Gerry Leganski, Darien Ward 4 Alderman Candidate

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

Name:

Gerry Leganski - Alderman Candidate for Darien Ward 4

Age:

61

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My oldest son works in Washington, DC.

Education:

Bachelors of Science in Accounting from Northern Illinois University 1985. CPA 1986

Occupation:

Currently I'm a Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain. Previously I was a licensed Certified Public Accountant, Pubic Auditor and Financial Executive.

Campaign website or social media page:

Website - Neighbors4Gerry.com

Gerry Leganski 4 Alderman Facebook Page

The single most pressing issue facing our city is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our city is supporting, promoting and retaining current businesses and attracting new businesses to Darien. I have some ideas to support local businesses and I look forward to working with City Planner Jordan Yankee, Business Liaison Lou Mallers, the Economic Development Committee, the Planning and Zoning Committee and the Darien Chamber of Commerce.

How do you view Darien's handling of economic development? And what type of residential and commercial development would you like to see in Darien?

I think the hiring of Lou Mallers as a part time Business Liaison is a step in the right direction. Outreach to current businesses and attracting new ones for empty store fronts is critical for Darien's economic success. Overall, I think Darien is making strides with their Economic Development efforts and with my business background, I look forward to being an active participant in these committees. I'm also happy that Darien supported our local businesses during the Covid shutdowns and subsequent re-openings.

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

My Ward 4 is a 100% reflection of Darien as a community that's filled with a variety of living options from single family homes, townhomes, condominiums and apartments which afford our city the ability to welcome a vast array of residents to live and provide opportunities to flourish.

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

I have no political ambitions beyond Alderman. During my opponent's terms he has run for DuPage County Highway Commissioner and Illinois State Representative. The demands of this office and the challenges facing Darien are local. I will always put the residents of Ward 4 and the City of Darien first and will not follow the lead or conform to any political party or platform.

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

After our home was vandalized sixteen years ago, I personally started a Neighborhood Watch Group that has grown to over 100 families who I easily communicate with through email blasts. With my leadership we have accomplished a lot from installing streetlights to having Com Ed replace an existing overhead power line with an underground power line this Spring. Our neighborhood was literally having electric interruptions on a monthly basis. I know my neighbors are appreciative that we pulled together, never gave up or just settled for the unacceptable level of service we were receiving.

Employed in the food industry, I was an essential worker during Covid and needed to go to work every day during some very uncertain times. The last three years have taught me to be flexible, creative, patient, resourceful and to think outside the box as we faced daily, unprecedented and ever-changing supply chain challenges to produce and deliver product to foodservice distributors. It truly was remarkable what my Supply Chain team was able to accomplish with little interruptions. I'm a team player but I'm not afraid of taking a leadership role when the situation requires it.

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

I really want to expand our Neighborhood Watch Group to all of the other neighborhoods in Ward 4. The Watch Group is a great way to get input, build neighborly comraderies and know the issues and challenges facing the residents on a daily basis. Ideally, I'd like our Neighborhood Watch Program to be a model for all Wards city wide.

If I'm re-elected in four years, then I'll know for sure my first term was a success.

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

No other reason.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

If you have a problem and you keep it to yourself, it's your problem but if you share it with me now it's our problem and we'll work together to get it resolved! My neighbors and co-workers know I am approachable and I never stop until the job is done.

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

I've been married for 35 years and have lived in Darien for 29 years. I am the father of three children who all attended Concord Elementary, Cass Middle and Hinsdale South High School. From the time I moved here I've been involved with coaching baseball, umpiring and volunteering at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

I am personally financing 100% of this campaign and 100% of my salary from this office will go towards scholarships for graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students from Ward 4 who commit to community service by volunteering to charities and other organizations.