Election 2013: Jeff Tucek

Name: Jeff Tucek

Position Sought: Village of La Grange Trustee

Campaign Contact Information: 
www.facebook.com/JeffForLGTrustee

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?: My most important priority would be to address our dated financial practices and limited transparency that inhibit effective planning. I would establish “cost leadership” as a core part of our overall growth strategy

Family Members: Single, no children. Born and raised in Chicago area. I have many cousins, aunts and uncles in Chicago area. My family originally came to Chicago from Europe in 1906.

Education: 1984 University of South Florida, Bachelor's Degree, Criminal Law with a minor in Management Information Systems. 2000 University of Michigan, MBA Essentials (exec. program)

Current Occupation and Employer: Retired Executive – EDS Corporation. Former partner - A.T. Kearney. I’m currently a Beacon Place condominium board director and public policy activist

Political Party Affiliation: Although I am running as an Independent candidate, I support the candidacies of Mike Horvath and Joan Hoigard for Trustee, and Lisa Sher for Clerk

Why are you seeking office?: I was asked to run by concerned citizens who wanted more choices in their election. I have a founder’s view of the role of government and the responsibility of the citizens to help govern. La Grange is a model community with great schools, beautiful downtown and easy access to public transportation. But the cost of government is growing much faster than revenues impacting our ability to deliver high quality essential services without tax increases – year after year. La Grange citizens are taxed enough already and we need our government to follow best practices (private and public sectors) to reduce the cost of essential services yet maintain high quality. My systems engineering, business and consulting background will allow me to bring in proven approaches to problem solving; and coming from the outside the system, I will bring a fresh perspective to discussions.

What sets you apart from the other candidates (if applicable)?:

I would bring 30 years of unique and diverse leadership experiences to the village board (i.e. squad leader 82nd Airborne, large IT company executive, top consulting firm partner, non-profit director). I spent 23 years in the automotive industry leading initiatives that solved very difficult operational and financial challenges. In many respects I’ve “seen this act before” where the cost of operations continually exceeded revenues and how companies used best practices to achieve cost leadership. I also have a deep understanding of our public sector debt and have led efforts to reform Illinois pensions to stabilize state budgets. Lastly I’m a condo owner and board director who will understand the unique needs of residents living in multi-family buildings – many on fixed income.

What are the other issues you plan to address in this position, and how?:  Our aging streets, sewers and infrastructure are in need of large scale upgrades and repairs. I would make this a priority to avoid a much bigger cost due to further delays. Also, the 47th Street/East Ave Intersection project is an important issue the Village needs to stay on top of. The proposed bypass/underpass project would be very disruptive to our community and only increase the potential for higher cut-through traffic on a road that is already dangerous to pedestrians. The Village should take a proactive role in lobbying for a solution which maintains the character of our community and enhances safety for our residents.

Please add any other information pertinent to your campaign: Although I am running as an independent candidate, I support the candidacies of Mike Horvath and Joan Hoigard for Trustee, and Lisa Sher for Clerk, because the four of us share the common belief that La Grange’s best days are ahead of us, and that by applying the principles of Innovation, Accountability, and Transparency, La Grange government can work better for YOU.