Early voting begins march 17th! general election april 1st!

Early voting begins march 17th! general election april 1st!
The safety of our residents and those that visit our town is a major priority. We have to ensure that our streets, sidewalks, and infrastructure are properly maintained and secure. Now more than ever is it critical to ensure that our award winning Police and Fire Services, and Village staff have the resources to do their jobs efficiently and safe.
The Village is blessed to have some of the best top tier talent in law Enforcement operating in a new state of the art facility. We must continue to invest in our police department and promote the DGPD as a "department of choice" when it comes to recruiting. We must also continue to invest in the best technology, training, and partnership
The Village is blessed to have some of the best top tier talent in law Enforcement operating in a new state of the art facility. We must continue to invest in our police department and promote the DGPD as a "department of choice" when it comes to recruiting. We must also continue to invest in the best technology, training, and partnerships in order to help deter and solve crime in our neighborhoods.
Matt believes that the Village has taken dramatic steps to increase Transparency to the residents regarding Village governance. We can always do better, and Matt will work to better engage the community in regards to how they can be better involved in the decision making process.
Matthew (Matt) and his wife have called Downers Grove home for over 15 years. Matt was born and raised on the southside in small neighborhood, whereas his wife was born and raised in DG. Matt is a retired decorated police officer, after serving honorably for nearly 17 years before deciding to switch to the private sector. During his time of service, Matt received many letters of commendation and awards, including a Life Saving award and Cook County Sheriff Law Enforcement Medal of Valor. A devoted husband and family man, you can find him coaching his children's sports, attending dance competitions, and watching "Bluey" in front of the TV until his children's hearts are content!
Humbled and honored to receive the endorsement of the Downers Grove Professional Firefighters Association and the Safe Suburbs USA PAC Group!
I had a great time with Robin on her Spilling the Village Tea Podcast! Take a listen!
Why should we vote for you?
As a retired police officer, I have developed critical skills of compassion,
empathy, and utmost integrity. I operate my daily life to treat others as I
want to be treated, and focus on the needs of the community as a whole.
During my service as Chair of the Downers Grove Traffic and Parking
Commission, I have experienced the value of contributing to the safety of
our community for all who live or visit our village. I've seen the incredible
work that our staff does on a daily basis to keep the village running efficiently. I want to continue to be a part of helping the village thrive for everyone who visits or calls our village home.
Is there a particular issue or controversy that influenced
your decision to run?
No, I believe that the village is currently operating in a very positive fashion
and I intend to help continue that progress if elected. There are of course always issues that can be addressed and if elected, I would work together with the community, village staff, and other community partners to help bring solutions to those problems.
Do you align personally or politically with any other candidate(s) on the ballot or groups? Are you a "slate"?
No, I do not and we are not a slate. This is also a non-partisan election. All candidates are independent residents, professionals, neighbors, youth sports coaches, and we have different viewpoints. As with anything, there are certain issues that we do agree on and others that we disagree. One thing is for sure, is that all candidates believe that they will do what is best for the Village of Downers Grove!
What is your viewpoint on the Library?
The Library is a great place for people of all ages. My children have enjoyed attending different events and anytime I have interacted with staff they have been nothing but kind and professional. I do not want to "defund" the library. I am a major supporter of the culture of accountability, and therefore I do support further research into the current library board and how it is organized, how it is held accountable to the tax payers, and how we can better serve all of those who utilize the library. This by all means is a team effort, and no decisions would be made without facts, data, and collaboration between all of those invested, from the Library Board Trustees to the everyday tax payer.
What are your thoughts on equality in Downers Grove, i.e. EQDG?
I absolutely, 100% support diversity in Downers Grove. No one, and I mean absolutely NO ONE, should be targeted for their viewpoints regarding sexuality, race, political beliefs, etc. Please see the link for my responses to the questionarre from EQDG.
https://www.eqdg.org/_files/ugd/427187_1399f270c8e5480482f88397cb1d3034.pdf
What experience do you have, if any, with village operations?
Since 2019, I have been honored to be a member of the Downers Grove Traffic and Parking Commission. Since 2023, I have served as Chair of this board, working directly with other volunteer residents to help ensure the safety of everyone that lives or travels through our town. Together, we have made substantial progress towards increasing the safety of our roadways, intersections, and communities as a whole. I've seen the substantial impact and hard work that the village staff do every day, and I'm incredibly proud to see our tax dollars put to good use.
How can we contact you if we have questions?
Please email me at matthew@mjn4dgvc.com
I will respond as soon as possible!
Special thanks to the League of Women's voters for hosting a candidate town hall!
Please RSVP by March 11th, 2025
Get a yard sign, volunteer to help
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Paid for by Citizens for Matthew Novak . A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board’s official website ( www.elections.il.gov ) or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois
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