JUAN MUNOZ

candidate for 2025 OAK PARK township trustee

1. What motivates you to seek this office? What skills do you bring to the office? What sets you apart from other candidates?  What does success look like for you after four years in the position?

Growing up in small towns and migrant communities, I saw firsthand how a lack of support structures places an unfair burden on families, especially children. In contrast, Oak Park has built an exceptional network of services that should be preserved, strengthened, and made more accessible. I am proud to contribute to the programs running effectively and advocating for residents that are most in need. 

As Vice Chair of the Board at Great Kids, I have experience in nonprofit leadership, financial oversight, and strategic planning. I also bring over a decade of business development experience, balancing financial sustainability with community impact. As a Township Trustee, I’ve worked to ensure Township services remain responsive to residents’ needs and board discussions are data-informed.

I believe that success, after four years, will be defined by increased community engagement and stronger partnerships that expand access to vital programs.

2. What do you see as the three biggest challenges or opportunities facing the Township and what role do you see the Board playing to address them over the next four years? 

Service Awareness – Too many residents are unaware of Township services. I will work with the marketing team to share real resident stories and drive engagement through community outreach.

Community Engagement & Representation – We must ensure residents’ voices shape our services. I will advocate for listening sessions and direct engagement at local events.

Collaboration with Local Bodies – Continuing to strengthen partnerships with the Village, schools, and nonprofits will help us better address shared challenges like senior care, mental health, and food insecurity.

3. What is your decision making process? What are steps the Board can take to ensure transparency, clear communication, and community engagement – hearing from the board spectrum of Oak Park residents about access to its services and facilities? 

My decision-making is driven by informed conversations with partners and residents. I believe in listening to those directly impacted by our services and ensuring their voices are represented at the table. Transparency means clear, consistent communication; accessible meetings, community outreach, and proactive updates. I will continue serving on committees like Senior Services to maintain open dialogue with residents.

4. Please share your thoughts about the Township’s current financial picture. What’s your understanding of the Board’s role in the budgeting process and the allocation of resources? Do you have organizational finance experience?

Oak Park Township is one of the lower-percentage taxing bodies in the community and has been an efficient and responsible steward of public funds. As Vice Chair of the Board at Great Kids, I’ve led strategic planning and served on the Finance and Audit Committee, overseeing budget reviews, and ensuring responsible use of resources. The Board’s role is to set clear priorities that align with community needs and to hold the Township accountable for responsible budgeting and resource allocation.

5. What would you say to voters who are worried about Oak Park’s overall tax burden?

I understand the concern. Oak Park residents carry a significant tax load. However, the Township’s portion is less than 3% while providing essential services that help keep meals available to seniors, support mental health, and assist struggling families. With the funds we have available and the number of staff able to do the work at the Township, there will always be a balance of the services we can realistically provide and the needs of the residents. I am committed to ensuring the Township remains efficient and that the money spent directly benefits our community.

6. How do you define equity? Have recent discussions in the larger community and or at the national level informed or changed your thinking?

Equity means ensuring that everyone in Oak Park has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive, regardless of their background or starting point. Growing up in small towns, I saw firsthand what it means to be excluded from essential services. National conversations on equity have reinforced my belief that policies must be shaped by those they impact most. Equity is not just a principle; it’s about delivering real, accessible services to those in need.

7. What steps do you believe the Township should take to educate community residents and increase awareness about the mission and programs of the Township? 

Part of the Township’s vision is to be a well-known and respected community partner. To increase awareness, we should focus on strengthening partnerships with community organizations to expand outreach.

Regular joint meetings with partners, neighborhood associations, and nonprofits can help share information, gather feedback, and strengthen collaboration. Partnering with the Village, Park District, and Library for community events will ensure residents recognize the Township as an integral, engaged entity in many residents' lives.

8. What do you believe the relationship the Township should have with other Oak Park and near west governmental agencies/communities? How can the Township and other governmental bodies best work together? 

The Township must work closely with other governmental agencies to avoid service duplication and identify unmet needs. Strengthening communication with the Village, Park District, and school districts will improve coordination and efficiency. We should continue to lead in delivering well-integrated services that address critical needs.

Oak Park has high visibility from the surrounding communities, and we should set the standard for delivering comprehensive services that promote a healthy, thriving community. Our priority must be on efficient, collaborative programs that directly address residents' most pressing needs.

9. What steps should the Township take to not only secure its current role at the CRC but also to leverage additional efficiencies around current programs, program expansion and delivery? 

As Township, our role is through appointing the Community Mental Health Board (CMHB) members. We can support its impact by making recommendations and encouraging collaboration.

Enhancing visibility is also key. We can support efforts to improve outreach, signage, and integration with CRC programs to ensure residents know about available mental health resources.

The CMHB’s assessments provide valuable insights. The Township should help ensure these findings benefit not just the CMHB but also schools, nonprofits, and healthcare providers, aligning services across Oak Park.

10. What concerns you most about the state of service availability in Oak Park? Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve?

I am most concerned about accessibility and outreach. Oak Park has excellent services, but too many residents (especially seniors, low-income families, and migrants) don’t know these services exist or face barriers in accessing them. My own experience growing up, where services were limited and discrimination was real, drives me to ensure Oak Park remains a place where everyone feels welcome and supported.

11. One of the Township Board’s primary responsibilities is oversight of the Township Manager. What criteria do you believe the Board should use to evaluate the performance of the Township Manager?

The Board should work closely with the Township Supervisor to evaluate the Manager, recognizing their overlapping roles. Evaluation criteria should include:

  • Program Effectiveness: Are services meeting community needs?

  • Financial Management: Is the budget well-managed and transparent?

  • Community Engagement: Is the Township responsive and accessible to residents?

  • Operational Efficiency: Is the Township using resources effectively to deliver services?

Regular performance reviews with measurable outcomes and Township employee feedback should inform this process.

12. Last November, Oak Park voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot initiative that proposed that voters be able to approve ordinances and policies though a direct vote. At this point the vote on the ballot initiative was advisory or non-binding. The next step is for the Village or any other taxing body in Oak Park (as reported by the Wednesday Journal, November 7, 2024) to decide whether or not to place the issue on the ballot as a binding referendum. Please share your views on this initiative. 

I respect the advisory vote and believe that Oak Park residents deserve a voice in local governance. Direct democracy can strengthen community trust when used appropriately. However, I also believe that representative governance ensures informed, balanced decision-making, especially on complex issues. I would advocate for a clear process that includes public education and safeguards to prevent unintended consequences.