Karen Sienko, Elmhurst Ward 2 Candidate

ELMHURST, IL — Karen Sienko is one of two candidates for the Ward 2 seat on the Elmhurst City Council.

Here are her responses to the Patch questionnaire:

Name:

Karen Sienko

Age:

No answer

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes, I work at the Oak Brook Public Library.

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from North Central University and Masters of Library and Information Science with a Certificate in Library Management from Dominican University.

Occupation:

Reference Librarian

Campaign website or social media page:

www.KSienkoElmhurst.com

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

I have spent the last several years serving as a parent leader in District 205, specifically as PTA co-president in 2019-2021 and currently as PTA secretary. I am also currently representing the Dual-Language Parent Advisory Committee (DPAC) as a co-chair for the District 205 PTA Council. I have also served on the board of the Elmhurst Neighbors and Newcomers Club (ENNC) in various board and committee chair positions and am still a member.

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

The costs of flood remediation.

According to the Comprehensive Flooding Plan Storm Sewer System Analysis there were 25 original projects to be completed with an estimated cost of $43M to assist 464 homes throughout the city with flooding issues. As of 2020, 13 of the projects were completed and due to a lack of funding the remaining 12 were put on hold.
As alderman of the 2nd Ward, I would recommend that we are more transparent with homeowners on the costs, priorities of remediations, and the timing for future project completions.

Stormwater Improvement Project Update (2021):

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/coe/Board.nsf/files/BZZRX3700F0D/$file/Future%20Stormwater%20Improvement%20Projects-FINAL.pdf

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

I would like to see more entry-level single-family dwellings throughout Elmhurst, as well as business development in areas outside of the 2-block section on York Road between 1st and 2nd.

How would you like to see downtown develop? Do you support more condos and apartments?

I would support any development, as long as it meets the criteria of the city’s comprehensive plan. I would not support a condo or apartment that takes away established green space, could potentially add to any flooding issues, or one that reduces the solar access of another building.

The city is facing a multimillion shortfall in stormwater debt for stormwater projects that have been completed. How should the city close it?

Flood remediation is costly. In a previous question I highlighted how there are several additional projects that still need remediation and that the city should be transparent with residents on what it will take to complete these projects. Funding should be part of this transparency. The Finance, Council Affairs, and Administrative Services Committee is currently looking at how to close this gap.

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

I cannot speak about the qualifications of my opponent. But I have been actively involved in the community for several years and have a desire to support Elmhurst and all of the community members that choose to live here. I also have the project management and people management skills necessary to bring people together to work collaboratively, as well as a desire to ensure that all voices are heard. I will also be an outside voice in the city council, as I do not have any existing city connections.

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

Prior to becoming a librarian and changing careers, I worked in software development for over 20 years at a fortune 500 company. I have experience in project management, people management, training and development, as well as working cross-culturally. I also have an appreciation for lifelong learning, always rising to a challenge. I will bring this persistence and drive in learning, as well as all of my skills, to the role of alderman. I will do my own research, ask questions, and strive to bring people together to work collaboratively. I believe that all of these are essential for successful aldermen and city officials; a desire to learn, manage well, and work well with others.

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

A collaborative city government, which is more transparent and accessible to all residents. Aldermen run as non-partisan candidates, so that they can all work towards the same goal of making the city better than when they started.

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

None. My family and I have no interest in moving out of Elmhurst or moving out of the 2nd Ward, we have the best neighbors in town!

The best advice ever shared with me was:

It’s a bit cliché, but the best advice was “be yourself, as everyone else is taken”. It took me a while to understand, but it is true. Trying to live like someone else or up to someone else’s standards is exhausting and unfulfilling.

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

I am approachable and a great listener. I also believe that our similarities outnumber our differences, if we just take the time to find them. And, I will take this approach when working within the city council, as well as with the people of the 2nd Ward and the City of Elmhurst. We all have something in common, especially when we start with the same goal of making Elmhurst better.