About the Candidate
Name: Mariyana Spyropoulos
DOB:
Occupation: Attorney
Political Experience: Commissioner (MWRD) elected 2010, re-elected 2016
Website: citizensformariyana.com
Twitter: @m_spyropoulos
Facebook: Citizens for Mariyana Spyropoulos
Instagram: Mariyana Spyropoulos
Candidate Statement
Hi, I’m Mariyana Spyropoulos, your commissioner at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. I’m running for re-election and asking for your vote.
I’m the product of the immigrant experience. My parents left their families to come to the U.S. for a chance at a better life and opportunity. They sacrificed to provide me with a good education and taught me the value of hard work. And as an attorney with an MBA, I bring my legal and financial background to my work at the MWRD. I’ve been your voice for fiscal responsibility, transparency as well as flood prevention and sustainability.
Some of the issues I've championed since being elected commissioner have been fiscal responsibility. I’ve protected your tax dollars. We have a AAA bond rating, a balanced budget and our pension is on the right track to being fully funded.
I’ve fought for transparency by making our proceedings accessible online, and introducing our Inspector General policy. I believe it’s important for taxpayers to see their tax dollars at work.
And, I believe that protecting our environment is critical and protecting our natural resources for future generations is important. I’ve promoted green infrastructure as a means of reducing flooding. I’ve also advocated for water reuse to conserve our water supply. With aging infrastructure and climate change, it’s critical that we promote the use of green infrastructure to reduce flooding. It's also important to invest in traditionally underserved communities so that all infrastructure is working to reduce flooding. And I’ve worked with municipalities and communities to provide them with projects that use green infrastructure. And I’ve supported going energy-neutral at our plants, capturing phosphorus from our treatment process to reduce our nutrient load and to improve our water quality.
I’m Mariyana Spyropoulos and I'm asking for your support and vote. Thank you.
Candidate Q&A
Why are you running?
As a daughter of immigrants, I grew up on the South Side of Chicago and went to public school. My parents started a small business where I learned the value of hard work and sacrifice. While my parents worked six days a week to build a life for our family they always said you should give back. That lesson led me to public service. My parents knew that the promise of this country was hope and opportunity. I have the opportunity to give back to a community and country that has given my family so much possibility. I am grateful in my small way to be able to make this country's greatness accessible to all.
What does this office do well, and what needs fixing?
The MWRD does infrastructure well. It treats wastewater and manages stormwater with excellence. Both grey and green infrastructure have become integral to its approach to manage stormwater. There is always room to reduce administrative expenses.
What is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?
The most pressing issue is climate change and the increase in intense rain that our region has been and will continue to face. We have been working on increasing green infrastructure to assist communities in reducing flooding incidents.
What specific steps would you take to ensure your office is accessible and responsive to your constituents?
I have worked closely with members of every community in the county and have enjoyed the support of leaders in a wide variety of communities as a result. I will continue outreach to communities and various stakeholders to open dialogue and hear their concerns and ideas on how we can better serve their needs. I have had an open door policy since day one for anyone that wishes to discuss the MWRD with me.
