DILIGENCE COLLABORATION TRANSPARENCY
Introduction
Having lived in Wilmette for 15 years, I feel a great pride in our community. I am proud of Wilmette's physical beauty and its lakefront, I am grateful for the warm and inviting people that live here, I am excited by the increasingly vibrant downtown, and I am comforted by our dedicated public safety and municipal services departments. These traits exist because of the hard work of others that have served and worked in the community. I have spent the last year as a member of the Wilmette Plan Commission and this experience has cemented my desire to participate more fully in the Village of Wilmette governance. I want to build on my history of public service, raise my hand, and take a leadership role in ensuring our continued success. Importantly, I can add unique value to the Board. My career in financial management and investment due diligence is ideal for both embracing the opportunities and addressing the challenges that lie in front of us. Our elected board and village staff have managed the Village's resources prudently and with great care, but the pandemic and long-term trends in the retail sector have impacted many of the Village's retail establishments and thus its tax base. We need to be purposeful and forward-thinking as we address these issues and my professional experiences can lend a unique voice as we move forward.About Justin
While I am originally from outside Cleveland (and a long suffering Browns fan), I have lived in the Chicago area for 25 years. My wife Robin, an educator, and I moved to Wilmette over 15 years ago and have since added two boys (students at Highcrest and WJHS) and recently a puppy to our family. We feel incredibly fortunate to live and raise our kids in this community.
Professionally, I am a CFA charterholder and spent 20 years with Aurora Investment Management, a Chicago-based investment firm, ultimately as the Chief Investment Officer and a Managing Partner. At Aurora I co-led the development and implementation of our due diligence and analytical process.
Beyond, and building on my career in finance, I have made an impact in the community. I served as the Chairman of the Board for the Cancer Wellness Center in Northbrook where I continue to manage the annual budgeting process. I volunteer with the Economic Advisory Council as a lecturer on financial literacy in Chicago Public Schools. I am active with both my undergraduate university, Miami University where I co-chair the Business Advisory Council, as well as the University of Chicago, where I received my MBA while working full time at Aurora.
I can often be seen jogging towards the lakefront or (in normal times) on the sidelines coaching one of my son’s Park District sports teams.
Public Service
I have long believed in public service and serve, or have served, in the following organizations:
• Village of Wilmette - Plan Commission
• The Cancer Wellness Center - Northbrook
• Miami University Farmer School of Business - Business Advisory Council
• University of Chicago Booth - Nonprofit Executive Coaching Program
• Harper School PTO Audit
• Economic Awareness Council - Volunteer - Chicago Public Schools
• CFA Society of Chicago
• Hedge Fund Cares
• Thresholds
Principles
If elected, these principles will guide my decision making:
I will be open minded. The Trustees are presented with a wide range of issues. I pledge to seek out a diverse set of opinions across the whole community to help inform my decisions.
I will act with civility. At a time when the news is rife with conflict and incivility, we can continue to set a good example closer to home.
I will be transparent in the rationale for my votes.
I will take a long-term view towards planning.
I will promote inclusivity in our community.
I will seek opportunities to increase sustainability; these initiatives are integral in our long-term planning. I support the Wilmette Environmental and Energy Commission’s initiative to develop a Sustainable Communities Strategic Plan.
I will be a prudent steward of the Village's resources. These resources are hard earned by our residents and should be treated as such.
I will honor Wilmette residents’ expectations for first class municipal services.
I will support and promote business to keep Wilmette vibrant and support our sales tax revenues.
I will always be mindful of property taxes and endeavor to keep them as low as possible.
Voting Information
Election Day: April 6, 2021 at your precinct polling place
Early voting: March 22, 2021 through April 5, 2021 at Centennial Ice Rink
Mail in: April 1, 2021 last day to request a mail ballot.
Endorsements include:
Bob Bielinski - Village President
Nancy Canafax - Past Village President
Chris Canning - Past Village President
Chris Dunn - Past Chair Environmental and Energy Commission
Stan Kennedy - Past Village Manager
Cameron Krueger - Past Village Trustee and President Housing Our Own
Ted McKenna - Past Village Trustee
Al Swanson - Past Village Trustee
Julie Wolf - Past Village Trustee and Current Chair Environmental and Energy Commission