My name is Ryan Nero. I am a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology. I hold the following professional credentials; Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Associate Safety Professional (ASP), Certified Health and Safety Technician (CHST), & Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP). I have been employed at Granite Construction Company since 2002. Currently I am the Midwest Group Health and Safety Director. My professional work includes but is not limited too; managing, training, mentoring, directing, engaging, unifying and recruiting employees. I serve as the safety Chairman of the Underground Contractors Association (UCA) and was appointed to Traffic & Safety Committee in Forest Park as Chairman in 2018. I also serve as a committee member for the proposed Forest Park Cultural Park.   

I have been a homeowner in Forest Park since 2001 along with my wife Tracy, our son Rocco & dog Rex. Throughout the 18 years that I have been here, I have watched a complete revitalization of Madison St. and the Mainstreet community. Forest Park has some incredible things to offer outside of an amazing location. Whether I am ‘Grooving at the Grove’, participating in the St. Patrick’s day parade, eating a burger at Goldy’s, petting a reindeer at the Holiday walk, getting a haircut at MacDaddy’s, watching a game at O Sullivan’s, eating wings at R’Place, stopping into Counter Coffee, sampling at ‘Rib Fest’, sipping tea at Todd & Holland’s, watching fireworks on the 4th of July, cheering at the casket races, waiting for my wife at Girlicious, having dinner at Caffe De Luca, watching the No Glove softball tournament at the park, racing down waterslides at the pool, buying Lemonheads at Ferrara Pan, grocery shopping at Ed’s way, participating in the Kiwanis’s soap box derby, trick or treating down Madison St. or smelling Kay’s bakery from my front porch I LOVE FOREST PARK!!!!!!!

I am running for Commissioner because I want to be a part of the team that leads this Village into a prosperous future. My platform is as follows: 

1) Fiscal responsibility: fixing an underfunded budget, leveraging village assets to work for us, economic planning for the future, accountability for spending and knowing where to cut back on unnecessary expenses.   

2) Ensure Public safety & health: provide a safe & healthy environment for all those that live, work and patronize Forest Park.

3) Unity in the Community: supporting and encouraging participation in neighborhood events that unite us as a whole

4) Advocate for Small Business: patronizing local businesses first, supporting the business owners, and making concessions to attract new businesses 

I possess the knowledge and work experience to be an asset to the Village Council.

With this election comes a time of transition, I want to be a positive part of that change. I know I can be successful as a Commissioner, and I am asking YOU for the support and opportunity to do so. 

 Please vote NERO April 2!

Ryan Nero 

Village Commissioner candidate