 2019.
3. Member of the Darien Environmental Committee for 12 years; chairperson for 6 of those years.
4. Member of the Darien Administrative/Finance Committee 2019 & 2020
5. Member of the 2006 Darien Comprehensive Planning Committee which developed the city’s current guide for future Darien development.
6. Member of the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference Regulatory Issue Committee since 2020.

Single most pressing issue facing our city is __________, and this is what I intend to do about it.

1. Potential loss of tax revenue generated from businesses.
   1. I have worked hard to develop solutions and attract new developers and business into Darien. I spearheaded the annexation of the home on 75th street from unincorporated Downers Grove to Darien. The annexation prevented a car wash which I did not support from being built on this property. The car wash was strongly opposed by surrounding residents and which would have provided very little revenue to the city. I am working on businesses supported by the residents which will add tax revenue to the city.
   2. I have attracted a major developer to develop properties in Darien. A meeting was recently held with the developer and members of the city staff. Specific plans are being developed and will soon be disclosed.
   3. I developed and received city approval for a new city position designed to retain and attract new businesses in Darien.
   4. I spearheaded the concept of enhancing the Chestnut Court shopping center to include multi-family housing.

How do you view Darien’s handling of economic development?

1. The city can do more in this area and I am committed to get landlords to fill the empty spaces in the city.
2. I spearheaded the concept of enhancing the Chestnut Court shopping center to include multi-family housing.
3. I initiated the annexation of the home on 75th street from unincorporated Downers Grove to Darien. The annexation was approved by City Council 7-0 on April 6. 2020. The annexation prevented a car wash from being built on this property which was strongly opposed by surrounding residents and which would have provided very little revenue to the city.

What is your perspective on the City Council’s approval of an apartment complex on Sokol Court in 2021?

As an Alderman, I voted against this development. In speaking with a very experienced real estate agent in Darien there is a greater need for condos rather that apartments.

What type of residential and commercial development would you like to see in Darien?

Darien needs various types of businesses that will provide tax revenue to the city such as restaurants and retail businesses.

How did you vote in November's tax increase referendum in Center Cass School District 66? Explain why you voted that way. How is your vote relevant in the race for City Council?

This is not an issue that is addressed at the city council level. As a tax paying citizen, I wanted the board to address issues before increasing taxes. They have addressed some of the issues such as pay to play for activities.

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

1. Resident of Darien Ward 6 for over 36 years.
2. A Darien Youth Club volunteer coach for over 15 years in multiple sports; traveling soccer volunteer coach for over two years.
3. Darien Alderman for the past four years.
4. Member of the Municipal Services Committee since May 2019.
5. A member of the Darien Environmental Committee for 12 years; chairperson for 6 of those years.
6. A member of the 2006 Darien Comprehensive Planning Committee which developed the city’s current guide for future Darien development.
7. Member of the Darien Administrative/Finance Committee 2019 & 2020
8. Member of the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference Regulatory Issue Committee since 2020.
9. Financial background; Undergraduate degree in Accounting from Lewis University; Master’s degree in Finance from DePaul University and a CPA.
10. Over 40 years of progressive financial and auditing experience for multi-billion-dollar international companies. Strong focus on budgeting, financial reporting, auditing, revenue enhancement, expense control, internal controls and operational improvements.
11. Tax and audit consultant for over 30 years.

What accomplishment in your past would cite as evidence that you can handle the job?

1. No increase in Darien city taxes despite the challenges of Covid 19. Budget concerns needed to be addressed and I fought to ensure that the city services provided to the residents remained in place despite the loss of revenue.
2. I spearheaded the annexation of the home on 75th street from unincorporated Downers Grove to Darien. The annexation was approved by City Council 7-0 on April 6. 2020. The annexation prevented a car wash from being built on this property which was strongly opposed by surrounding residents and which would have provided very little revenue to the city.
3. I developed and received city approval for a new city position designed to retain and attract new businesses in Darien.
4. I spearheaded the concept of enhancing the Chestnut Court shopping center to include multi-family housing.
5. I have attracted a major developer to develop properties in Darien. A meeting was recently held with the developer and members of the city staff.
6. Maintained a safe city; only 3% of residents per the latest resident survey do not feel safe in Darien. Provided superior service to residents; only 6% of residents are not satisfied with the overall quality of life in Darien.
7. Quick response to residents’ questions and requests.

If you win, what accomplishments would make your term in office a success?

1. Continue the city’s track record of providing exceptional performance without raising taxes.
2. Maintain a safe city; only 3% of residents per the latest resident survey do not feel safe in Darien. Provide superior service to residents; only 6% of residents are not satisfied with the overall quality of life in Darien.
3. Quick response to residents’ questions and requests as I have done over the past four years. I am available to residents 7 days a week and 24 hours per day.
4. Continue to obtain additional businesses to support the Darien Youth Club.
5. Attract new businesses into Darien.

Any reason you would not serve a full term in office, other than health or family?

My wife and I have been residents of Darien for over 36 years; I am committed to serve an additional full four-year term.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

1. Golden Rule; to treat others the way you want to be treated.
2. Work hard to earn and maintain the trust of others by standing up for those in need.

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

1. I am well prepared and best qualified to address the important issues facing Ward 6 and the entire city of Darien. I have the necessary time, background, education and experience to fill this important role and the history, passion and love for this city.
2. Residents can continue to count on me to be fiscally responsible and continue to use my education and business experience to KEEP taxes low while maintaining the level of services residents expect to receive. I have been able to master the city’s budget process and assist the city in continuing their long streak of not increasing taxes; no increase in city taxes despite the challenges of Covid 19.
3. Residents can continue to count on me to respond promptly to phone calls and emails when they have a service request.
4. Residents can continue to count on me to work diligently to represent the interests of residents and find intelligent, equitable and effective solutions to challenges facing the Sixth Ward and the entire city.
5. Residents can continue to count on me for my passionate advocacy for the Sixth Ward bringing the voice of residents to local government. I commit to collaborating with residents to address the concerns we all share with integrity and compassion.
6. Residents can continue to count on me to be a strong supporter of the Police Chief and his department resulting in a safe and secure city. Only 3% of residents per the latest resident survey do not feel safe in Darien.
7. Residents can continue to count on me to promote departments and programs designed to maintain and improve the overall quality of life in Darien; only 6% of residents are not satisfied with the overall quality of life in Darien.
8. Residents can continue to count on me want to work for the Ward 6 residents and serve as a full-time alderman who is accessible and readily available during the work day and at night and on weekends. I am semi-retired and I have the time required to support the residents of Ward 6.
9. Residents can continue to count on me to be a person of high moral integrity and who is very dedicated to the city living here for over 36 years.
10. Residents can continue to count on me to be environmentally focused having served 12 years on Darien’s Environmental Committee; 6 years as chairperson. I value the environment while understanding the need for a strong local economy.
11. Residents can continue to count on me to be an optimist and see opportunity in every difficulty and work for real and implementable solutions.