Clik here to view.
Early voting is underway and Ald. Phil Abed (4th) is seeking re-election in Palos Hills, pointing to his record on infrastructure investment, flood relief, and park improvements, as well as his focus on fiscal responsibility and resident accessibility.
Appointed to the City Council in 2020, Abed has represented the ward for four years and said he has prioritized projects that directly affect residents’ quality of life. “I want to help the city make good decisions to better the community,” he said. “That’s always been the goal.”
During his term, several city parks — including Glacier Park and Indian Woods Park — have undergone renovations. Improvements include new playground equipment, extended walking paths, pavilion repairs, and lighting installations intended to make parks more accessible into the evening. “Residents absolutely love it,” Abed said. “Many parks are located in the Fourth Ward, so it’s important to keep them in great shape.”
Clik here to view.
A small soccer facility was also added for youth programs, which Abed said allowed the recreation department to begin training sessions for children. “Soccer fields are hard to come by,” he said. “These little programs really make a difference for families.”
Abed also noted the city’s public ice skating rink remained in use throughout the winter. “It was a huge success,” he said, crediting the Public Works Department for maintaining the facility.
In addition to park investments, Abed said one of the most significant challenges in the Fourth Ward is flooding. A flood relief project — long delayed at the city level — recently secured state and federal funding, with engineering work completed and construction expected to begin later this year. “It’s been over 10 years in the making,” he said. “This started during my term, and it’s finally moving forward.”
The project includes installing a large sewer system from 99th Street and 81st Avenue to 103rd Street. Abed said the system is expected to benefit approximately 1,000 residents by alleviating frequent flooding and removing many homes from designated flood zones. “Once this is done, it’s going to save a lot of people money,” he said, estimating the project will take about four years to complete.
Additional infrastructure work in the ward includes the widening of 99th Street to improve traffic flow and reduce stormwater buildup. Plans are also in place for a flood retention pond at Indian Woods Park to help manage runoff and further reduce flood risk. “This hasn’t been forgotten,” Abed said. “It’s an ongoing process, but we’ve made progress.”
Abed, a Palos Hills resident for 27 years, worked in business and retail management prior to holding office. He said his professional background — which includes experience in budgeting, forecasting and customer service — has helped guide his approach on the council. “My background is about making smart decisions and keeping expenses down,” he said. “That’s what I bring to the city.”
He also emphasized the importance of attracting businesses to increase the tax base and reduce the burden on residents. “When new businesses open, they pay taxes that help fund services and improvements,” Abed said, noting that the city’s population has grown by more than 1,000 people since the last census, increasing available resources.
For Abed, accessibility remains a core priority. “Helping residents with important issues and responding in a timely manner — that’s what the job is about,” he said. “By doing that, I’ve built strong relationships in the community.”
Looking ahead, Abed said he plans to continue focusing on infrastructure, park maintenance, and prudent fiscal management. “It sounds kind of cheesy, but I really think I can make a difference in the community. Otherwise, I wouldn’t do it,” he said.
Abed is being challenged by Anna Biedrzycki, a registered nurse who ran for alderman in 2021 and 6th District Cook County Commissioner in 2022. She is originally from Poland and came to the United States three decades ago.
The election is April 1. Early voting is now underway..
The post Abed faces challenger Biedrzycki in Palos Hills 4th Ward appeared first on Southwest Regional Publishing.