Politics & Government

Village Board Election: Paul Fay Answers Our Questions

Plainfield village and School District 202 candidates in the April 5 election answer questions posed by Plainfield Patch.

Editor's note: Candidates for Plainfield Village Board and Plainfield School District 202 have been asked to complete questionnaires about who they are, why they're running and their positions on some of the key issues. Plainfield Patch will run them as they are received and they will be available up through the April 5 election.

These are the candidates' own words, written specifically for the benefit of those who are deciding how they will vote.

PLAINFIELD VILLAGE TRUSTEE ELECTION QUESTIONNAIRE

Find out what's happening in Plainfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Name: Paul Fay 

Address: 24208 W. Ottawa St., Plainfield

Find out what's happening in Plainfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

E-mail address: pfay@goplainfield.com

Age: 43

Education: Bachelor of arts, master of arts degrees

Profession and employer: Director of adult education for a non-profit religious group

Community (non-elected) groups of which you are a member:

Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Conservation Plainfield, Will County Government League, Will County Center for Economic Development, The Conservation Foundation, Will County Forest Preserve Open Space Planning Committee, Plainfield Riverfront Steering Committee, Plainfield Moose, St. Mary Immaculate Church

Previous and current elected political office history:

2001-03 Plainfield Township trustee
2003-present Plainfield Village Board trustee

Why are you seeking this office?

I would like to continue my service to this community, continuing to be a voice of reason, good judgment and ethical standards for our residents, and a steward of their government.

Why should someone choose you instead of those you are running against?

I have a demonstrated commitment to the service of Plainfield and its residents. I am a fiscal conservative who is thorough in my review of budget and expenditures. I have advanced many issues on behalf of subdivisions, individuals and business owners and have advocated better government since my beginning. Plainfield has welcomed several new businesses to the village with more in negotiations.   

What do you see as the issues in this election?

Revenue and expenses are the key issues, both as a service organization and as a business operation. The board and staff are continually managing our expenses, attracting new sources of revenue and cutting expenses as needed. We do have a balanced budget for the next fiscal year.

What would you like to accomplish if elected to this position? Please be specific.

In addition to seeing the village take initiative on some of the revenue-producing options listed above, and we are, I truly believe we should be engaging in a community strategic plan. This would see us in dialogue with: schools, parks, library, township, county, state officials regarding this region in five years. We should continue the discussion I introduced, with organizations like Chicago Metropolitan Alliance for Planning, investigating mid-term and long-term plans for commercial development, asking such things as: how might Plainfield be a larger player with rail logistics industries, when will Plainfield have a commuter station for rail. I would like us to be reviewing some of the many documents and studies that we have conducted, and seeing if those goals, objectives, and summaries are still applicable. If not, we either modify, introduce new ones, or purge those that are obsolete. Many of these legislative guidelines are fluid and intended to act as barometers in proper growth.

What is your opinion of the current state of economic development in Plainfield? What should the village board’s role be in terms of encouraging economic development? Are there specific things you would like to see done?

Our Economic Development Committee, administration and staff continue to attract new business to town, and negotiate with existing corporations and businesses in expansions. New business continues to come to Plainfield: Logoplaste, The Park of Plainfield, Heritage Woods, Fox’s Pub, and Southern Belle are a few. Expanding businesses include: Diageo worldwide headquarters and Mega Sports. While this downturn impacts everyone, Plainfield is in better shape than many other jurisdictions. On Monday, March 21st, we welcomed two more businesses. We continue to discuss the leasing and/or sale of portions of land owned by the village. A couple of projects are looking quite hopeful, and will add substantial revenue to the village as well as increase the tax base.

Additionally, I propose we look for creative sources for revenue, such as corporate advertising on our water towers, investigating wind/solar energy operated by and for the village, and looking at the potential of renting a portion of our buildings to small firms and businesses.

The issue of placing term limits on village board members was broached at a recent board meeting. Should there be limit? Why or why not?

 Yes, there is a limit. Voters choose, in the process of democracy, candidates that serve their needs. If there is a belief that a resident cannot run for office or get elected, this is a false premise. Any legalized citizen who is registered can seek any office he or she desires. Local races all over are struggling to even find candidates to run. Just look at the April 5 ballot to witness this. What is at issue I believe, is what some call “career politicians” in state and federal government, who may not be serving their constituents any longer, but serving themselves.  This is where we need term limits.

The village has a very high foreclosure rate right now. Is there something the village board should be doing to help people stay in their homes? Why or why not?

 At the outset of this financial collapse, I had proposed establishing a partnership with various human services agencies, social service personnel, financial institutions and churches to provide professional services for our residents, offering this at village hall on evenings and weekends. I spoke with people in these industries who were willing to offer their services, but it was not supported. I personally organized and hosted a workshop entitled: “Calming Fears in a Poor Economy,” with several experts in financing and housing. I still support this action.

Do you agree with the current efforts to redevelop Plainfield’s riverfront? What is your opinion of the current plan? If you support it, do you believe village tax money should be used for it?

As chairman of the Riverfront Steering Committee, I am very proud of our efforts to date. Understanding this opportunity from an economic perspective, this is and will continue to create Plainfield as a destination. We can witness this in the downtown restoration and renovation completion. The return on the investment in the Lockport Street corridor is substantial and sustainable. With regard to funding, the Riverfront Foundation has raised $40,000 and continues to receive contributions and in-kind partnerships. These funds, donations and grants are what are paying for the project. Recently, the village board unanimously approved Phase 1 engineering for the project to begin building on the site. 

Do you support the concept of creating a downtown historic district? Why or why not?

Communities that understand and preserve their sense of place and history thrive. Places like Geneva, Wheaton and Galena have substantial attraction to their communities precisely because of their sense of place. History and historic destinations are locations that generate business, tourism and revenue. Creating an historic district, with clear understanding of the rights and regulations, and allowing owners consent, will be a win/win for Plainfield, for taxpayers, and for the village. It is win-win-win.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here