I've lived in the 5th Ward of Des Plaines for over 40 years, and I truly care about Des Plaines. I’m passionate about serving others and working toward a brighter future for our neighborhood. I believe in keeping an open line of communication, working together, and being transparent to tackle the issues that matter most to all of us.

Serving the 5th Ward
My goal is to ensure that every resident’s voice is heard and that the people of the 5th Ward feel actively involved in the decisions that shape our community. To keep everyone informed and engaged, I will utilize multiple communication channels, including newsletters, social media updates, and a dedicated 5th Ward website for easy access to resources and information. Additionally, I will host virtual town halls, visit neighborhoods to connect with residents directly, and ensure there are clear and accessible ways for everyone to reach me.
I am committed to being responsive and available to the community. Residents can reach me anytime with questions or concerns at:
📞 (224) 244-5980
📧 tommerlin5thward@gmail.com

Economic Development
I am dedicated to supporting economic development in Des Plaines without raising property taxes. By focusing on attracting new businesses, supporting local small business, and creating job opportunities, we can grow our economy while keeping costs down for homeowners. Smart, strategic development can bring in more revenue and improve our city, all without burdening residents with higher taxes. This approach will help ensure that Des Plaines continues to thrive for years to come.

Infrastructure
I’m committed to continuing support for
infrastructure projects in the 5th Ward, especially when it comes to improving our sidewalks and streets. These upgrades are essential for making our neighborhood safer and more accessible for everyone. By investing in better roads and walkways, we can ensure Des Plaines remains a great place to live and grow.

City Code Modernization
As a candidate, I am committed to modernizing our city’s codes and ordinances to ensure they are clear, relevant, and effective for today’s needs. I will support a thorough review of our current laws, identifying outdated or unnecessary regulations and working to update them. This process will make sure that our rules are fair, easy to understand, and aligned with the current priorities of our community. I will also involve residents in this process, seeking feedback and making sure the changes reflect the needs and values of our neighborhood. Through this code modernization, we can create a more efficient, transparent, and responsive local government that better serves everyone in Des Plaines.