Driscoll recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and his answers can be seen below.

If you are a candidate for the April election, and would like to answer our Patch candidate questionnaire, please email yasmeen.sheikah@patch.com.

Brian H. Driscoll

Age (as of Election Day)

59

Town/City of Residence

Flossmoor

Office Sought

Village board or city council

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Marquette University BA 1983
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law 1987

Occupation

Attorney –Over 25 years representing both municipalities and employees in employment matters. Appointed the Municipal Hearing Officer for several South Suburban Villages. Presided over thousands of cases including A-O, C-Class and Housing Court.

Campaign website

None

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Elected Trustee for the Village of Flossmoor –2016.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The most important issues facing the Village of Flossmoor over the next few years will include maintaining our solid financial position in an environment of reduced State of Illinois revenue and reduced economic activity posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Village is also facing an aging infrastructure challenge which has resulted in problems with flooding and street disrepair. Finally, the Village will have to find a way to maintain the highest standards in Fire and Police protection, as well as Public Works services, while coping with increased pension mandates from Springfield.

The Village has maintained an AA+ bond rating and dramatically increased our sales tax revenue. In order to keep Flossmoor in a strong financial position, which capitalizes on our spend and save philosophy, it will be necessary to rapidly expand our retail base on Vollmer Avenue and in Downtown Flossmoor.

We also need to move forward with the flooding and street refurbishment programs on an accelerated basis. Residents recently passed the 10-million-dollar Storm Sewer and Street Repair Bond Referendum. However, those funds combined with multiple grants, must be allocated judiciously to ensure we have flooding protection in Heather Hill and Downtown Flossmoor for decades. Likewise, we need to follow a structured engineering program for street repair and maintenance to ensure residents get the biggest return for our bond funds.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

I support the BLM movement and I have supported social justice demonstrations which seek to address past inequalities.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

In my tenure as Trustee, Flossmoor enacted a Strategic Plan which included Diversity as one of its 5 main goals. These goals are reviewed quarterly to actually track programs based on their success and adding additional steps to enhance diversity and inclusion. In addition, I have attended the Police Department’s Community Policing Programs to build relationships with young residents.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

As we are moving into Phase 4 for Chicago and the suburbs, some of these questions maybe moot. Flossmoor followed all the guidelines set out by the State of Illinois. While I believe wearing a mask is important to slow the spread of COVID-19, I don’t believe a local mask mandate is useful or enforceable. Over the last year, I have seen almost universal compliance with mask guidelines in local businesses and restaurants

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

I am dismayed to hear that some percentage of the Vaccines are being destroyed for lack of timely distribution. I believe our pharmacies can efficiently deliver the most vaccines as they do with flu shots. I don’t believe local governments have the track record or experience to speed up the rollout.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

As a life long resident of Flossmoor, I am able to draw on a variety of professional experiences and apply them to our Village’s issues. For example, I have represented the South West Area Risk Management District which includes 10 suburban communities and worked with their Village Managers to resolve employment issues. Likewise, as a Municipal Hearing officer, I am able to draw on the knowledge gained from years of adjudicating cases and apply it to which ordinances will benefit Flossmoor.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I would like Flossmoor to adopt a more unified and cost effective approach to marketing with respect to housing for new residents.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I previously ran for Trustee with the aim to enhance the Village’s housing stock to increase property values. New housing ordinances allow the Village to track foreclosed homes and fine delinquent bank owners who fail to maintain the property. Since 2016, property values have increased 30%.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Remember, your job as Trustee is all about homeowner equity.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

[Not answered].