Meet Gary Fasules: Glen Ellyn Village Board Candidate

GLEN ELLYN, IL — Gary Fasules is running for a seat on the Glen Ellyn village board in the 2021 Consolidated Election, which is April 6. Below, you'll find Fasules's answers to the Patch candidate questionnaire.

If you are a candidate for the April election, and would like to answer our Patch candidate questionnaire, email lisa.farver@patch.com.

Gary Fasules

Town/City of Residence

Glen Ellyn

Office Sought

Village board or city council

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)

Civic Betterment Party

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

University of Wyoming BS & MS degrees, Georgetown University Post Graduate studies

Occupation

Vice President of Sales Administration and Support

Campaign website

none

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I am currently a Village Trustee and Acting Village President. I have served on numerous Glen Ellyn committees including those of District 41 & 87, been a board member of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as a member of the village’s planning commission and zoning board of appeals.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The Downtown Streetscape project is the most pressing issue facing the village board with a proposed budget of 28 million, we need to make sure that adequate funding is in place to accomplish this project along with the ability to pay off any bonds that might need to be issued. We must not put the village in an unstable financial position over this project and we must not tie future boards from implementing other essential multi-million projects in the future, if we move forward with this project.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

Yes, Black Lives Matter. After these incidents, which were a travesty in justice, I worked to have the village board pass resolution No. 19-04, which reaffirmed the village’s support for a community free of racism, hatred, and bigotry in all forms. It is important that all can participate- openly and freely- in the decision-making process. That this participation is their right to freedom of expression, assembly, and conscience- as long as it does not resort to, or threaten violence, or deface and destroy property. In the future, we need to make sure that every resident and business feels part of the process of the village.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

We have started and funded a community discussion and process, by bring together all village government entities into the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion project. From this project, and the findings of the committee, the village board will discuss their recommendations, and begin implementation. Though, many may feel that it is taking too long, or it is too little to late, it is the correct process to follow for our village and community.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

The goal in a pandemic must be to keep the village safe and operating at all levels, while encouraging the financial integrity and stability of the village during these trying times. If this means implementing policies which are unpopular with residents/businesses or against state/federal guidelines, we need to take a leadership role and do it.

During this trying times, the village was able to keep basic services operational without great disruptions. Due to the foresight of the Trustees and staff, the village cut expenses and along with several street projects early in the pandemic. In addition, we quickly started to provide assistance to our village businesses by implementing a business support grant program for COVID-related expenses, waived business registration fees, reduced liquor license fees, and expanded outdoor dining. We have now begun discussing new ways to support our businesses through this trying times.

In addition, to assist the burden on taxpayers, we abated this year's property tax levy by using part of our CARES funding.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

The mayors that I have talked to all agree that we need to get more involved in the solution to the vaccine distribution. The reasoning for this: most communities have the ability to host and perform mass vaccination sites. Local municipalities have been left out of the decision-making process. Local governments need to push at all levels of government to get us more involved and to get more shots in arms.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Village board experience and understanding how our village government operates. Couple this with being a life-long resident of Glen Ellyn, provides me with a long-term perspective, which instills in me the desire to maintain the traditions of the past while embracing the opportunities for the future, something other candidates do not possess.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Development of village policies and code on Work force, Affordable, Accessorial and Stay in Place Housing, while striving and promoting smart growth, and not growth for growth's sake.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Passing village resolution 19-04 which reaffirmed the village’s support for a community free of racism, hatred, and bigotry in all forms, starting the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion initiative, providing adequate funding the Glen Ellyn Youth and Family counseling during these trying times, and beginning the affordable housing discussion in the village.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

Transparency in government. Every resident and business must feel part of the process of the village. It is important that all can participate- openly and freely- in the decision-making process. We must be more receptive to the needs of business and residents by 1) focusing on improving burdensome building and zoning regulations, 2) cutting red tape in the permit process, and 3) improving village communication between the village board and the community. My goal as a trustee is to create a more engaged, open and transparent government.

Why should voters trust you?

The village trustee position must always be a nonpartisan position, I have shown through my voting record to try only to do what is best for the residents and businesses of the village, while trying to create a more engaged, open and transparent government. To do continue to do this will not be easy, for we will need trustees who will stand up for their convictions, even while others do not.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

My financial vision is quite simple, to continue making our village government an effective and efficient working body. We must encourage financial integrity and stability while maintaining a balanced budget especially during these trying times of COVID. We must work to promote our businesses, while continuing to invest in essential village services that meet the needs of the residents including life safety.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Former Village President Connie Zimmerman once gave me the following advice: Gary, always understand why a past board made the decision they did, before you decide to overturn their actions/recommendations.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Glen Ellyn’s volunteerism is unique. It helps make Glen Ellyn a great place to live. My desire is not to see this erode, and as a trustee to create better opportunities, and a safer more prosperous Glen Ellyn for future generations.