Meet Flossmoor Trustee Candidate David Walano

FLOSSMOOR, IL — Meet David Walano, running for trustee in Flossmoor. The Consolidated Elections are April 6.

Walano recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and his answers can be seen below.

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

David Walano

Age (as of Election Day)

58

Town/City of Residence

Flossmoor

Office Sought

Village board or city council

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)

N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Illinois State University

Occupation

Advertising/Marketing Professional with 35 years of experience working with ad agencies, media companies and client partners.

Campaign website

N/A

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.

I think right now there are many issues affecting our town. Flooding remains an
expensive problem for many of our residents. Higher taxes are perhaps even more
troublesome given the current unemployment numbers due to the pandemic. But I
believe the current number of vacant properties need to be addressed, as the Village needs to do more to attract new homeowners...new businesses and more.
While we have limited commercial property, we do need to develop and entice new retail business along Vollmer and in Downtown Flossmoor with a solid marketing plan to drive added revenue.

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, I absolutely do support the Black Lives Matter Movement though I must
confess, it saddens me that we continue to treat our African American friends and
neighbors with such callousness and disrespect. While I cannot even begin to
imagine the pain that continues to be inflicted on this community, I am empathetic,
reading and learning even more about the lived experiences of black people, so
many of whom have been victims of systemic racism with the hope there might be things I can do that might ultimately help make a difference.
Sadly, the death of George Floyd was another eye-opener into the way many folks
view Black Americans. It was shocking, horrifying and so senseless. To see it
happen again with the shooting of Jacob Blake serves only to remind us all of how
much work we still need to do to create parity and change the way we treat each
other. We are all human beings first! The color of our skin should not be an indicator of whether or not we return home after a routine traffic stop or having to endure the kind of harassment we continue to see daily.

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 must confess, I really don't have any information one way or the other to suggest
we either do enough or have more to do. According to Census data, we are an inclusive community comprised primarily of African American and White populations.
It's my hope we are doing all we can to welcome and support the many people, families, races and nationalities that make up our town's diverse population and in so doing, promote our welcoming 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?

Like so many, I try to stay well informed of all facets of the national pandemic
response, following CDC and local guidelines as needed to help ensure not only my
safety, but that of all those around me as well.
If the pandemic itself wasn't enough, the state restrictions for local business have
made it near impossible for so many to remain open. I love our local businesses,
shopping them often. I also enjoy our eateries, The Bistro and of course, Flossmoor
Station chief among them. While I understand the need to limit patrons based upon the science, it is of little consolation to the business owners themselves.
That said, if we're going to be able to return to some semblance of normalcy
soon, the CDC and state guidelines for restricted dining are likely to be maintained while vaccinations remain underway and until we're better able to control outbreaks everywhere. We've seen The Bistro and Flossmoor Station erect tents for outdoor dining. If we can support these places safely, I really believe we should do so.
As for a mask mandate, I think the established protocol for wearing masks while
shopping, eating and patronizing various business is still necessary and should be
followed if we're ever going to be able to get this pandemic under control.

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 believe the Governor's Office needs to work closely with Federal Authorities to
ensure we have vaccine sufficient to meet our populations needs. That said, if local
governments have capacity to lend a hand in the distribution of the vaccine and further aid in getting it into resident's arms, we can help ensure we are all properly vaccinated and getting back to "normal" sooner.

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

I think it's not necessarily the differences, but rather the similarities that are
perhaps most evident. With the current group of candidates, you see individuals
committed to Flossmoor, inspired by the community at large and the sense of
fellowship we have here. While we may each have different thoughts along the way
to achieve the goals that make Flossmoor even better, we all share a sense of pride
and community that can only benefit us all, whether living in Old Flossmoor,
Southwest Flossmoor, Flossmoor Park or any of the communities that make up our
great town.

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

I'm not sure the current board has necessarily failed us. But I do believe there
is always another way, better ideas and newer methodologies that can help us promote our inclusive community or help champion new ways to achieve our common goals. Speaking for myself, I'm confident my marketing background can benefit Flossmoor and its residents, promoting the many attributes of our town and bring to light what we all enjoy so much to a new group of home owners and business owners alike.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I heard a common theme while getting signatures for my petition. They center around the flooding issues we experience and taxes. I'm looking to bring a fresh perspective that I hope can help address these concerns while illuminating the many assets we offer here in Flossmoor.
I think I bring a more strategic focus that comes from the kind of work I've already done and continue to do and I hope it can help affect change if/as needed.

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

I have worked on numerous campaigns for a variety of clients in various industries
from finance and insurance, to tourism and mass transit. In fact, Metra Rail was
one of my accounts for many years. I see the value Metra brings to all towns
along their service line and of course, the benefits it provides to our residents. This is something we should be talking about when looking to entice and attract new residents.
My work has allowed me to create marketing campaigns, write media strategy and define client campaign goals and objectives, successfully delivering against ROI and KPI goals. I know how to reach specific, target audiences efficiently and can leverage this knowledge to support any marketing initiatives we might undertake.

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

I believe the ability to implement a successful marketing campaign that is instrumental in bringing in additional new business and reaching potential new home buyers to help fill our vacant properties would be a good start and solid indicator of initial success.
While this won't happen overnight, I believe further that a strategic, sustained approach can benefit our community ongoing.

Why should voters trust you?

Simply put, I enjoy living here. Our family dines here and participates in many of the activities we have. We live on a block where so many of us care about our own little slice of Flossmoor, helping each other to decorate for holidays, clearing each others driveways in the winter and helping with yardwork and maintenance in the summer. There is a camaraderie here shared by those who similarly enjoy our neighborhoods and businesses. Because my wife and I so enjoy our lives here, I've decided to run for local office.

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

Flossmoor has long had a financially sound policy to spend if needed, as needed,
considering both budgets and resources prior to spend. I would advocate we
continue this same approach, spending within our means to accomplish our goals
and remembering the dollars we do spend should benefit our community for a long time to come.

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

Barring any health or family issues, I fully expect to serve my full term if elected.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

It was not so much advice, as it is a quote I really enjoy..."It is amazing what you
can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit". - Harry S. Truman

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

I live on Bruce Avenue with my wife and some of the best neighbors I've ever had.
There is a sense of spirit here, where with little exception, we've all come together,
helped each other time and again and genuinely enjoy each other. I'm married to a
wonderful woman and often referred to as "Debbie's Husband." While we've each been married/divorced once before, we share 4 children, now young adults.
While I have opined on some of the issues we're facing, I am committed to a more collaborative approach on any issue to help ensure consensus and "win-win" outcomes.