Greg Schwarze, 53, is a candidate for DuPage County Board District 6. He grew up in downstate Peoria and moved to Carol Stream in 1999 where he still lives and raised his 2 girls, now 24 and 22. Greg has served as a career Firefighter/Paramedic for 26 years, the last 20 being in Carol Stream. He also serves as the Public Education Coordinator for the Fire District. In this capacity, Greg spends much of his time out in the community teaching safety to seniors, school children, businesses, and pretty much anybody else that will listen. Greg has been involved with many extracurricular activities over the years including youth sports coaching, Rotary Club, Lions Club, church council, and teaching Sunday school.
Greg was recently elected to his 4th term as Carol Stream Village Trustee. In this role since 2007, Greg is familiar with local government issues and understands the importance of making sure peoples' concerns are heard. Working with other elected officials to be sure the community's needs are met is an underrated skill Greg's had much experience honing. Greg, a member of DuPage Democrats since 2006, is a Wayne Democratic PC and has also served as a Bloomingdale PC. His lovely wife, Julia, also a very active Democrat and currently the Wayne Township Dems secretary, goes out canvassing with Greg on a regular basis. Greg says, "When I'm with her, I'm suddenly way more popular as more people seem to open doors!"
Greg, a diehard Union member, has served on his Union Executive Board for most of his professional career, and currently serves as a shift steward and the Local's PAC official. Making sure we have a strong middle class is a top priority for Greg. And a way to ensure this is to use Union labor.
Taking care of our growing senior population is another top priority for Greg. "With the population of those over 65 expected to double over the next 10 years, the resources needed must be addressed sooner than later." says Greg. As a Carol Stream Trustee, Greg is working with the Police department's Social Service division to create a Senior Citizen Task Force with the goal to identify and address the problems facing our Senior Citizens today.
Another issue Greg wants to focus on is the opioid crisis. As a firefighter/paramedic, Greg has been on dozens of overdose emergencies, including 6 heroin deaths. He knows this problem is worsening and needs a change in tactics.
Finally, Greg's track record as a Village Trustee and Firefighter also proves his dedication to protecting our environment and to the public safety of our residents.
