Margaret Chlebek: 2025 candidate for Des Plaines City Council Ward 1

Bio

Office sought: Des Plaines City Council Ward 1

City: Des Plaines

Age: 41

Occupation: Property management

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?

Continuing to build and attract restaurants in downtown Des Plaines continues to be a top priority now and in the forthcoming years. We need the entire city council to be proactive and follow the strategic plan study.

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 city of Des Plaines is almost clearly out of all bond debt. One of the top priorities for the 1st Ward and all surrounding wards is revitalizing downtown Des Plaines economically.

The city and staff including the finance department do an excellent job budgeting.

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 Algonquin bridge project. When the project is slated to be voted on, the city council needs to review all facts and make a decision that is in the best interest of the residents and the financial aspect of the city.

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.

Working in a group setting entails a lot of understanding and being open minded while navigating a great follow through for the best interest of the community.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

Working with people on a daily basis in property management has allowed me to have great customer service skills while listening to their needs and problems. I have learned to be an effective listener and problem solver. I see the amount of potential that the city of Des Plaines has and I am excited to work with the entire city council by building a stronger, more unified and informed community.

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

There are several eyesores throughout the city and particularly in the 1st Ward at River and Rand Road which consists of an empty building for the last 20 years. Several residents have expressed their frustrations and I would love to collaborate on new ideas of how to best proceed with making a better cosmetic change to this part of town.