Candidate Q&A
Why do you want to be a commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and why do you believe you are qualified?
Serving as a Commissioner of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is about protecting clean water and managing stormwater, core responsibilities that directly affect public health, economic stability, and quality of life across Cook County. As climate change increases flooding risks and places greater strain on aging infrastructure, safeguarding Lake Michigan and our waterways has never been more critical.
This campaign is grounded in experience with public budgeting, municipal operations, education, and intergovernmental collaboration. Current service as Chair of Moraine Valley Community College includes oversight of a $161 million budget and long-term strategic planning. A background as an educator and community leader brings a commitment to clear communication, fiscal responsibility, and equitable solutions that deliver real results for communities throughout Cook County.
With rainstorms more frequent and severe, the Deep Tunnel system and the MWRD reservoirs fill up. As a result, it’s sometimes necessary to release sewage overflows into waterways. What other strategies should the MWRD employ to reduce those sewage releases?
Reducing sewage overflows requires a comprehensive approach that combines continued investment in existing infrastructure with expanded green infrastructure. While the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan remains essential, reducing the volume of stormwater entering the system is also critical. This includes scaling up permeable pavement, green alleys, rain gardens, bioswales, detention basins, and green schoolyards that capture and absorb water before it reaches combined sewers.
In addition, improving treatment plant efficiency, expanding storage capacity where feasible, and strengthening regional coordination with municipalities can further reduce overflow events. By pairing system upgrades with natural solutions, resilience can be strengthened and releases during extreme weather limited.
How else can the MWRD improve conditions in area waterways to reduce public health threats?
The MWRD can improve waterway conditions by continuing to reduce nutrient pollution, investing in modern treatment technologies, and expanding green infrastructure that filters pollutants before they enter our waterways. Habitat restoration, shoreline stabilization, and natural buffers also improve water quality while supporting wildlife and recreation.
Real-time water quality monitoring, clear public alerts, and accessible information help residents make informed decisions and reduce exposure risks. Improving waterways is both an environmental and public health priority.
Do you think the MWRD does a good job informing the public about permeable paving, “green alleys,” rain barrels and other methods of reducing flooding?
The District has made meaningful progress and remains committed to doing even more. The MWRD can further strengthen outreach by expanding community-based education, increasing visibility at local events, and using digital platforms more strategically.
Partnering with municipalities, schools, and community organizations helps ensure residents understand how these tools work and how they can participate. Clear and accessible communication empowers communities to take action and reduce flooding at the neighborhood level.
Do you think the MWRD has a role in reducing contaminants like prescription drugs / pharmaceuticals and toxic chemicals like phosphates?
Yes, I believe we do have a role in reducing these contaminants. While treatment plants were not designed to remove many emerging contaminants, the MWRD plays an important role in addressing them through nutrient reduction strategies, treatment upgrades, and advocacy for source control. Supporting legislation such as extended producer responsibility and the PFAS TRUST Act helps prevent harmful substances from entering the system in the first place.
The District should also continue investing in research, pilot projects, and partnerships that improve the removal of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen to protect downstream waterways and ecosystems.
Do you believe the MWRD has a role in preventing aquatic invasive species from entering the Chicago waterway system?
Yes, I believe we do have a role in preventing invasive species from entering our waterways. Preventing invasive species is essential to protecting the ecological health of the Chicago Area Waterway System and Lake Michigan. The MWRD should continue to work with state and federal partners on monitoring, control strategies, and infrastructure solutions that limit pathways for invasive species. Protecting our waterways requires regional coordination and constant vigilance.
What specific water infrastructure projects or investments would you pursue if elected?
If elected, I would prioritize investments that reduce flooding, improve water quality, and advance equity. This includes expanding green infrastructure—such as permeable pavement, green alleys, bioswales, rain gardens, green roofs, and native landscaping—particularly in communities with chronic flooding. I also support modernizing treatment plants to reduce nutrients, investing in water reuse projects to protect Lake Michigan, and strengthening storage and conveyance systems to reduce combined sewer overflows.
In addition, I would advocate for state and federal funding to modernize aging infrastructure, support strong union jobs, and ensure that underserved communities receive the resources they need to build climate resilience.