Larry Berg: Candidate For Deerfield Trustee

DEERFIELD, IL — Ahead of the April 4 consolidated municipal elections, Deerfield Patch provided questionnaires to all candidates on the ballot.

Three seats on the Deerfield Village Board will be up for grabs on Election Day. Four candidates will be on the ballot for a four-year seat, according to Deerfield Deputy Village Clerk Daniel Van Dusen.

The current terms of trustees Larry Berg, Elaine Jacoby and Bill Seiden all end in April. The three are seeking reelection as part of the Deerfield Village Caucus 2023 slate. The trio will be challenged for the spots by independent Christopher M. Goodsnyder.

Patch is publishing all responses submitted by candidates verbatim.

Larry Berg

Age (as of Election Day)

61

Town/City of Residence

Deerfield

Office sought

Village Trustee

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor of Science, Drake University. Juris Doctorate, John Marshall Law School.

Occupation

Attorney for 36 years.

Campaign Website

N/A

Current Village of Deerfield Trustee. Prior Chairman, Village of Deerfield Plan Commission.

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

During the post-pandemic recovery, I will continue to encourage economic development throughout the Village. I will continue to support investing in infrastructure improvements. We recently invested over 7 million dollars on lasting infrastructure improvements. I will also continue to work towards the goals of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Ad Hoc Committee that we recently adopted.

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

Myself, as well as the other endorsed candidates, bring significant experience in having served on multiple Committees, Commissions, as well as the Board of Trustees. I am a current Village Trustee and past Chairman of the Deerfield Plan Commission.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I intend to encourage development in the TIF District which will include private investment and Development. I intend to also encourage development of additional Affordable Housing opportunities. I will continue to support our hugely successful Food Truck summer events, which will include additional dates, as well as all of our other family friendly events, including the Harvest Fest, Winter Market, and Farmers Markets.

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

I am past Chairman of the Deerfield Plan Commission, having served on the Commission since 2008. In that capacity we were responsible for all land use issues and amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. We approved an Independent Senior Housing Community, a Work Force Housing Community, a Transit Oriented Development, a Special Needs School, a Montessori School, a Supportive Living Facility, created an Affordable Housing Inclusionary Ordinance, and Deerfield’s first Pickleball Courts.

As a Trustee, we approved the Climate Action Report to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030, approved the purchase of Deerfield’s first electric vehicles, approved funding for over 7 million dollars in infrastructure improvements, and established a Downtown TIF District, just to name a few.

Why should voters trust you?

In addition to my roles and accomplishments with the Village of Deerfield, I am an attorney that represents multiple municipalities as their Village Prosecutor.

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

I will continue to pursue all of the accomplishments that I was a part of in my role of Chairman of the Plan Commission, and in my role as Trustee for the Village of Deerfield, and will look forward to each new opportunity that will come before the Village Board to enhance our community.

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

I will continue to support responsible and appropriate budgets and fiscal spending. Our budget and audit received the top best practice awards from The Governmental Finance Officers Association. We also maintained our AAA bond rating.

Do you support the Illinois assault weapons ban, and would you support a local assault weapons ban in this community?

The State of Illinois enacted a ban on the sale of high powered weapons and high capacity magazines. I will continue to support the State’s efforts to protect the people of the State of Illinois.

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

I support the efforts to achieve racial equality, and as a member of the Board of Trustees, will continue to do so. I am proud that our Board of Trustees enacted a Proclamation declaring February as Black History Month in the Village of Deerfield.

Do you support the SAFE-T Act? Why or why not?

The enforcement of the SAFE-T Act is under review by the Illinois Courts, and is expected to be amended. I will support the Act, as determined by the Court, so far as it may affect the role of Trustee.

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?

Deerfield Police Chief John Sliozis, Deputy Chiefs Brian Budny and Chris Fry, and the men and women of the Deerfield Police Department have done a great job protecting the safety of the residents of the Village of Deerfield. Our Board recently approved funding for license plate readers which will enhance the ability of law enforcement to protect our streets and for Deerfield and neighboring communities to share information in combatting crime.

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

The Village of Deerfield has consistently encouraged commercial and residential development throughout the Village that benefits our residents. Through careful planning and appropriate ordinances, Deerfield will continue to strive to enhance our vibrant community.

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?

The residents of Deerfield have always supported our “Shop Local” approach, for both shopping and dining. Our Village Board will continue to make this happen by encouraging development and businesses that enhance Deerfield. Although the overall global retail climate, and issues created by the pandemic, have created challenges for some of our businesses, there are many new opportunities coming to Deerfield.

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

I intend to serve my full term of office.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My father always told me that my word and my name mean everything. I continue to be driven by my father’s advice.