Rachel Lazich, Darien Ward 6 Alderman Candidate

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

Name:

Rachel Lazich

Age

40

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

M.S. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Administration

Occupation:

Director of Marketing

Campaign website or social media page:

Rachel for Alderwoman https://www.facebook.com/groups/3421253188110040

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

Illinois Continuity of Care Association
State Board of Directors
Public Relations Chairperson– 2017 -2020
Illinois Continuity of Care Association
Alpha Chapter
Public Relations Chairperson – 2017- 2020
Kane County Senior Resources
Website Chairperson – 2018- 2020
Central Kane County TRIAD
Vice President – March 2018 -2020
Cub Scouts Pack 512
Recruitment Chair 2022-Present

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 the lack of a clear vision for the future of Darien.
Darien just celebrated its 50-year anniversary. Those founding families, at that time, worked hard to meet the needs of residents moving into the community. The city laid the groundwork to allow the residents and community to flourish, but a lot has changed in 50 years. It’s important that as we move forward together as a community we address the needs of all current and future residents.

It's also critical that City Council creates a master plan to use as a road map to build and grow. I have previously worked with a city, Canton, Illinois, to create a Master Plan. During that process, I worked closely with the city, park district, and community groups to align visions that allowed for in-depth planning. I will utilize this specific skill set to support Darien in creating a vision that focuses on economic development and residents' needs.

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

As mentioned in the previous question, a Master Plan can pave the way for future economic development. By following a strategic plan that outlines the future vision of the community, it empowers the city to attract desirable local businesses. Some hard work will have to be done in proactive zoning changes and developing limitations on less desirable businesses to ensure fulfillment of this future vision of Darien. The city has taken some small first steps recently in addressing economic development issues, such as hiring a business liaison and supporting the Chamber of Commerce. To make Darien attractive to businesses, it will take city representatives willing to start conversations, connect resources, and prioritize the best outcomes for Darien.

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

This was a big project that had a lot of discussions and community input. As someone who values open communication and the concerns of our residents, it was disheartening to see the approval for the development despite overwhelming public opposition. I understand the need for development and those hard decisions have to be made occasionally, but I cannot align with decisions where ultimately the voice of the community was not heard.

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

I would love to develop aspects that enhance beauty and create inclusivity in our community. I would love to see Darien develop multifunctional spaces that could be used by a variety of residents, from our youngest to our oldest. These community spaces would provide for residents of all needs. For example, upon reading the Darien Park District plan for the creation of the tennis and pickleball courts, it would be great to see this area usable by our youngest residents as well. By designing a water feature, such as a splash pad, the area is not only useable for all ages, but all abilities as well. I see our community benefiting from a community garden, outdoor fitness centers, community pet washing stations, and the creation of a plan to best connect these new additions with walking paths and bike trails. For commercial development, attracting business diversifies our current local business is highly important. Drawing business that allows for experiences, such as a trampoline park, arcade, escape room, or painting nights, would be a great addition to our city. Additions of these types of businesses would keep families local for all their needs.

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?

Yes. Education is the most vital asset that a community can provide for its youngest residents. I believe in a strong foundational education for all children. Building on basic skills of reading, math, writing, and social/emotional skills is vastly important in the early years of education to create successful lifelong learners.

Before the second vote of the 66 referendum, the Board of Education developed the Community Engagement Forum. I jumped at the opportunity to join and hear residents from all sides. Listening to my fellow community residents, I heard their issues and worked to solve these voiced concerns. Concerns were centered mainly around transparency, open communication, fiscal responsibility, and the plan to ensure this would not happen again.

My concerns also centered around the impact that not supporting the referendum would have on Darien. Poor school rating is one of the top causes of decreased property values. With a huge drop in our school’s rating, property values would plummet. A large number of our residents would lose all equity in their homes, businesses would not consider Darien an ideal location to build, all of which ultimately would affect our economic outlook.

During this time, I worked with the community to work through the issues that divided us. I listened to all sides. I validated concerns. I pushed for answers. In the role of Alderwoman, I will have the same approach of bringing us together to move forward.

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

Being flexible and open-minded is a very important skill that not everyone has. Listening to residents, business owners, and community leaders, without shutting others down who have a different view or opinion, is extremely important in our Aldermanic Representatives. All Darien residents should feel heard and their concerns validated.

Championing causes important to Darien and Ward 6 is something I can deliver. Our city needs leadership that will work as the voice of issues, the push of change, and serve as the connector of resources. My marketing background makes me a specialist in this. I am able to connect identified needs to resources and business to the community. I specialize in business growth and development. I plan to use my skills to spread the word about how great of a place Darien is to both live and operate a business.

Inclusivity of all residents from our youngest babies to our senior citizens is something I am personally passionate about. Having worked with seniors for over 10 years and children for 6 years, I have a unique understanding of what’s important to both. I want to make all city programs, buildings, and events more inclusivity pushing for ADA compliance,

I value safety. Through my previous work in corrections with juveniles in Chicago, I have an understanding of social, economic, and other risk factors that lead to crime. Fear of crime has a profound impact on residents, causing stress, social isolation, and affecting the quality of life. Safe residents lead to a stronger and more resilient community. People feel safe when they are respected, valued, and feel connected to their community. I will work in conjunction with the police department to provide resources and supports so that all our residents feel safe.

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

I have a track record of leading teams as small as 4 to as large as 100 to push through barriers to reach growth and financial goals. I’ve shown the ability to take control of a project and make sure the team delivers tasks on time and within budget. My experience working within governmental agencies, privately owned businesses and community organizations has allowed me to experience and understand why and how important decisions are made at all levels. With my work experience focusing on operations, marketing, and community outreach, my skill set is designed to be an asset to our City Council.

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

A successful first term cannot be achieved without the community and local organizations feeling empowered and connected. I will forge deeper relationships with the community and local key stakeholders such as the Park District, School Districts, and Volunteer Organizations to fuse local partnerships. Through this, the community and the organizations within it will feel empowered to support and meet the needs of each other as able.

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:

Things don’t have to be perfect to be wonderful

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

Good city government should focus on providing excellent infrastructure, maintaining safety, and building a positive atmosphere where residents feel heard and drive change together. I have a strong belief in growing our business community in ways that are planned and that benefit all of our residents. At the same time, I am focused on preserving the quality of life that makes Darien such a wonderful place to live.

I am passionate about seeking new solutions and have the drive to implement change. Together, we can make Darien a place where our businesses can thrive, our youth can build a future, and our families and seniors can feel secure. I will apply my enthusiasm and dedication to represent the voice and vision of ALL members of the community.