Election 2013: Gregory Sarlo for Fifth Ward Alderman of Des Plaines

The following information was provided by Gregory Sarlo. Patch provides a platform for candidates to share their messages, and does not give endorsements. To share your message with readers for free, add it to the Local Voices section on Des Plaines Patch.

Name: Dr. Gregory Sarlo

Position sought: Fifth Ward Alderman of Des Plaines

Campaign contact information. Please include any or all of the following: website, email address, phone number, Facebook page, Twitter account, mailing address, etc.

Website: Gregorysarlo.com

Email: Gsarlo@aol.com

Phone: (773) 612-5565

Age: 48

Family Include as much info as you like (names, ages, number of children, etc.):

N/A

Education Include degree(s) and school(s):

Psy-D (PhD) The Adler School of Professional Psychology.

Occupation: Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Political Party: Independent

Official name of your campaign committee (if you have one): Citizens for Gregory Sarlo

Previous Elected or Appointed Offices:

Des Plaines Library Board (current), Illinois Psychological Association President (2008-2009 & 2010-2011).

Is there any additional experience you believe qualifies you for the position?

I have been on several boards and involved in the revitalization of the Edgewater Area to become a Historical District.

What would your priorities be if elected to this office?

Tax increases at zero percent over the next few years. Reduction in Youth criminal activity by developing a positive loitering program involving the citizens and Des Plaines Police Department. A return to transparency and getting the word out to the communities of the projects of our elected officials.

What are the most important issues facing Des Plaines and what would you do as alderman to address them?

Taxes, crime and transparency. 

What is one of the most important issues facing residents in your ward, and what would you do, if elected, to address it?

I am planning on creating not only the more active neighborhood watch but instituting a program of “positive loitering” in the community where groups of citizens work collaboratively with the Des Plaines Police and actually congregate themselves in areas where suspicious activity is taking place to drive out those undesirable activities and individuals. It is a program which is working very well in the parts of Chicago, and it also forces the community to work together toward a better future and a safer environment.

How do you believe gaming tax revenue collected by Des Plaines should be spent? What should it be spent on?

City infrastructure and a reduction of city debt. Definitely following a policy followed every year.

There have been a number of proposals to expand gaming in Illinois. If elected, what would you do to protect Des Plaines’ interests with respect to gaming?

If gambling were to be expanded, the current contract would need to be modified to include a larger percentage of Des Plaines revenue.

The city has $58.3 million in debt in the capital improvements fund, the tax increment financing funds and the water and sewer fund. Approximately $4.4 million in the capital improvements fund will become callable in 2013. If elected, would you support refinancing this debt or paying it off immediately, and why?

Paying the debt off immediately would be more costly due to the terms of the contracts which should have been negotiated better. A long-term business plan needs to be developed much like what I proposed when I lived in Chicago. The area I lived in is now a vibrant part of the community and has increased property values and historical significance. I would love to be part of a strategic plan.

Downtown Des Plaines has a low occupancy rate in the retail spaces in the Metropolitan Square development. If you are elected alderman, what would you do to address this?

The cityscape needs to be opened, people on the Metra and driving by have no idea what is back there. There needs to more curb appeal.

The Des Plaines Police Department is involved with a number of lawsuits, including, most recently, accusations that a former commander falsified records. If elected alderman, what would you do to address the litigation? What would you do to gain the public’s trust in the Des Plaines Police Department?

Transparency with the public is the best. It does no good to hide anything. The truth has no time limit and will eventually come out. It is better to always practice ethically and be upfront about the workings and issues of the city. This transparency will gain the trust of the constituents. We all need to work together in an effort to build a better community.

Why would you do a better job representing Des Plaines than your opponent?

The largest complaint I have heard going door to door is the constituents feel there has been no effort to communicate with them and decisions were being made without input and issues were not being addressed. The biggest complaint has been no return phone calls when there have been an concerns. As alderman I would strive for transparency, openness and direct clear communication. I would work with and for the people.

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