Gregory ‘Greg’ Macek: 2025 candidate for Villa Park village board

Bio

Office Sought: Villa Park village board (Vote for 3)

City: Villa Park

Age: 46

Occupation: No answer given

Previous offices held: N/A

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

The draft comprehensive plan has bold but achievable goals for growth for the village that relies on private investment for residential and commercial development. The board and staff should continue to work to make processes and policies that are efficient yet thorough and enticing to bring new revenue streams to Villa Park.

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?

Villa Park should continue to focus spending on what matters most: infrastructure of roads and sidewalks so everyone can move around town safely, continued support of services like police and fire departments, our schools, and other public spaces like parks and pools.

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?

While I don't see any particular one project as most important, the combination of all road/transit related projects are critical. Continued work on existing road and sidewalk improvements, potential work along St. Charles that may come out of the comprehensive plan could transform all transit modalities and businesses along that corridor.

I am also interested in any projects around track crossings and how to make them safer and more efficient. In particular, a pedestrian underpass (or overpass) by the Metra would be fantastic for commuters and for the expected residential growth in that area of the village.

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.

If elected, this would be my first time in any government setting where policy would be discussed and set. But my group and leadership style is to work together, ensure all voices in the room are heard, and to find consensus. Even in situations when I am group or team leader, I do not force my opinion but instead seek the best path forward based on the information and opinions shared.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I have 20-plus years of leadership experience in my professional career and 15 years on my church's leadership team in various capacities. I bring a measured and stable approach to all situations and will always make decisions in the best interests of the village.

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

While the current draft of the comprehensive plan calls to work with Pace that would expand service through Villa Park, I would love to trial a version of the trolley service Elmhurst runs, but to active districts around the village such as the Villa Avenue Business District, Ardmore Shops, and the Metra station.