Politics & Government

Algonquin Village Board Trustee Candidate: Brian Dianis

Brian Dianis is one of four candidates running for three open trustee seats on Algonquin Village Board.

Name: Brian Dianis

Age:  48

Family: Wife, 3 daughters

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Education: B.S. Finance – Northern Illinois University, Associate in Insurance Services (AIS), Associate in General Insurance (AINS)

Occupation: Information Technology Manager and Delivery Leader

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Previous elected or appointed offices: Village of Algonquin Trustee (2005 to present), former chairman of Connect 300 Community Advisory Council, former co-chair of Village of Streamwood Community Awareness Commission

Position sought: Village of Algonquin Trustee

Political party: Independent

Campaign E-mail address (for publication): Brian.Dianis@gmail.com

Campaign Website: www.BrianDianis.com

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

I am running for office to continue the positive trends in making Algonquin even better for tomorrow by being customer focused, conservation minded and fiscally strong.  I feel that I have the passion, commitment and leadership experience to make an impact in these areas.

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

The most important priority is always sound fiscal stewardship of the tax payer’s money to provide for services to meet the needs of the community.

What are the top three issues facing Algonquin residents?

1 – Traffic congestion, 2 – Economic develop to improve our commercial base and reduce reliance on property taxes, and 3 – Building community through downtown revitalization and community events. 

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am the only candidate with school-aged children, which provides me with a unique perspective.  I have also held leadership positions in a number of community organizations and volunteered in many different recreational and service capacities which have given me a broader outlook.

What is your favorite thing about Algonquin?

I love the quality of life that the village offers and the fact that we have a community that serves as a role model within the region.

What needs to be done with Riverside Plaza?

A key component of our Downtown Revitalization plan is to increase both residents and businesses in the downtown area.  Riverside plaza will offer the type of mixed use property that will address both needs.  The property is privately owned and built within the zoning for that parcel so the board has worked to protect the long-term interests of the village through the creation of a special service area and with milestones for certain tasks to be completed.

What is your hope for the future of downtown Algonquin? What needs to be done to make this happen?

I envision a vibrant downtown that has been re-energized as the heart and soul of our community and is a frequent destination for both residents and visitors.  The recently approved Downtown Revitalization Plan is our roadmap for making this happen and this can be accomplished with patience, perseverance, and partnership.

Overall, what does Algonquin need to do to attract more businesses in the future?

We must be able to demonstrate a clear vision of attracting and retaining businesses in Algonquin and we must continue to encourage our state legislators to create a more attractive business climate overall.

Do you think video gambling machines should be allowed in businesses in Algonquin? 

While I understand that businesses are struggling in our current economy, I have many concerns related to allowing video gambling in our village.  First, at a very high level I just don’t think it fits with the image we have worked so hard to acquire as a leader and role model in the region.  Second, there are many businesses struggling, not just establishments that sell alcohol for consumption on the premises, and I don’t see where this benefits businesses outside of those that would have gaming machines.  Finally, at a deeper level, I have a great number of concerns with our ability to control this once it is established in our village.  This includes, but is not limited to, changes that the state may make to payout percentages or local distributions, establishments opening with gambling as their primary business, and ensuring compliance with age restrictions.  I have provided my thoughts/questions to our staff and I am awaiting a draft of the ordinance for review to see if we are able to address those adequately.

Do you support a Continuous Flow Intersection at Randall and Algonquin roads? Why or why not?

I think it is clear that this intersection is already operating at a poor level during rush hour and on weekends and something needs to be done sooner rather than later.  I do not support a 4 leg CFI, but I do feel that a 2 leg CFI has merit and should be considered both from a funding perspective as well as the effectiveness of the solution.  

What improvements, if any, would you like to see in the way village government is run in Algonquin?

I’m very proud of the way that the village is currently run.  We offer residents great transparency through open meetings and information published on the village website.  We have maintained a balanced budget in all 8 years that I have been on the board and have be reducing the property tax levy while maintaining high levels of service to our residents.  I can’t think of any improvements off hand, but I’m always open to suggestions.

 Anything else you would like to add? Additional Comments:

Please feel free to visit my website at www.BrianDianis.com for additional information.


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