Mike Baker: 2025 candidate for Elmhurst City Council Ward 4

Bio

Office sought: Elmhurst City Council Ward 4

City: Elmhurst

Age: 64

Occupation: Senior account manager

Previous offices held: None

What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council respond to it?

The single most pressing issue Elmhurst will face in coming years is balancing revenues with expenditures. I will scrutinize spending to ensure city expenses are warranted and responsible. Alderpersons need to be accountable to residents, that provided city services are as cost effective as they can be. We need to be creative when looking for additional revenue possibilities that are beneficial to the city and not over burdening residents. Our economic development has been strong, and we need to continue attracting new business to Elmhurst.

During the budget process in November, council members fittingly questioned several expenditures which needed more explanation from those who requested the funding.

Throughout my business career and my volunteer roles, I have always had responsibility for raising funds or insuring funds are spent appropriately. My experience will enable me to critically examine the merits of a project with funding for said project. Elmhurst needs to clearly communicate to residents when and if, there are increases in expenses over projected revenues, making sure residents are not surprised when specific increases in costs directly affect them.

How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?

Elmhurst’s current financial position is strong. For years, we have had an excellent bond rating while local property taxes are some of the lowest in the county.

With rising utility rates, infrastructure needs and large building projects on the table, there are currently existing pressures to maintain our strength. We have a good mixture of residential, business and industrial properties contributing to keeping our property tax rate down. The city has been good stewards of the city’s finances.

Going forward we need to wisely invest in public safety, city services and infrastructure. Elmhurst needs to maintain its position as a safe community people want to be a part of. Residents also expect Elmhurst to respond to their needs.

Infrastructure must be continuously updated to ensure and enhance our comfort of living. If funding isn’t provided for these improvements, it will be more expensive and burdensome on taxpayers to catch up later. Staff should always seek ways to reduce spending. We are fortunate to have experienced, seasoned personnel, working on our behalf to do that. I will be active in monitoring expenditures for potential savings.

What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

Elmhurst is prioritizing improving infrastructure through investments in the water reclamation facility, stormwater projects, sidewalk improvements and road improvements.

The city evaluates and prioritizes these improvements annually through strategic budgeting and seems to recognize the need to continue these upgrades.

A significant water rate increase last year was partly designed to upgrade our water infrastructure, which has pending mandates on phosphorus removal and lead pipe replacement deadlines in the coming decade. While much of the stormwater improvements have been made through bond offerings and budget, future project costs should be manageable through a similar combination of funding.

I think we need to prioritize our infrastructure, open space and responsible future building to keep our residents safe from future flooding disasters.

While I am supportive of the new train station and the possibilities it brings economically, that would be one project we could consider delaying. The reason to delay would be to pursue additional grant monies and funding, without forfeiting grants we have already secured.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your city council.

I served as president of the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation and the chair of the development committee, raising funds for the Elmhurst History Museum. In both roles, board members worked together to have respectful dialogue, good collaboration and a goal to reach a consensus when needed. I initiated a change in the foundation’s committee structure, which was designed to better complement the foundation’s strategic initiatives.

I have also served for years on the executive board of the Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest. This group regularly reviews the event strategies and goals. It is through this collaboration of the board and subsequently the fest committee which makes this annual event successful.

It's imperative to be informed and prepared to appropriately serve residents when on the city council. Having watched or attended all the city council meetings, I will always be prepared to discuss a subject and listen to others’ opinions. I lead by narrowing areas of agreement and then prioritizing the differences of opinion. Then, we effectively work through those items needing commonality. If people are listened to, this helps to build a cohesive group working toward positive outcomes.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

Since 1988 when we moved to Elmhurst, my wife, Barbara, and I have made it a priority to be involved in our community. Having served as president of the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation and St. Peter’s Church and currently as a board member of the United Community Concerns, I have been humbled to serve others.

My wife is director at 4th Ward-based Tree Town Nursery School. Her role has provided many opportunities for me to meet families, many of whom are new to Elmhurst.

I worked with the group that explored answers and solutions to our 4th Ward flooding. I have participated in community issues on parking garages, train noise and new residential developments.

I have spoken on the foundation’s behalf at city council, receptions, PTA and ABC 7 TV in Chicago. Elmhurst is a great community, and I enjoy opportunities to share that with others!

These broad-based experiences provide me with the depth of knowledge needed to serve our ward with dedication, leadership, and fiscal accountability.

What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

I would like to increase conversations with the railroads to create a dialogue which would better serve our residents. Whether it’s landscaping beside the tracks, waiting for sitting trains, noise from horns or just getting a question answered, I’d like to develop a stronger communication channel which enables us to move concerns along.

In addition, I would appreciate the opportunity to enhance intergenerational opportunities for our young families, our seniors and those in between. When my wife and I organized shut-in caroling to our church members, it was a moving experience for young and old. I propose a plan for families to learn from esteemed senior community members.

I'd like to establish a help line for seniors to contact for assistance with simple tasks, whereby our capable volunteers would respond. Supporting future generations while learning from those who have experienced various life challenges will be mutually beneficial for both the helpers and the recipients.