BWDP Candidate Survey 2025

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1	Your name and the ward you hope to represent	How do you incorporate walking, biking, and public transit into your everyday life? Do you, or a family member, routinely walk, bike, or use transit?	Many young families have been attracted to Des Plaines for its walkability and access to public transportation. What plans do you have to make Des Plaines a safer place for cyclist and pedestrians?	Des Plaines is currently updating its Active Transportation Plan. What infrastructure projects do you think are most important to improve transportation in Des Plaines?	Des Plaines businesses often fail to clear sidewalks after snow falls, disregarding city ordinances. This places pedestrians in danger. What plans do you have to enforce these ordinances?	Do you support requiring the city to implement the highest design and safety standards for transit priority, protected bike lane design, and pedestrian safety infrastructure whenever a road is repaved or reconstructed? Why, or why not?

2	Dominik Bronakowski City Clerk	As an active runner, I use the Des Plaines River Trail on a weekly basis! I cherish our proximity to lush forests and accessible trails. As someone who occasionally commutes to Chicago for work, I take advantage of Des Plaines' downtown Metra line—not only is it good for my wallet and convenient, but using public transit is great for the environment too!	As Des Plaines continues to grow, especially downtown, we need to prioritize walkable paths and access for cyclists. We've seen in other parts of the city where bike lanes have been created, so as construction continues south of the library, there may be portions of the road that need to be redone. While rebuilding, the city should take the opportunity to incorporate accessible bike lanes to provide safer road conditions for cyclists.	I believe the most important infrastructure project in our city right now is the proposed Algonquin Road Bridge. With the number of railroad crossings in our city, public safety should be our top concern. Although I am open to seeing more details about the future proposed plan, regardless of this project's outcome, we have unfortunately seen accidental deaths at railroad crossings. As a city, we need to do more to ensure we take every possible step to prevent these tragedies from happening again.	The City Clerk’s office has no role in enforcing this type of ordinance; however, a key priority of my campaign is ensuring residents’ concerns are heard. If elected as City Clerk, I plan to build a more robust platform for direct communication with elected officials. I want to expand the public’s ability to remotely submit comments to the Clerk’s office so that even if residents can’t attend city council meetings in person, their voices are heard and officially added to the public record. In this case, this would be a great opportunity for residents to contact the Clerk's office so they can pass their concern along to city council officials.	Yes, very much so! Over the last decade alone, we’ve seen more families moving to Des Plaines with fewer cars due to daily commuting via Metra. Our city needs to evolve to meet these changing needs, but it must be done thoughtfully and safely.
3	Jessica M. Mastalski 1st Ward	I consistently walk to my office at city hall as City Clerk and to the city council meetings. I have taken advantage of the Metra and Pace when traveling around and outside of Des Plaines. I was at the Pace Pulse ribbon cutting for Route 250; I have often taken Route 250 to and from the airport. I also like to leisurely ride my bike throughout the summer. It is important to take opportunities to use other transportation options whenever possible.	The city should invest in wider sidewalks, completion in gaps in high-traffic sidewalk networks, further dedicated bike lanes, and increase in better lighting at intersections. The city should also dedicate more to public outreach campaigns to educate on safe practices for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. It will also be imperative to consider the upcoming Active Transportation Plan recommendations. Additionally, it is important for elected officials and city staff to actively promote walking, biking, and public transportation, which is why as City Clerk I attended ribbon cuttings that marked the occasions of: the Oakton Sidepath, the Pace Pulse Route 250, and the pedestrian/vehicular traffic light at Lee Street and Forest Avenue.	It is positive progression that Des Plaines is updating their Active Transportation Plan since the last plan is from 2011. It is important for the city to address what recommendations they have accomplished and what still needs to be done. One of the main infrastructure projects that is most important to improve transportation in Des Plaines is an infrastructure for pedestrian and cyclist traffic through the S-curve. It is unfortunate to see that there has been a delay in such an infrastructure especially when a phase 1 feasibility study was completely in 2017 in which was promoted by a change.org request, and the city council agreed to apply for federal funding for phase 2 in which the expectation was that engineering drawings and construction could have begun in 2023. The city acknowledges the S-Curve Pedestrian/Bike Underpass is a project in–progress, but there needs to be a push for faster progression. The city is focused on development of the downtown area, and to go along with this, the city must focus on the ability for residents to safely get to these areas.	Unfortunately, these businesses are putting the city in a position where the city will have to clear the snow because pedestrian safety is most important. Even though the city already fines the businesses for disregarding city ordinances, the fines will have to equate to significantly more than it would cost for the businesses to hire a company to remove the snow, so they do not use the city as a snow removal service. It is the responsibility of the businesses to clear sidewalks, and it is important the city encourages the businesses to take the responsibility seriously.	I support requiring the city to implement the highest design and safety standards for a road whenever it is repaved or reconstructed; the fees associated with implementing safety standards should not outweigh the individuals it protects.
4	Sean Oskerka 3rd ward	I most recently purchased a new bicycle with the hope of getting back into riding more this spring and summer to help get some cardio exercise. Also as an owner of 2 dogs my family and I spend time together walking the dogs a few times a week to let everyone disconnect from the internet and see the neighborhood, parks, and forest preserves available to us.	Adding more bike lanes where we can. We should also be adding better signage at busier crosswalks along with any other detection systems to alert drivers of people walking or biking. We should also be adding more bike racks at popular spots and seeing if places like the history center could give bicycle tours of the city besides the trolly tour they offer.	walking and biking paths need to be in the plan sooner to help connect parts of the city cut off by roads. Sidewalks need to be added to areas where there are none. Bike lanes should be added to all new roads or roads being widen.	reaching out and reminding businesses of the current code and fines set up. The city could also after a certain amount of time remove the snow and bill the business owner. Start by communicating with them to find a solution before it becomes a problem.	Yes because we need to provide safety for everyone no matter how they travel. Many people do not own cars and either ride, walk, or take public transportation to work. We need to be aware of this and take measures to provide them a safe way of getting where they need to go. People should feel safe any way they travel.
5	Debra Lester 3rd Ward	Living on the east side of the Third Ward, my husband and I do a lot of walking to the library, post office, bank, City Hall and the grocery store. We also take evening walks around our immediate neighborhood. . As an avid swimmer, my bike takes me to the Prairie Lakes Aquatic Center and the new Arndt Park pool for morning lap swim. I have also biked to the Botanic Garden on the Harms Wood trail. We take advantage of the train when going downtown and the new Pace Pulse Express bus to and from the airport.	The City needs more radar speed signs and flashing signals at busy crosswalks and near schools. Recently, a crossing guard was struck and injured by a motorist turning east bound on Thacker from Westgate. Children from the 3rd Ward cross at this intersection to attend Terrace School and need to be protected when crossing this busy street. If elected I plan to address this issue, working with the County and the 4th Ward Alderman to insure the safety of these 3rd Ward families.	A wide bike/walk path, similar to the one installed down Rand Road should be installed along River Road to allow access from Downtown Des Plaines to Central Rd. Also, Rand Road between Elk Blvd and Ballard near the River Walk should have new accessible curb cuts and wider sidewalks.	Laws without a commitment to enforcement have no effect. I have taken an active role in reporting icy/snowy conditions along Graceland and Lee Streets in the downtown area, via the City 311 portal. I will encourage residents in my ward to do the same and assist those that may need help with reporting. Many residents, including those with mobility issues use these routes to access the train station, the local Walgreens and the grocery store and depend on these sidewalks to be safe. The fines must be imposed and collected in accordance with the City Code when businesses fail to clear their sidewalks.	Yes, I fully support the implementation of the highest design and safety standard whenever a road is repaired or reconstructed. The safety of residents and visitors must be highest priority for the City. For the health of our community, we need to encourage people to get outdoors and away from screens- but they must have safe places to walk and ride.
6	Tom Merlin 5th Ward	Both my Wife and I walk and Bike the paths at Lake Park and Prairie lakes. Sometimes we bring our Dogs with	We need to continue to educate both bike riders and Autos on using the roads safely	I do not have enough information to give an honest answer If elected I will certainly review and give input to the Active transportation plan	I believe all ordinances need to be followed. My plan if elected would be to track the citations issued.	I would support keeping the highest in design and safety for both biking and pedestrian, but I do think all areas need to be evaluated for practicality.
7	Bob Porada 7th Ward	Commuting downtown multiple times per week, I always utilize Metra to and from the Cumberland Station. Approximately 50% of the time I walk to the Cumberland station from my home in the 7th Ward. I also use Pace and, when in Chicago, the CTA.	Where practicable and cost effective, I'll advocate for protected pedestrian crossings and dedicated bike lanes. Significantly, I'll insist that our police enforce the existing Illinois statute requiring motorists to STOP for pedestrians and bicyclists in crosswalks and that Des Plaines vigorously prosecute these moving violations in Court at the Skokie Courthouse. I'll also insist that our police issue citations to vehicles blocking the public sidewalks and crosswalks.	For decades the elephant in the room has been the Northwest Highway "S" curve which prevents pedestrian and bicycle access to downtown. With each passing year the cost to remove and replace this dangerous bridge escalates. It's well past time to bite the bullet and secure funding from the Federal and State governments and the two railroads. If Des Plaines has money to spend on downtown "redevelopment" (which never seems to materialize), Des Plaines can find the money to contribute to this critical infrastructure improvement.	Again, I will insist that our police proactively enforce these ordinances. By "proactive" I mean that if our police see a violation, they issue a citation. Period. At present, the process is "complaint driven" meaning that if no one calls to complain, no citation is issued. This "afraid to offend anyone" culture needs to change. These ordinance violations must be vigorously prosecuted and firmly adjudicated at administrative hearing.	Yes, most definitely. As a daily pedestrian, I'm acutely aware of the dangers posed to pedestrians and bicyclists navigating our City. Des Plaines must ensure that our pedestrian and bicyclist rights are protected. On my opponent's watch, the Cumberland Circle was completely rebuilt with the promise of improved pedestrian and bicyclist safety. Unfortunately, quite the opposite occurred. The stop signs were removed and the pedestrian crosswalks are now closer to the speeding traffic which endangers us all.
8	Patricia "Patsy" Smith 7th Ward	I incorporate walking into my day to day life by walking my dog around the neighborhood, which gives me a firsthand look at our sidewalks, streets, and overall pedestrian safety. It's a great way to stay connected to the community and experience the same routes and crossings that many of our residents use everyday. Des Plaines is fortunate to have two Metra stations, and bus routes that connect our city to the region, and I support continued investments in making our streets and sidewalks safe and welcoming for all modes of transportation.	I supported funding for the update to the Active Transportation Plan. That updated plan will be our guiding document to identify key corridors to invest dollars into improving.	We are continuing to work on the S-curve pedestrian side path. This will provide an important connection between the 7th Ward and downtown, and improving non-motor vehicle access to the Des Plaines Metra station. We are also updating our downstown plans and improved walkability is a major goal.	While enforcing snow removal ordinances is important, I believe we should focus on identifying high pedestrian corridors that are most severely impacted by snow, especially those around schools, Metra stations, commercial corridors and downtown. These areas see heavy foot traffic and should be prioritized to ensure that pedestrians can safely navigate our city. Currently handouts are given to the businesses every fall to remind them their business license will be due. The Police Department sent a flyer out with this reminding the property owner that snow removal is imperative. If they do not comply , tickets will be issued. I am open to exploring ways to work with our Public Works to clear these critical areas more effectively and in a timely manner, especially after significant snowfalls. By focusing on high impact zones, we can help achieve the goal of keeping sidewalks in a safe condition for pedestrians.	Yes, I support requiring the city to implement the highest design and safety standards for transit priority, protected bike lanes, and pedestrian safety infrastructure whenever a road is repaired or reconstructed. As our city continues to grow, we must prioritize the safety and accessibility of all modes of transportation, not just vehicles.
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