Dan Shapiro: Candidate For Deerfield Mayor

DEERFIELD, IL — Ahead of the April 6 consolidated municipal elections, Deerfield Patch provided questionnaires to all candidates on the ballot.

Four candidates are vying for three four-year trustee seats on the Deerfield Village Board on Election Day. They include two incumbents (Robert Benton and Mary Oppenheim) and two challengers (Christopher M. Goodsnyder and Rebekah Metts-Childers).

Current trustees Barbara Struthers and Dan Shapiro are not running for reelection. Shapiro is running unopposed for mayor with Harriet Rosenthal not seeking a fourth term.

Deerfield Patch is publishing all responses submitted by candidates verbatim.

Dan Shapiro

Age (as of Election Day)

59

Town/City of Residence

Deerfield, Il

Office Sought

Mayor

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)

n/a

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Education

J.D., American University, Washington College of Law, D.C. -1987

Occupation

Attorney since 1987

Campaign website

not yet created

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Youth Commission (member), Retail Task Force (member), Comprehensive Plan Committee (member), Northwest Quadrant Task Force (member) Plan Commission (Commissioner), Chairman of Plan Commission, Northwest Municipal Conference (representative from Deerfield), Village Trustee.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Maintaining our fiscal strength while at the same time maintaining our superior Village services in light of the current COVID-19 epidemic and the hard hit retail and hospitality sectors. We need to keep a close eye on our budget and expenditures especially for the next couple of years and exercise fiscal responsibility. Also, I would like us to actively promote economic development by reaching out to developers and perhaps consider future public-private partnerships.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

Yes, I support Black Lives Matter. The murders of George Floyd, Jacob Blake as well as that of Breonna Taylor (and others) were horrific and outrageous. Those involved should be held fully responsible. I think the protests were well justified and impactful but the looting and violence was not.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

There will always be more we can do to make our Village better, especially in terms of racial diversification. Adopting an affordable housing ordinance will help. Perhaps formally establishing certain goals of inclusiveness will also help. Additionally, we can encourage job opportunities for those in black and brown communities by advertising for them through platforms that reach such communities. We need to do a better job of listening and acknowledging that we have more to learn to better understand racial disparities.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

Yes. Although limiting operations and restricting dining will impact our local businesses, the alternative of continued sickness and death is worse. I believe in science and the easing of restrictions as our positivity rate declines and as the vaccines become more readily available. Local programs from Cook County, Lake County, the State of Illinois and the Federal Government along with Village assistance are necessary to help ease the financial pain businesses and families are now facing.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

I think the program now being administratively processed through Lake County is a good one. With Walgreens and others soon offering the vaccine, we will need to coordinate with each of them to ensure the vaccination process is moving forward as smoothly as possible. Johnson and Johnson's vaccine will likely be approved soon which will also help. Lastly we should consider offering Village locations or personnel to assist with the vaccination process if need be.

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

I am fortunate that there are no other candidates running for Mayor.

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

n/a

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Among some of the issues facing the Village; environmental sustainability, inclusivity, fiscal responsibility and continued transparency are important issues for us to focus on during the months and years to come.

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

Great question. I have been able to successfully serve on the various committees and commissions listed above for over 20 years. Those experiences as well as my experience as a Trustee and a land use attorney all reflect a background that uniquely qualifies me to be Mayor.

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

Success does not necessarily come from a single individual's actions. Rather it comes from
the actions of a team. The Village is fortunate to have an extraordinary staff that allows us to
take sound policy decisions. As such, my success is intertwined with the Village's success as a whole. If I can build upon the wonderful accomplishments under Mayor Rosenthal's tenure the Village will continue to be a great place to live, bring up a family, work and age in place. That said, I would like us to adopt an affordable housing ordinance, encourage environmental sustainability and consider a program to fill in some of our vacant retail spaces.

Why should voters trust you?

I try my best be honest and exhibit the utmost integrity each and every day. I believe if you ask anyone who knows me either in a professional or personal capacity, they would say the same thing.

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

Especially now, I am a fiscal conservative. I say that because Covid-19 has adversely impacted the revenues we typically receive in the Village. Though we have a very strong budget and exemplary bond rating, we should try to defer non-essential capital improvements for a few years. I believe in making sure we keep our taxes as low a possible. Our finance director is outstanding and has this Village in a very strong financial condition, especially when compared with other communities due to our continued policy of remaining diligent and fiscally conservative.

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:

Do the right thing and never give up.

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