Election 2013: Janet Ryan Grasso
Janet Ryan Grasso is one of five candidates running for three open seats on the Burr Ridge Board of Trustees.
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Name: Janet Ryan Grasso
Position sought: Burr Ridge Board of Trustees
Email: Grasso8@aol.com
Family: Husband Gary; sons Michael, 31, Daniel, 27, Peter, 25, Brian, 23, David, 21; and daughter Emily, 19.
Education: J.D. from DePaul University School of Law; B.A. from St. Mary’s College - Notre Dame.
Occupation: American Airlines, International Flight Attendant
Years in Burr Ridge: 18
Previous elected offices: None
Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:
- Law Degree - DePaul University School of Law
- Member of the Founding Board of Governor’s - Five Seasons, Burr Ridge
- Past President - Salt Creek Club, Hinsdale
- Active Member of Theatre of Western Springs
What is the primary reason you are running for this office?
The next four years should be a time of continued growth for the village. I hope to encourage and facilitate additional development of the Village Center and surrounding properties. We’ve come so far but there is still work to be done. Village residents and those from neighboring communities appreciate all that the village has to offer: fine dining, competitive shopping, Summer on the Green concert series, Jingle Mingle and more. I want to continue the work envisioned by others and promote Burr Ridge as “A Special Place to Live, Work and raise a Family.”
What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?
In 2011, Burr Ridge ranked second on a list of 955 Midwestern communities for quality of life and favorable living conditions with a healthy economy, light traffic, moderate cost of living, impressive housing stock and strong educational system. My priority will be to continue this trend by maintaining the roads and infrastructure of the village. We also need to bring a family-style, modestly priced restaurant to the village.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
My legal degree should aid analytical discussion and debate. On a more practical level, as the wife of former Mayor Gary Grasso, I am not only aware of the issues that the village has faced these past eight years, I am proud to say that my opinions were sought and valued.
What is your favorite thing about Burr Ridge?
Burr Ridge is home to young families, retirees and heads of corporations. We are proud owners of modest and mega homes. We are a diverse population with a similar appreciation of the village—once you’ve moved to Burr Ridge, you don’t want to leave.
What is your least favorite thing about Burr Ridge?
Even though the Village was founded in 1956, many Chicagoans still don’t know where we are!
