Winnetka Village Trustee Candidate Q&A: Linda Pedian

On April 5, Winnetka voters will vote for three candidates for village trustee. The candidates on the ballot are Richard Kates, Linda Pedian, Jennifer Spinney and Arthur Braun. Below is a Q&A with Linda Pedian. For information on the rest of the candidates, check Winnetka-Glencoe Patch this week.

Winnetka-Glencoe Patch: How would you assess the state of the village’s budget?

Linda Pedian: I am currently a Trustee for the Village of Winnetka, and our Council philosophy, along with our Village Staff input, is to continue to lead the way with a 2011/2012 Budget Strategy that takes affirmative steps to control costs.

The 2011/2012 General Fund will be 2.8% less than the current Budget.  We have kept the property tax increase, for the Village portion of the tax bill at less than the rate of inflation. On average, A tax bill of $20,000 will see only a $37.00 per year increase from the Village portion of the bill.

We have reduced staff where possible, worked cooperatively with other entities  and vendors and maintained appropriate budgetary pressure on village operations to contain costs where possible, without eliminating important services, such as snow removal and refuse collection. 

Village health care costs have been reduced, by renegotiating our provider network.  A complete compensation and benefit study is underway to insure that Winnetka maintains talented employees without overpaying.

My philosophy, along with that of our staff leadership, has been to encourage our village to employ top caliber employees and services, while paying no more than what is necessary.

Patch: If expenses need to be reduced, exactly what would you cut? Please be as specific as possible.

Pedian: We have an opportunity to combine Police Dispatch service with 2 other municipalities, reducing costs in several areas of the budget.

In addition, the Compensation and Benefit study may provide opportunities to reduce costs for future village employees.

Continuing to seek inter-governmental and cross municipality shared services will continue to reduce costs, as well as continuing our leadership role in lobbying for pension reform at the State level.

Patch: If more revenue needs to be raised, exactly what would you propose? Please be as specific as possible.

Pedian: Continuing to seek government grant support, such as the $10,000 recently received for the prevention of Emerald Ash Borer, and the Recovery Funds granted for the repair and restoration of Green Bay Road.  As we consider the options for risk reduction for storm water management, a special service assessment  might be considered, however, all options for subsidizing these expenses require public input prior to decision.

Patch: What, if anything, does the village need to do to adequately fund police and fire pensions?

Pedian: Continue to work with the best possible actuarial experts to insure that our annual funding is at the appropriate level.  Continue our leadership role in the lobbying for pension reform at the state level, so that the obligations are reduced over time, as new police and fire professionals are added to our staff.

Patch: Does the village need to start or intensity economic development efforts? What specific ideas do you have to foster economic development?

Pedian: Yes, there is always opportunity to do more to support economic development in Winnetka.  Business owners, landlords and village staff can work together to develop a strategic plan for the 3 main business districts of Winnetka.  I am in favor of hiring a full time Economic Development Director to focus on the goals of a strategic development plan.  This position could seek flagship retailers and service providers to locate their business in Winnetka. 

Approaching companies like FEDEX, to support home offices in our village, or a “Mini-Macy’s”, to provide satellite shopping loyalty for key everyday items, might be considered. 

The Director would also coordinate efforts between the Chamber of Commerce, the Business Community Development Council and any other business groups to insure expeditious consideration for marketing strategies and development opportunities.  Develop a plan to market Winnetka as a shopping, dining, entertainment destination for Winnetka residents, as well as neighboring residents. 

Patch: Briefly tell us what in your background or education has prepared you to make a contribution on this board. Can you offer an expertise that would be a resource to other board members?

Pedian: I have spent the last 35 years working for a global corporation.  This environment has required clear understanding of the ongoing changes in the economic climate and the reverberating effects on business, two-tiered wage and pension issues, economic growth and development at many levels, and strategic marketing skills.  Working within the global business community has provided solid experience in solution-based strategies to meet the needs of business and leadership in the 21^st century.  I am experienced in respecting the past, understanding the present, and planning carefully for the long term future.  In addition to my professional career, our family owned and leased small scale, suburban shopping centers for many years, and I clearly understanding the unique goals of landlords, retail stores and service businesses as a  direct result.

Patch: How would you assess the public services the village offers residents, including police, fire, trash pickup, snow removal, responsiveness of village hall, etc.? What needs to be improved? Are residents getting adequate value for their tax dollar?

Pedian: The services received by Winnetka residents are exemplary.  Village staff is comprised of department heads with a high level of expertise, experience, dedication and leadership skills.  Our new Village Manager, Rob Bahan, is an outstanding addition to our leadership team and he brings new momentum to the administration of all the important services the Village provides. There is always room for improvement; adding an economic director to support business development and shifting other old paradigms are  a healthy way to maintain the fine standards of Winnetka.

Patch: What else would you like voters to know about your positions on issues or point of view?

Pedian: I am an open-minded public servant.  I have demonstrated an energetic approach to researching the issues, listening to all sides, and doing all whatever is necessary to determine the most equitable policy direction for all stakeholders.  I am passionate about preserving Winnetka’s best qualities, with a healthy dose of change to keep our community vibrant for generations to come.

Patch: How long have you been a Winnetka resident and what is your favorite part of living here?

Pedian: I grew up on the North Shore, and have lived in Winnetka for the last 21 years.  My favorite part of living in Winnetka is the pride our community has for our village, our small town character, and our beautiful lake shore.  The best part for me, has always been the care and concern neighbors share with each other.