Umar Haque: 2025 candidate for Lombard Village Board District 6

Bio

Office sought: Lombard Village Board District 6

City: Lombard

Age: 49

Occupation: Dentist

Previous offices held: President of CMDS; committee member of Community Relations and Tourism

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

One of the most serious issues Lombard will face in the coming years is balancing economic growth with maintaining the village’s unique character and affordability. As development increases, we must ensure that small businesses thrive, residents are not priced out, and infrastructure keeps pace with growth.

The village board should prioritize responsible economic development by supporting local businesses, encouraging smart zoning policies, and investing in infrastructure that meets the needs of both residents and businesses. Public safety, transportation, and green spaces must remain central to planning efforts. Additionally, fostering community engagement through transparency and open dialogue will help ensure that development reflects the needs and values of Lombard’s residents.

By taking a proactive approach to planning, the village board can create a future that balances growth with preserving what makes Lombard a great place to live and work.

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?

Lombard’s finances are stable, but with rising costs and evolving community needs, responsible fiscal management is crucial. The village must ensure that tax dollars are spent efficiently while maintaining high-quality services.

The top spending priorities should include public safety, infrastructure improvements, and economic development. Investing in roads, utilities, and public spaces will keep Lombard attractive to residents and businesses. Supporting local businesses and smart growth initiatives will strengthen our tax base without overburdening homeowners.

Spending should be reviewed carefully to identify areas where efficiencies can be found. Unnecessary bureaucratic expenses and underutilized programs should be reevaluated to ensure resources are directed where they are most needed. Additionally, long-term financial planning should focus on maintaining balanced budgets without excessive tax increases.

By prioritizing strategic investments and responsible budgeting, Lombard can continue to thrive while keeping the community affordable and well-served.

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 projects Lombard must address are the construction of a new fire station and police station. Public safety is the foundation of a strong community, and Lombard's first responders need modern, well-equipped facilities to serve residents effectively. The current buildings are outdated and no longer meet the needs of a growing population.

Investing in these projects will enhance emergency response times, improve working conditions for police officers and firefighters, and ensure Lombard remains a safe place to live and work.

Funding should come from responsible budgeting, state and federal grants, and strategic long-term financial planning to minimize the burden on taxpayers. Prioritizing public safety infrastructure is an investment in the village’s security and resilience.

Conversely, nonessential beautification projects and lower-priority recreational expansions can be put on hold. While enhancing parks and streetscapes is valuable, ensuring safety and emergency preparedness must come first, especially in uncertain economic times.

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.

As a Scoutmaster and a Lombard Community Promotion and Tourism Committee member, I have extensive experience working in group settings to shape policies that benefit the community. In these roles, I have collaborated with diverse stakeholders, balancing different perspectives to make informed decisions.

My approach is practical, inclusive, and solution-oriented — I listen actively, encourage open discussion, and build consensus while keeping the community’s best interests at the forefront.

In government, I believe in data-driven decision-making combined with community input to craft policies that are both effective and sustainable. By fostering respectful dialogue and ensuring all voices are heard, I help create balanced solutions that address concerns while advancing progress.

This collaborative leadership style will allow me to work effectively with the village board, ensuring decisions are transparent, fiscally responsible, and focused on improving quality of life in Lombard. Thoughtful teamwork leads to meaningful action.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I am the best candidate for trustee of Lombard District 6 due to my deep commitment to our community, my experience in leadership roles, and my strong understanding of local government. As a dentist and business owner for over 21 years in Lombard, I understand the challenges faced by small businesses and residents. I have a track record of community involvement, from serving on the Community Promotion and Tourism Committee to completing Lombard’s police, fire, and public works citizens academies in Lombard. My experience as a Scoutmaster has also honed my ability to work with diverse groups, fostering cooperation and solving problems.

I bring a solution-oriented approach, focusing on responsible fiscal management, public safety, and maintaining the village’s unique character amid growth. I will prioritize transparency, collaboration, and community engagement to ensure every resident’s voice is heard and their needs are addressed.

With my combination of professional experience, commitment to public service, and a clear understanding of the challenges facing Lombard, I am uniquely equipped to serve as a trustee and help guide our community toward a prosperous, sustainable future.

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

One idea I have to better the community is to create a Lombard Innovation Hub — a collaborative space for local entrepreneurs, small business owners, and students to work together on innovative projects. As someone who loves 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC, and DIY, I see this hub as a place where creative minds can bring their ideas to life, whether it's developing new products or solving local challenges. This hub could offer mentorship, access to resources, and networking opportunities to foster local economic growth, job creation, and community engagement.

Additionally, the hub could partner with local schools, providing students with real-world exposure to business and technology. This would not only prepare them for future careers but also attract young professionals to Lombard. This initiative would complement Lombard’s existing infrastructure, offering a space for creativity, collaboration, and economic vitality — an idea that’s underexplored and could make a long-lasting impact.