Kevin Thomas O'Brien: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Kevin Thomas O'Brien

City: Rolling Meadows

Office sought: 3rd Ward Alderman

Age: 42

Family: Wife Kim, Daughter Sabrina (18), Son Adam (16)

Occupation: Director, Plan Education - Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

Education: Concordia University, River Forest, IL: Bachelor of Arts-Business Management; DePaul University, Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, Chicago, IL: Master; Business Administration-Marketing Management; Concordia University, River Forest, IL: Master of Arts in Teaching-Secondary Education

Civic involvement: Special Olympics: 1999-Present; RMHS Boy's Feeder Basketball Program: 2013- Present; RM Youth Football and Cheer Board: 2006-2013; RM Park District Baseball Board: 2007-2018; RM Baseball Coach: 2007-2016; School District 15 Life Safety Study Committee Member: 2015; RM Park District Basketball Board: 2008-2018; RM Park District Basketball Coach: 2008-2013; American Youth Soccer Organization (RM): 2007-2009

Previous elected offices held: City of Rolling Meadows Planning and Zoning Commission, Secretary (June 2013-April 2019); City of Rolling Meadows Park District Board, President (October 2015-April 2019)

Incumbent: If yes, when were first elected? Not applicable

Website:

Facebook: @OBrienforResidentsofRM

Twitter:

Issue questions

What are the most important issues facing your community and how do you intend to address them?

I have heard from residents that they do not feel their voices and opinions matter. Customer service is at the essence of my professional role and something I would bring to the alderman position. The residents of Rolling Meadows would be my customers and out of respect to them, I would have a strict policy of returning all communications within 24 hours, often much sooner. While I cannot guarantee every resident will get what they want, as there are many different perspectives in our ward, I can ensure that I will listen to each resident interested in sharing their views. One of the things I love about Rolling Meadows is our diversity which means we will not agree on everything, but I can promise that I will be open to hearing all voices and look forward to discussing concerns. Should I be elected, "my vote" at the City Council would not be mine, but what the residents want. Another concern I have heard about is the lack of family entertainment/restaurant options. While there has been a slow increase in the availability of places for families to dine, I would be a strong advocate for bringing more to the Kirchoff corridor.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

My desire to hear from residents and unwavering commitment to making sure "my voice/vote" at the City Council represents the residents is what makes me the best candidate for 3rd Ward Alderman. We have raised our family in Rolling Meadows. I have had many conversations with other residents and I feel fortunate that residents appear to see me as a trusted sounding board for community issues. Through my current involvement as the President of the Park District Board and a Commissioner on the Planning and Zoning Commission, residents have talked with me about their concerns and I always raise them at the applicable Board/Commission meeting. I am dedicated to making sure Rolling Meadows takes positive strides in moving our City forward for the future benefit of all residents in a fiscally responsible way.

Describe your leadership style and explain how you think that will be effective in producing actions and decisions with your city council.

If I had to pick one word to describe my leadership style it would be logical. Like everyone, I have my thoughts and opinions, however, after serving in two public offices and through my 20+ year professional career, I have learned that collaboration is the key to success. I place an immense value on the opinions of others and continually educate myself on topics which are of the utmost importance to residents. I also believe in evaluating as many concrete facts that are available on a given topic: budget estimates, project timelines, proposed costs for delayed or missed deadlines, potential risks, impact on residents, the details of new/existing contracts, etc. If the proper research is not completed prior to discussing a topic, or more importantly before a vote takes place, there could be negative outcomes. One of my biggest strengths is knowing my limitations and when I need to consult others on a given issue. This further supports my earlier commitment to fostering open dialogue and working in collaboration with others who have diverse expertise. If we do not do our research and have an awareness of our past, we cannot ensure a positive future.

How would you describe the condition of your community's budget, and what are the most important specific actions the town should take to assure providing the level of services people want?

Our current budget is in fair condition. As a new member of the City Council, it would be important to acknowledge what decisions have already been made and which I can influence. In any future decisions, I would weigh the potential benefit to residents against the proposed costs seeking input and looking at multiple options. One of my first action items would be to thoroughly review the status of all initiatives in progress and what contracts are already in place. Fiscal responsibility is not to be taken lightly and I am fully committed to being an accountable steward of our resources. Decisions like the new natural gas tax need to be monitored to ensure they meet their intended outcome.

We need to take action to make sure Rolling Meadows continues to be a place families, restaurants and businesses want to call home. Our public safety, fire and public works departments are second to none. Over and over I hear from residents that this is one of the main reasons many love Rolling Meadows. Regrettably taxes will never go down, but by making sound fiscal decisions, we can hopefully help slow the upward trend while still supporting crucial city services.

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

Other people may have thought about this and a change I feel is important is a new location for the City Holiday Tree. I feel there are a few viable options which will allow more residents to be part of the tradition. Along with a new holiday tree location, green space is a key to keeping Rolling Meadows a great place to call home. As future businesses and developments come before the city, green space for residents to enjoy are critical. These smaller items add up and are why people love to call Rolling Meadows home.

New and fresh perspectives of City Council representatives who collaborate with residents is what's needed to keep Rolling Meadows prepared for the future!