Eric J. Blatti: Plainfield Village Board Trustee Candidate

PLAINFIELD, IL — Eric J. Blatti is one of the six candidates for the seats on the Plainfield Village Board for the April 6 Consolidated Election. Here are his responses to the Patch questionnaire:

Eric J. Blatti

Age (as of Election Day)

39

Town/City of Residence

Plainfield

Office Sought

Village board or city council

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

I received an Associates in Arts from Joliet Junior College, a political science degree from Lewis University, and my juris doctorate from Western Michigan University School of Law

Occupation

I have practiced law for 13 years

Campaign website

www.ericblatti.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I have no prior political experience

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

I think we need responsible residential and business development. The focus should be drawn to what is best for the community and not using the position for personal or professional gain.

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?

All lives cannot matter until Black lives matter. I think there needs to be an understanding of the racial inequality in our own community and look inward to our own prejudices and how we can be better people. At the same time, I feel the criminal justice reform bill was a mistake. I think it paralyzes law enforcement from fulfilling their duties and puts victims at risk. I think the focus should've been more on training.

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 think there is a beacon of hypocrisy that shines on the current board member that voted for a semi-truck parking facility on a 2-lane portion of Rt. 30, yet cited traffic as the main reason to vote against the Muslim Center located on a 2-lane portion of Rt. 126. The default answer to inclusion should be yes, then work backwards from there to see if the project will work.

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?

Because this is a virus that concerns the nation as a whole, the federal government should've taken the lead to direct the country on how to mitigate the spread. While I typically support state's rights, in my mind a pandemic is the exception to the rule. At the same time, I believe the science is clear that the spread of coronavirus has not been attributable to restaurants or small businesses where contact is brief and social distancing can be achieved.

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 State of Illinois needs to take the lead on the distribution. We've seen recently in Cook County that vaccine distribution is being directed only to Cook County residents. The State needs to be specific and transparent on who is eligible, when they are eligible, and where they can go to be vaccinated.

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

I am politically moderate. My point of view is not aligned with any party, nor do I feel the need to conform with any particular platform. I believe each issue or proposal before the board has its own importance, and should be given bias-free consideration.

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

I don't believe certain members of the board are putting Plainfield first when the decisions they make benefit themselves professionally and their friends personally.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

The village needs to be discerning with the residential and commercial projects it proceeds with. While there needs to be diversity in housing, the needs of the community should be a priority. This includes diverting current truck traffic and not creating projects that would produce more vehicles. While we are climbing slowly out of the pandemic, our established businesses both downtown and throughout Plainfield should receive any and all support that they need to remain profitable.

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

There are 6 trustees in Plainfield to collectively negotiate and discuss important decisions that affect our community. Sometimes these members agree, other times there is a strong difference of opinion. As an attorney, I represent individuals and argue their position with the overall goal of achieving justice. This trustee position is a perfect extension of my vocation.

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

The 143rd St. extension that will connect Rt.59 with Rt.126 is currently the most important project. This will alleviate much of the truck traffic and ultimately make that roadway safer.

Why should voters trust you?

My campaign is self-funded with no favors that need repaying. I chose to run for the sole purpose of having a voice as to what my children's future in Plainfield will look like. My selfishness in that regard will benefit most families within the village.

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

I am fiscally conservative. As a business owner, I learned quickly that you cannot spend money you do not have--nor should you mortgage the future for current projects. Tax increment financing only creates higher taxes to pay off old debt.

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:

I've noticed the best advice comes from people who don't give advice.

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

While campaign promises usually carry very little weight, my pledge is to be as transparent and as accessible as possible to the residents of Plainfield. The people deserve to know that they can trust their elected officials and that the community needs are being addressed. I also set a high bar for myself. If I feel like I am not fulfilling the role of trustee and someone else could do a better job, I won't seek reelection. As for this election, I know I am the best choice.