Meet Kelley M. Kalinich: Glen Ellyn Village Board Candidate

GLEN ELLYN, IL — Kelley M. Kalinich is running for a seat on the Glen Ellyn Village Board in the 2021 Consolidated Election, which is April 6. Below, you'll find Kalinich'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.

Kelley M. Kalinich

Age (as of Election Day)

60

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?

One of my sisters-in-law works for our District 6 U. S. Congressperson, Sean Casten.

Education

Educational Doctorate (EdD) from Vanderbilt University; Masters of Education from Georgia State University; Bachelor of Science from the University of Vermont; and high school diploma from Glenbard West

Occupation

Retired Educator: Superintendent of Schools (1999 to 2015); Principal (1993-1999); Assistant Principal (1991-1993); Special Education Facilitator (1990-1993); School Counselor (1986-1990); Special Education Teacher (1982-1986)

Campaign website

No website, but I do have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kelle...

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

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

Maintaining revenues during a pandemic, allowing Glen Ellyn to provide high quality and safe services, infrastructure and resources, while not over taxing the residents. I will consider the value of our expenditures in terms of benefit to the community and seek ways to ensure there is not an increase in real estate taxes at the village level.

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?

I do support Black Lives Matter, understanding that Glen Ellyn is a community of great privilege and for many of us, our understanding of others who are different from ourselves, causes us to have "blind spots". This time period is one where we all have the opportunity to learn and grow in how we interact and consider others. Communication and dialogue are starting points for this learning and growth, going beyond the protests to really make meaningful change.

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

I don't feel informed enough to offer an opinion on the work of the current board in terms of supporting racial equality, but I do know that in February 2019, the Village Board passed a resolution declaring a commitment to inclusiveness in the village. Many village businesses have been open and bold in their advocacy of this work. Additionally, the Library, with coordination from the village, provide a month of conversation and learning sessions on the topic of "diversity, equity and inclusion" in January 2021. I participated in a focus group that was very eye-opening and has given me greater insight to the challenges many experience, not only in Glen Ellyn, but throughout our county. I would seek opportunities for our community to continue this conversation and seek ways that we can advance the support of racial equality.

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?

Frankly, I have been disappointed with the lack of coordination and consistency in the pandemic response and preventative action from national to state to local. The variance in direction has been confusing for many people and as such, has created distrust. As an educator, I am a proponent of science and have always sought science-based recommendations and guidance. I do favor a mask mandate and appreciate that our state has had such a mandate in place.

Part of the foundation of a democratic society includes the rule of law, where laws apply to citizens equally, as well as the protection of human rights for all citizens. As such, it is my belief that we all have an obligation to protect one another and make the necessary sacrifices to do so. In the big picture, 18 to 24 months of limiting public dining or gatherings is a "blip on the radar screen" for most people's lives. I don't diminish the impact on livelihoods and businesses, but rather, I personally, have advanced my efforts to patronize restaurants and businesses with the modified access, in the democratic spirit of protecting everyone.

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?

I think the vaccine distribution rollout should be managed by healthcare professionals first and foremost. Access for healthcare organizations to distribute vaccines needs to be supported by both federal, state and local governments. For example, I am aware that our local school districts are working in collaboration to get teachers and staff vaccinated, ensuring that more people are included vs. just employees of individuals districts. Throughout the state, the priority groups have been identified and should be vaccinated as swiftly and efficiently as possible, allowing the other groups to be vaccinated sooner vs. later. We all have to stay the course and prioritize the most vulnerable.

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

I cannot specifically address this question, as my personal knowledge of the other candidates is limited. I am approaching the role of Village Trustee to serve as a steward of the taxpayer resources, historic character of Glen Ellyn and overall safety for all residents.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I believe that the current Board members are striving to serve the community in a responsible manner, however, there are development decisions that have caused great strife for many in the community and I seek to ensure that the community voice is included in a meaningful manner in major development decisions that might change the historic character of the Village.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I am not running to serve as Trustee over a particular "gripe" or issue, but rather, I want to be able to serve the community where I have spent the vast majority of my life. I will approach my decision-making in a deliberate and investigative manner, with the goal of serving as a responsible steward of the community resources.

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

As a Superintendent of Schools, I served as a representative of taxpayers, managing responsible budgets and resources, ensuring that the decisions made were representative of the communities. I have worked closely with Boards of Education, the elected community officials, in this work and understand the role of a board member, employee and community member.

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

If community members feel informed and involved in the decisions made at the Village level, resulting in their sensing a value for their taxes and pride in the community, I will feel that my contribution as a Trustee will be an accomplishment.

Why should voters trust you?

I am a lifelong Glen Ellynite and care about the community for the past, present, as well as for the future in which I hope my children will be able to thrive, as I have been fortunate to do in this treasured Village.

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

As previously noted, I approach the Trustee role as one where I would be a steward of the community resources, the foremost of these being financial. I want taxpayers to feel that they are getting a good value for their taxes.

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

None that are known to me.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Do right!" This was a statement my grandfather would convey to me and my brothers throughout our life, as had been passed on by his father to him. When making a decision, I try to remember this.

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

I am passionate about Glen Ellyn and the endless opportunities and quality of life offered to many. I want this experience to be available to all who live in our community. I don't approach this role with a specific agenda, but rather, with a spirit of wishing to help and leave our community in an even stronger position after my time of service.