Politics & Government

Meet Lincolnwood Mayoral Candidate Georgia Talaganis

Skokie Patch recently sent out several questions for the mayoral candidates to answer. Questions range from where they like to eat to creating a fourth TIF district.

Editor's note: Each candidate was sent the same questions. And all three profiles are running today, April 5, 2013 on Patch. To read Jerry Turry's  Peter Moy, here.

Also, be sure to check out our coverage on the Lincolnwood mayoral debate that was held on March 28.

1) How long have you called Lincolnwood Home?

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 I have called Lincolnwood home for the past 29 years with my family.  My husband and I moved to Lincolnwood to raise our twin sons, enjoy the feel of suburban living and still have the proximity to the city of Chicago.

2) Briefly tell about your background.

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I am originally from the south shore area of Chicago. I retired from teaching and moved to Lincolnwood with my husband to raise our twin sons.  After volunteering at the local schools my interests turned to community activities.  I was twice elected to positions.

First as Village Clerk in 1997 and then as a Lincolnwood Public Library board member  in 2003 completing my last years of service as President.  My proudest accomplishment was the parking lot addition. As past president of The Friends of the Lincolnwood Library my fundraising skills with the assistance of the group have provided a host of items to the library beyond the regular budget.  Presently I serve on the Fire and Police Commission.

3) Favorite place to shop eat and “hang out” in Lincolnwood?

For starters, Lincolnwood is my first choice for places to shop, eat and “hang out.”

  • To look good: Lincolnwood Town Center.
  •  To feel good:  Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy.
  • To eat well: Lincolnwood Produce where Bill Asimacopoulos or Gus Demas greet you with a smile, and Dominick’s.
  • To get great service: Paul at the Mobile gas station, Shell gas station, the UPS store, Key Club Cleaners, Andrea Aslanides at State Farm Insurance on Touhy and Maria of Lincolnwood at Vergo Salon.
  • To satisfy a sweet tooth: Schlegel’s bakery and New York bagel and bialy.
  • To eat:  L’Woods, Psistaria,Whistler’s, and Lou Malnati’s,
  • Favorite place to “hang out” as George S. put it is at home with my family and friends.

4) Can you briefly explain your short term goals?

My short term goal is to win the Mayoral election and then begin work on the long term goals.

5) Can you briefly explain your long term goals?

My long term goals would be that the Purple Hotel property would be completed and become a community gathering point in the Village.  Vacant properties will have significant revitalization and occupancy over time and that the economy would be better to allow such development. 

The continued maintenance of the Village infrastructure and the planting of trees to replace the ones lost to disease.  The streetscape would be improved to make it more inviting for new businesses.  The parks would be maintained for the enjoyment of the residents. I would like to develop public town hall meetings and develop a rapport with all the taxing bodies especially the schools and library.  Maintain the Village bond rating and be fiscally responsible.

6) What is your position on adding a fourth TIF district in Lincolnwood?

As I stated at the recent debate, the Devon-Lincoln TIF is currently under discussion and is taking into account the views of the various taxing bodies in the Village including the school districts and library. 

To date there is no developer waiting to develop the area and no final conclusion has been made.  The Joint Review Board has not made a final recommendation.  Once all of the facts and information are provided, I am confident that a decision that benefits every resident and each taxing body of the Village will be made.

7) Anything else you would like to add?

It is refreshing to see a renewed interest in the upcoming election.  Residents have stepped forward to run for positions in government that had gone uncontested for too long.  This has led to more discussion of issues in the Village and more awareness of what affects the Village and residents.

Many residents have become involved and are assisting with the campaigns.  Thank you to all who have given of their time and energy for what they believe in.

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