Meet 4th Ward Ald. Candidate: Paul Selman

OAK FOREST, IL — Paul Selman is one of two candidates running for the 4th Ward Ald. seat in Oak Forest. He is currently the person holding the position and was elected in 2017.

Selman recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and his answers can be found 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.

Paul Selman

Age (as of Election Day)

53

Town/City of Residence

Oak Forest

Office Sought

Village board or city council

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)

Nonpartisan

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Associates degree in Automotive Technology
Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering
Masters degree in Business Administration

Occupation

Mechanical Engineer for 23 years now.

Campaign website

None at this time

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Elected 4th Ward Alderman in April 2017

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

Economic development of commercial properties to create tax revenue that funds city services to Oak Forest residents with minimum increases in homeowner's property taxes.

I've already worked with Oak Forest staff and City Council to approve 2021-2022 budget with 0% increase in property taxes. I will continue to work with city staff to explore renovation of existing properties and development of new commercial properties.

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?

Freedom of speech and the right to peaceably assemble are two of the fundamental freedoms we have in The United States.

When the Black Lives Matter protest was held in Oak Forest, my family and I went to City Hall to watch. I was glad to use that experience, and other recent historic events, to discuss with my wife and children the freedoms that we enjoy in this country, as well as the responsibilities we have as law-abiding citizens.

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 have the utmost respect for the current members of The City Council and have every reason to believe that they act, both individually and as a group, to make decisions for the residents of Oak Forest without consideration of race.

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?

After reading several research studies on the subject, I believe that mask wearing and social distancing are effective ways of reducing the spread of coronavirus. Recent positivity results would seem to indicate that businesses could be allowed to reopen by following applicable guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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 agree with the plan to give priority in coronavirus immunizations to front-line medical personnel, followed by first responders and those 65+ years of age, then those with chronic health conditions.

The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is responsible for the local vaccine rollout. I would be glad to discuss with how Oak Forest area pharmacies might be able to assist in this effort.

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

I have four years of experience representing the people of the 4th Ward in Oak Forest City Hall. During that time, I have interacted with the department heads and the front line workers who are instrumental in responding to requests from residents. My experience with other boards and commissions in Oak Forest has given me the opportunity to understand inter-governmental cooperation and agreements.

My six years of volunteer experience with The Oak Forest Veterans Commission has given me an understanding of how people can work together to achieve accomplishments for the greater good, like bringing The Wall That Heals to Oak Forest.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I fully intend to continue working closely with the Mayor, other Aldermen, city staff and residents to prove that all good things are indeed close to home in Oak Forest.

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

After four years of serving as the 4th Ward Alderman, I have been involved in city budget discussions, capital equipment purchasing, decisions to hire at the department head level, property acquisition/sale and a variety of other topics. Having this knowledge and experience will allow me to be more efficient in making future decisions for Oak Forest's 4th Ward.

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

Economic development that leaves city revenues in a financially sound position without excessively burdening the homeowners.

Why should voters trust you?

As a registered Professional Engineer (PE), I have a fundamental obligation to hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of my professional duties. In maintaining my 50 PE licenses, I am required by several states in the US to successfully complete continuing education requirements related to ethics.
The residents of Oak Forest's 4th Ward can trust that I will use my 23 plus years of professional training and experience to make the best decisions I am capable of making on their behalf.

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

All levels of government have a responsibility to the taxpayers to provide essential services while using finances generated by tax collection in the most efficient and effective manner possible.

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

None that I currently anticipate.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

I can't choose between these two:
"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt." - Abraham Lincoln
"Stay out of jails, hospitals and newspapers." - Chief Petty Officer Doug Reed, USS Philippine Sea

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

I'm ready, willing and able to continue serving the residents of Oak Forest's 4th Ward for another four years.

Related:

Oak Forest Consolidated Elections: See Who's Running This April | Oak Forest, IL Patch