2013 Election: Gina Cunningham-Picek, Woodridge Mayoral Race

Campaign Info

• Position sought: Woodridge mayor
• Phone: 630-247-9726
• Website: www.GinaforMayor.com      

Personal Info

• Family: Jim Picek, husband
• Education: Downers Grove North High School 1980, College of DuPage, Illinois State University, American Institute of Banking and American Bankers Association
• Occupation: Market President, DuPage for the Bridgeview Bank Group 

Candidate Questions

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I have had the honor to work and serve Woodridge for over 30 years, nine years as a Woodridge Village Trustee. The opportunity to continue to serve the community as Mayor would be my greatest privilege. 

I want to improve upon the standard of excellence already in place in our community. I have 25 years experience working in Woodridge as a business developer. I am actively involved in Woodridge: rotary, pantry, church and chamber. 

Woodridge is my hometown. I have a passion and love for our community and I have the experience to lead our community forward!

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

My single most important priority is to engage our community. Create success together and preserve the excellence in our community, schools and businesses. 

What do you think are the top 3 goals for the Village of Woodridge? 

1) Fiscal Responsibility through continued Conservative Budgeting and Strategic Management Planning Processes

2) Quality of Life in Woodridge

3) Continue and expand business development and re-development to reduce the residential tax burden

What are some ways to promote economic development in the village? 

-Continue our Village focus on Business Development/Re-Development through expanded outreach efforts by the Village Community Development Team. I would actively participate in these efforts and utilize my 25 years of business development experience.

-Continue and expand our “Shop Local…Shop Woodridge” initiatives by further engaging our businesses, the Chamber and other business organizations to form a Business Growth Commission. This new commission would develop a long-range plan for economic growth, business retention and expansion, attracting new business and promoting business.

Are there any new services or programs Woodridge should try to offer? 

I would recommend creating new community forums for citizen engagement to increase community awareness in matters of Village government. I would like to engage our residents as early as possible in the decision processes. Through this, as a community, together we can make better decisions that impact our community. Most importantly, I recommend creating “Youth and Senior” initiatives that involve these residents in establishing community activities, joint programs and new community services.

Is there any other information pertinent to your campaign that you would like to add?

I believe that "Working Together Works!" We are elected to serve the people and do excellent works on behalf of our community. Woodridge has a rich history and an exciting future!