Shahaab Uddin: 2025 candidate for Lombard Village Board District 3

Bio

Office sought: Lombard Village Board District 3

City: Lombard

Age: 40

Occupation: Physician

Previous offices held: None

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

In my district, a key priority will be ensuring a thoughtful balance between residential and retail development near the Yorktown Mall area. Historically, this has been a predominantly commercial space, but with its transformation into a thriving residential community, it is essential to create an environment that is both beautiful and safe for residents and business owners alike.

I envision a well-planned space that integrates green areas, sidewalks, and bike paths to foster a sense of home and connectivity.

As the population grows, it is also crucial to ensure that our infrastructure — particularly roads and traffic flow — keeps pace with these changes to prevent congestion and maintain accessibility. Access to parks and walkable spaces plays a significant role in overall well-being, enhancing the quality of life for everyone in the community.

To address these needs, my first step would be to engage in meaningful conversations with residents to understand their experiences and priorities. By balancing the interests of both local businesses and the community, we can create a vibrant, welcoming, and sustainable district that benefits everyone.

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?

In conversations with many Lombard residents, a recurring concern has been the rising tax burden and its impact on their financial well-being. While I cannot yet specify which projects may need to be reconsidered, it is crucial that we approach new initiatives with a keen awareness of their financial implications. We must be mindful of how we allocate resources, ensuring that any new proposals are both necessary and fiscally responsible.

Given the current economic climate, it is important to be cognizant with village funds, planning projects thoughtfully and efficiently to prevent unnecessary strain on taxpayers. A strong emphasis on long-term strategic planning will help ensure responsible growth while maintaining financial stability.

Additionally, seeking alternative funding sources — such as grants and state or federal opportunities — will be key to advancing our community’s development without overburdening residents. By prioritizing smart financial stewardship and innovative funding solutions, we can foster a prosperous and sustainable future for Lombard.

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?

As previously mentioned, some of the newly developed residential areas in my district will require strategic infrastructure enhancements including the addition of green spaces, to elevate both their visual appeal and functionality. At the same time, it is essential to remain mindful that we are stewarding public funds and creating a plan that keeps both in mind.

A well-balanced approach to development should prioritize solutions that benefit both residents and businesses, fostering a vibrant and thriving community while ensuring fiscal responsibility. Thoughtful planning and strategic investment will be key to creating spaces that enhance quality of life while maintaining economic sustainability.

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.

Making informed decisions from a multitude of perspectives is very important. I don’t think when being in village government you can analyze decisions in a vacuum.

I would like to hear input from a diverse group of people to reach an optimal solution. It's the ability to hear opposing views and thoughts that ultimately make the best solutions for everyone.

Having your mind set on one particular outcome, I have seen sometimes can blind you from even better solutions. I approach each thought, idea on its merits and how it can help the community at large. I appreciate those that ask the tough questions, it makes all of us better for it, and ultimately helps create the best actions. So my leadership style is to have open dialogue and genuinely listen to the other side. It's that approach that helps move things forward.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

I bring a fresh perspective and have been at the center of many local and international humanitarian relief efforts. I know how to build coalitions to achieve a common objective. I work as a physician executive as well as a clinician, which gives me a good blend of leadership, interpersonal relationship building and execution to provide results.

I feel Lombard has been doing great, but an injection of even more energy and passion can take this village even further. My experience in building strong coalitions to achieve common goals has equipped me with the skills necessary to drive meaningful change. I am fully committed to putting in the work needed to achieve the outcomes our community deserves

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

Enhanced Services for Seniors- While it is crucial to invest in our future generation, we must also honor and support the generation that has served us for so many years. I am committed to exploring ways to expand services and create welcoming spaces for our seniors, ensuring that we nurture all age groups within Lombard’s diverse demographics. Through dedicated initiatives and thoughtful planning, we can build a community that respects its past while innovating for its future.

Another opportunity I see. With over 13 years of experience as a physician and health care leader, I deeply understand that a healthy community forms the backbone of a thriving society. I look forward to collaborating with local EMS and hospital services to explore innovative approaches in medicine.

For instance, positioning EMS more centrally in Lombard could reduce response times during emergencies, and initiatives like on-board EMS stroke evaluations — successfully implemented in neighboring communities — could significantly improve patient outcomes. These are just a few of the many opportunities we can pursue together for the betterment of Lombard.