Politics & Government

Patrick Wagner: Candidate for Alderman in the 7th Ward

Incumbent candidate in the 7th Ward answers questions from Elmhurst Patch on why he's running, his vision for Elmhurst and more.

Campaign Information
wagner.patrick90@gmail.com
Twitter: Pwagner01

Family: Wife, Jennifer; daughters Alison and Lily (York High School), and Madeline and Erin (Visitation)

Education: Fenwick High School, Oak Park; Eastern Illinois University, BS, economics

Occupation: Hewlett Packard Software, Territory Account Manager

Why are you seeking office?  
I want to continue to be a part of a very cohesive council that will continue to keep the Elmhurst taxpayers’ interests at the forefront of every decision we make. I want to make sure we develop the North York Road TIF into an unstoppable economic engine for the city. I want to continue to invest in public safety and keep it improving while making sure every senior citizen is aware of and enjoys the programs sponsored through our great city.

What will be your highest priority if elected?
Economic development. As a council, we have done a good job of bringing in new revenue sources and I promise to continue to support this going forward. We must continue to look at every way possible to lessen the tax burden on the residents.   

What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I would like to think that four years ago when Elmhurst faced tough economic conditions, we made some equally tough decisions but reversed Elmhurst’s misfortune and put us back onto the road to prosperity. I also feel having four daughters gives one special insight and attitude to take most things in life with a grain of salt and utilize one’s common sense.

Consultants suggest most of the city’s flooding and sewer problems require fixes at individual residences. Homeowners may resist, especially if there is a cost. How do you propose getting that done?  

The only way to get through this is communicating the needs of the city and any benefits a fix provides on a ward-by-ward basis. Some wards are affected more than others. I have already suggested a town hall meeting for the 7th Ward residents so they can hear what all the upgrade suggestions are and what benefits they offer.  

Elmhurst has four TIF districts now and two more proposed. Do you agree with TIF decisions made thus far (creating TIF 4, moving Hahn St., etc.) and do you support moving forward with TIFs 5 and 6? What other methods of increasing development do you favor?

Our current TIFs have made a significant positive economic impact to their respective EAV and I would expect the same for TIF 4. I do not support any more TIFs at this time. We have plenty to do in TIF 4. I would think any developer would prefer working with a city that would like to work with them. I think we need to make sure this sentiment is on display for any developer interested in working with Elmhurst.    

What is Elmhurst missing that you would like to see?

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I am not a part of the Park Board, but would like to see paddle tennis courts. Elmhurst has museums, great schools, fantastic parks, a hospital and Elmhurst College. Elmhurst is a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Taxpayers will be your toughest critics, in large part because you’re spending their money. Elmhurst has a lot of informed, outspoken citizens. How will you connect with them to address their concerns?

My contact information is published. Outside of Monday night, they are always encouraged to contact me directly.

Should Elmhurst allow backyard chicken coops?

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I remember growing up in Elmhurst we had a rabbit coop. My friends thought it was pretty neat but a tad messy. I was on cleanup duty but it still is a great memory for me.

What other message do you really want to get across to Elmhurst voters? Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign.

Thank you again for the opportunity to address the residents through this forum.  I commend the Elmhurst Patch for leading the charge and allowing the candidates to participate to get their messages delivered.

I will continue to encourage new business growth, continue to encourage new development that makes sense to Elmhurst and our residents, continue to support our programs that help our senior citizen community and continue to work together with all the other taxing bodies in Elmhurst to do what is right.   

Seven years ago, Elmhurst, as well as many other communities, experienced one of the greatest recessions we will ever know. I ran four years ago to help Elmhurst and the council look for new ways to provide revenue to the city to maintain Elmhurst’s services and quality of life.

Here we are four years later and in a much different situation. Elmhurst has never been stronger. We’ve balanced our budget shortfall through a record amount of economic developments, including the new Elmhurst Hospital and soon the new Mariano’s opening this spring. We’ve restored our fund balances to safe levels, all while maintaining one of the lowest tax rates in DuPage County. Elmhurst is a great city to live in and raise a family, and it is a wonderful place to do business. My goal as your 7th Ward alderman is to keep it that way.


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