Cheryl Lenisa: 2025 candidate for Roselle village board

Bio

Office sought: Roselle village board (Vote for 3)

City: Roselle

Age: 65

Occupation: Certified Public Accountant

Previous offices held: Roselle Village Trustee since 2021

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

The largest hurdle our village has is updating the two wastewater treatment plants as mandated by IEPA. The plan is in place and contracts are being put in place. The funding needs were communicated to the residents through a referendum which passed in 2024. The board should continue to update residents and businesses of the status as the work on this project continues.

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?

The village's current financial position is stable and secure. The village is conservative with spending and is forward thinking in planning the financial needs of the village. Staff regularly identifies and applies for grants available. Top spending priorities are the IEPA mandated wastewater improvements; stormwater improvements; improvement to current roadways and lead service line replacements. Curtailing of expenses are done by regularly evaluating staffing to ensure the village is operating lean and efficiently.

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?

The most important infrastructure project is the wastewater plant updates to meet the IEPA mandates. The current board has identified the payment for this project to be funded mainly by utility tax, motor fuel tax, sales tax revenue and by CIS rates on water use which is a way to spread the cost and not burden solely residents and businesses. All infrastructure is important to the village, however in uncertain times, it could be necessary to hold off entering into plans for projects such as stormwater and street improvements.

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 village board.

My previous experience of working directly with individuals and board members in both corporate settings and with nonprofit organizations has provided me with various insights to determining and setting policies. The style I use is to listen first and pay close attention to the groups and individuals’ input and then state my beliefs.

I appreciate and value the opinions of others. During discussion times I like to give respect to others’ opinions even when I disagree. I believe my actions of listening, researching, consideration and discussion to reach decisions would continue to be effective in my position of trustee on the village board.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

As a village board member, I bring a combination of experience, skill and understanding of issues that matter most to the village.

I am confident that my previous business experience as well as my qualification as a Certified Public Accountant make me an excellent choice to continue as a trustee for Roselle. I am committed I will fulfill the trustee position with integrity, transparency and dedication to the community in every decision I make.

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

Although not a brand new idea, I am hoping to bring back to discussion and action the redevelopment of the Lake Street corridor. Roselle’s southern edge deserves an upgrade and pleasant unified look.

Both businesses and residents would benefit from improvements in this area of Roselle. I would like to engage the community for thoughts and input on this area of Roselle. In my opinion, the best way to give the community what they desire is to ask for their input.