About the Candidate
Name: Frank Avila
DOB: June 4, 1938
Occupation: Civil Engineer
Political Experience: Former Commissioner for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District 2002-2020
Facebook: Commissioner Frank Avila
Candidate Statement
My name is Frank Avila, and I am running for Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. I am a Civil Engineer with a Master’s in Finance who cares deeply about the water, soil, and air environment in Cook County.
The Mission of the District is to Protect the Health and the Safety of the Public of Cook County; to Protect our Water Supply, Lake Michigan, and our Local Waterways; and, to Protect Businesses and Homes from Flooding.
WATER IS PRECIOUS.
Our body is 60% water. We all need water to live. To accomplish the District’s Mission, the District has seven Wastewater Plants to treat human waste (Pee and Poop) in Cook County. One is the Largest in the World designed and built by Civil Engineers. I am a Civil Engineer.
The District has two of the Largest Reservoirs in the World designed and built by Civil Engineers. I am a Civil Engineer.
The District has 109 miles of tunnels as much as 350 feet below the surface designed and built by Civil Engineers. I am a Civil Engineer.
The District has 560 miles of Intercepting Sewers and Forced Mains designed and built by Civil Engineers. I am a Civil Engineer.
In order to protect our Lakes and waterways, I will ensure Cost-Effective Wastewater treatment and promote Green and Gray infrastructure projects to protect homes and businesses from flooding.
I will encourage the District to pursue strong Green Initiatives, and to engage with the Community.
I am committed to working with public agencies and community groups to enact strategies to reverse the impacts of climate change and support a healthy Cook County!
Vote Frank Avila!
Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
I am running for Commissioner of the MWRD, because I am a Civil Engineer, Professional Land Surveyor, and Environmentalist. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is a civil engineering agency. I have the technical understanding and experience to protect the water environment and the health and welfare of the citizens of cook county.
What does this office do well, and what needs fixing?
The MWRDGC provides a path of environmental responsibility: to protect the health and safety of district residents, to protect the quality of Lake Michigan water, to improve the water quality area waterways and protect aquatic life, to control commercial and industrial waste discharged to the sewers and waterways, to maintain our facilities and infrastructure, and to implement technology that positively impacts the environment. The MWRDGC continues to work with local municipalities and other governmental agencies to minimize and manage flood damage. It also ensures financial stability and keeps energy costs to a minimum.
The MWRDGC needs to upgrade and maintain our waste water plants and infrastructure to continue to provide all of the above.
What is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?
The most pressing issue facing our constituents is climate change which results in intense rain in a short period of time causing basement flooding and damage to buildings. I plan to address it by providing more green infrastructures to reduce impervious surfaces, allowing for the natural infiltration of storm water into the ground, and improving water quality by capturing storm water runoff.
What specific steps would you take to ensure your office is accessible and responsive to your constituents?
I would ensure my office is accessible and responsive to my constituents by providing my cell phone, email, talks to the public and schools, Public Access Network TV shows, various environmental workshops, social media, virtual formats, and podcasts including a feedback loop from which constituents can easily submit their requests, comments, or questions regardless of disability or other barriers. I would then discuss their suggestions and evaluate the possibilities.
