Election 2013: Susan Walaszek

Susan Walaszek is one of six candidates running for the Downers Grove Village Council in the 2013 election. Walaszek, 46, owns and operates an HR compliance consulting firm in Downers Grove. She has lived in the community for 14 years.

Name: Susan Walaszek

Position sought: Commissioner, Downers Grove Village Council

Age: 46

Campaign website: www.susanwalaszek.com

Campaign email address: susanwalaszek@gmail.com

Family (name, relationship and age): Single

Education (degree and school): Bachelor's degree in criminal justice and distinction in political science from Loyola University of Chicago; MBA, master's degree in management and organizational behavior, and certificate in management in a professional technical environment from Benedictine University; J.D. from John Marshall Law School

Occupation: Sole proprietor of HR Compliance Consulting, a Downers Grove-based company; director of administration for a national healthcare provider,and adjunct faculty (business) at Joliet Junior College.

Previous elected offices: None

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position: As a 14-year resident, I’ve served on the Human Services Commission and Friends of the Library Board, and am a Chamber of Commerce member. I have over 20 years combined experience as an attorney, Downers Grove business owner, real estate managing broker, teacher, compliance officer, safety manager and human resource professional with a focus on process improvement and standardization, strategic alignment, compliance, and HR initiatives that increase the bottom line, employee productivity and customer satisfaction. Having worked for and consulted with several units of local government, I understand the needs, challenges and best practices that village commissioners must address.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

Having called Downers Grove my home for over 14 years, I truly believe that Downers Grove is a great place to live, work and play. I’d like to help make it even better. As Commissioner, I can apply my legal, business, compliance, real estate and HR skills to enhance the village’s economic situation and municipal services, foster our sense of community, and provide Downers Grove citizens with a stronger voice in how the village operates.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

Economic development that results in an increased tax base, employment opportunities and improved quality of life for residents is a top priority. This includes: (1) working collaboratively and innovatively with residents, village staff, community organizations and current businesses to attract, retain and expand business in Downers Grove; (2) continuing to improve the village’s aging infrastructure; (3) removing obstacles to business development by streamlining processes; and (4) supporting community initiatives that promote tourism and new business.

What sets you apart from the other candidates? 

My diverse and extensive work experience and education mirrors the responsibilities of a commissioner. As a business owner, attorney, real estate managing broker, and HR professional in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, I’ve successfully managed budgets, led process improvement initiatives, conducted audits, analyzed contracts, improved customer service, and effectively resolved individual differences. I have the skills, knowledge, integrity and experience to address the legal, business and community issues that come before the Council.

How long have you lived in Downers Grove and/or been active in local issues? 

Since making Downers Grove my home over 14 years ago, my past and current community involvement has included serving as a

• Downers Grove Human Services Commissioner
• Downers Grove Chamber of Commerce Member
• Downers Grove Friends of the Library Board Member and General Member
• Downers Grove Area Newcomers Member
• West Suburban Humane Society Volunteer
• St. Mary of Gostyn Church Parishioner
• Grove Players Volunteer
• Election Judge

What's your favorite thing about Downers Grove? 

Everything. Downers Grove has so much to offer, including:

• The friendliest people
• Beautiful parks and diverse recreational activities
• Fun and educational community events
• Outstanding schools, library and health/wellness facilities
• A variety of unique shopping and restaurant establishments
• A diverse and growing business community
• Supportive community organizations and religious institutions
• Dedicated and knowledgeable employees
• Easy access to rail, bus and expressways
• Intriguing historical sites and neighborhoods

What is the biggest challenge facing Downers Grove?

The biggest challenge facing Downers Grove is finding fiscally prudent and meaningful ways to do more with less amidst diverse and sometimes competing needs.

The significant investments needed to repair aging infrastructure, the approaches to attract, expand and retain business, the need to fund rising personnel costs and core services, the support for community events and programs, and the interest in minimizing additional increases in taxes, fees and long-term debt are each legitimate needs.

Deciding how to spend limited funds amidst these growing and diverse needs is not easy especially when the opinions and needs of nearly 50,000 residents can vary by any number of factors including age, familial status, economic status, property ownership, geography and religion. The village can only do so much at any one time. It has to prioritize. Just as important is the fact that these are not just financial issues. They are social and emotional issues that directly or indirectly affect all residents.

As a result, the village must make strategic decisions that are in the best interest of Downers Grove in the short-and long-term. The village must continue to engage in innovative and collaborative partnerships with residents, businesses, community organizations and other units of government to grow the economy, be fiscally prudent and promote the quality of life in Downers Grove.

Related Pages:

• Election 2013: Downers Grove Village Council 
• Election 2013: Robert "Bob" Barnett
• Election 2013: Marilyn J. Schnell
• Election 2013: David S. Olsen
• Election 2013: Don Jankowski
• Election 2013: Greg Hosé

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