The time for reform within City Hall is long overdue. Our city government needs a fresh approach focused on performance accountability, where every department’s goals are clearly defined, tracked, and met. For too long, leadership accountability has fallen through the cracks, with little oversight of how well departments are performing or whether they’re delivering the services that residents need and deserve. It's time for a shift—where city leaders are held responsible for their actions, decisions, and outcomes.
I want to see city information that is clear, accessible, and easy to navigate. Residents should never have to wonder who to contact for help with a specific issue or service. Whether it’s a concern about a pothole or a request for city services, the process should be straightforward, with prompt and clear responses. Moreover, when residents visit City Hall in person, they should be met with the kind of customer service one would expect in any people-facing profession—courteous, efficient, and dedicated to solving problems.
Transparency is key to ensuring that the city's finances are being managed responsibly. We must ensure that funding, budget allocations, and spending practices are open to public scrutiny, with clear, easily understandable information. This is not only vital for improving city services but also for maintaining a balanced and sustainable financial future for our community. No more “no-bid” contracts—contracts should be awarded through competitive processes that ensure fairness, quality, and value. It’s time to audit our contracts regularly and renegotiate them annually, ensuring we’re always getting the best deal for our city and its residents.
I believe the city has the opportunity to carefully analyze its budget and identify areas where we can reduce costs without sacrificing essential services to our residents. The key to achieving this lies in a thorough, strategic review of how resources are allocated and where inefficiencies exist.
One important area for potential improvement is streamlining operations. There are often opportunities to improve efficiency within city departments, eliminate redundant processes, and ensure that every dollar is being spent in the most effective way possible.
Ending practices like nepotism is crucial to making sure that our city’s resources are being used properly. Hiring and promotions should be based on qualifications, merit, and the needs of the community, not personal connections or favoritism. When we eliminate these practices, we can create a more transparent, fair, and effective workforce that is dedicated to serving the people of Berwyn.
Another potential avenue for cost savings is consolidating departments where it makes sense. Some departments may have overlapping functions or goals, and by merging them, we can reduce administrative costs, improve communication and coordination, and provide better services with fewer resources.