2019 Elections Guide: Diane Galante, Tinley Trustee

TINLEY PARK, IL — Patch asked all candidates running for elected office in the April 2, 2019 municipal elections to participate in our voters guide. All submissions are voluntary. Those whose names are not listed chose not to respond or did not respond to requests for information. Responses are edited for style or space only.

Get to know your candidates:

Name: Diane Galante

Age: 53

Position sought: Village of Tinley Park Board Trustee

Party affiliation: Non-Partisan One Tinley Park

Family: My daughter, Julianne is in her Jr. year at the University of Dubuque in Iowa, and plays on their girls Lacrosse team. My son, Joseph III, is in his Sr. Year at Andrew HS, he's in the national honor society, plays Lacrosse and Football, and is a member of the Athletic leadership team. My Husband Joseph Jr. is a Sales Manager for Mercedes Benz of Orland Park Sprinter division.

Education: I Graduated from the University of Illinois, Chicago with a BS in Accounting

Occupation: I'm an Accountant for BorgWarner Automotive. I've worked for Borg for 26 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Offices: This is my first time running for a political office. I have been a member of other boards including, Girl Scouts-Whispering Winds, Association Chair, Boy Scouts of America Pack 398 Board Member, D230 Girls Lacrosse Board Member, and the Sandpiper South Condo Association Board member.

Campaign Website: www.onetinleypark.com

Names and offices of all family members who work in politics or government: NA

The most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and what I intend to do about it: The most pressing issue is the Mental Health property. The current Board entered into an exclusive negotiation agreement with one developer for six months. The proposal does not include full remediation of the known toxins on the land and the village would retain the liability on portions of the property. The developer is asking for $69Mil in upfront incentives. The Village does not have TIF funds to cover this and would need to take on debt to fund this. The proposal includes senior living homes to be built on slabs and Turf fields to be placed over the incapsulated toxins in the land. The Board passed on stronger proposals with experienced developers, and picked a group that was formed last year and has no prior experience together doing a project if this size with environmental issues. I spoke up with many other residents on the concerns, unfortunately the Board disregarded the residents and moved ahead.

I believe the State needs to clean up the land. Once cleaned up that is a prime location with its proximity to the train and expressway. I would like to see something that will be a revenue generating engine, to help reduce taxes on our homeowners

What are the key differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? One of the differences I see is my involvement in the village. I've been attending Board and Committee meetings for the last few years trying to get a better understanding of the Village's processes. I am currently serving on two Commissions. The Economic Commercial Commission(ECC), and the Branding and Marketing Commission. Both of these commissions are working to increase economic development in the village. ECC recently rolled out the Oak Park Play Book that gives grants to businesses to offset costs for code compliance, or improvements to the property. The Branding an Marketing group has worked to develop the music brand and will be holding a ground breaking ceremony for the Plaza March 13th. The Plaza will be a wonderful improvement to our downtown.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board): I believe we have to develop a strong long range plan and show fiscal discipline that prioritizes essential spending. We need to reduce redundant spending and make more financial information available to the public.

In what way have current officeholders of the position you're running for failed the community? How would you do better? I believe the community has lost faith in the current board after seeing questionable behavior of board members and the multiple lawsuits that have cost Millions in legal fees. We have seen poor fiscal stewardship and lack of prioritizes essential spending in our community in public safety. The Board seems to work independently of the taxpayers wishes, and disregard their input when voting at meetings.

I believe we are a community full of knowledge that we could leverage when looking at new proposals/contracts and reduce the hiring of consultants. We need to repair the trust of the community by listening and working for the good of the people who live and work in Tinley Park and not special interest.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: Improving Economic Development to help reduce the taxes on homeowners. Improve long range planning and stronger fiscal discipline to prioritize essential spending to invest more in public safety and infrastructure improvements.

Improve the communication between elected officials and residents.

If you win this position, how would you define your term in office as a success? Success will be seeing a significant increase in economic development, retention of current business, reducing taxes to our homeowners and an increased investment in our public safety.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career. The mistake that comes to mind is not running for a Trustee seat in the last election. At the time I was just getting out of all my volunteer positions and was looking forward to having more time for my own interests. I regret that decision and believe I would have been the voice of the people that we need. The positive side is I was able to spend the last two years getting more involved with the village commissions and attending meetings to get a stronger knowledge of village processes.

Why should voters trust you? I believe we need to look at actions of individuals. over promises of what they will do if elected. Being a true public servant is something that should not start at election time. If you look at my background and my involvement volunteering for multiple organizations over the years and stepping up when my help is needed, it's a good indication of the person I am.

Which accomplishments do you cite as evidence you can handle this job? Working the last 26 years for an industry leader in continuous improvement practices and finding cost reductions to survive in the competitive automotive industry has prepared me well. Having been a full time professional, full time mom, girl scout leader, RE teacher and coach has trained me to be a good multitasker. I believe being a commissioner for the past two years was given me a good foundation to hit the ground running.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I'm someone who does not believe in failure. I believe hard work and dedication is required to be successful and I'm always willing to give the 110%.