Gopal Lalmalani

GopalLalmalani-20181

Oak Brook’s Village President

By Chuck Fieldman

Gopal Lalmalani has enjoyed practicing cardiology for more than 40 years. But the 72-year-old Oak Brook Village President has put much of his heart into serving the people of Oak Brook over the past 15 years. Lalmalani served five years on the village’s Plan Commission, before successfully running for village president in 2011. He has been reelected to additional four-year terms twice — in 2015 and in 2019. And his three consecutive terms as Oak Brook’s top elected official matches the record held by former Village President Karen Bushy, who served from 1991 to 2003. “I always was interested in getting involved,” Lalmalani said. “I’ve always had this bug in my head to serve, and I previously was involved with medical organizations. Some residents suggested that I get involved with the village, which led to me serving on the Plan Commission and then running for village president.” Lalmalani said he increasingly has spent more time on village related duties since becoming village president. He has scaled back his cardiology practice by about one third to allow more time for Oak Brook business, he said. “It’s become a way of life for me,” he said. “I have dedicated my life to the community service of Oak Brook and find that very fulfilling.

I always am interested in what we can do to provide better services for our residents and businesses because we are here to serve them.” Lalmalani said his ears and eyes always are open to Oak Brook residents and representatives from businesses in the village. “They are why we’re here; I have no personal agenda,” he said. Lalmalani has had some disagreements over the years with Village Board members, village staff, residents and business representatives about village business, but that’s all part of the process, he said. “We need to tolerate all points of view,” he said. “I do what I truly believe is best for Oak Brook.” Village Board member Michael Manzo, who also was first elected in 2011 and continues to serve, said Lalmalani’s willingness to always listen to others is a major strength. “He may have an opinion in mind, but he’s always willing to listen to all sides and is very assessable to anyone who wants to talk with him,” Manzo said. “He’s always a uniter and brings people together.” Manzo said he sees the passion Lalmalani has for the village. “He pays attention to what’s going on and has made leaps and bounds in his knowledge of local government,” Manzo said.

“How we can do better for our residents, without taxing people is always a goal, and not having a property tax is part of our branding and we are proud of that”

One major factor Lalmalani considers best for Oak Brook is to continue the practice of not levying a municipal property tax. He also is against any additional taxes, such as for food and beverage, a stance that was part of his campaign when he sought re-election in 2019. “How we can do better for our residents, without taxing people is always a goal, and not having a property tax is part of our branding and we are proud of that,” Lalmalani said.” It’s an ongoing challenge, but it’s doable.” Development in Oak Brook is continuing at a fast pace. Among current and recent projects are new retail stores and restaurants opening in, and around, Oakbrook Center, several commercial/office projects, the ongoing development of multi use Oak Brook Commons on the site of the former McDonald’s Plaza on 22nd Street; and recent discussions about plans for part of the former 80-acre McDonald’s campus site, purchased in June 2019 by JPD Holdings. “I’m a pro-business guy,” Lalmalani said. “I want businesses to feel like they are wanted.

Gopal Lalmalani – Oak Brook Village President

To survive moving forward, we have to be open-minded, but also, our residents don’t want too much traffic and congestion.” One of the ongoing challenges for Oak Brook officials is maintaining a good balance of businesses that generate sales tax, which has been strong enough to allow for no property taxes, and developments that don’t generate sales tax revenue, but add to the community in other ways. “Balancing development with sales tax generators is a challenge that we are aware of, and it is very important,” Lalmalani said. “Going back to (Oak Brook founder) Paul Butler, the idea has been for Oak Brook to be one-third open space, one-third commercial, and one-third residential. That balance makes Oak Brook a spacious and unique community.” The continued challenges of helping to make Oak Brook the best place possible for its residents and businesses keeps Lalmalani going, he said. And having support from his wife, Neetu, and daughters, Puja and Supna has been critical to his ongoing work for the village. “It’s not about me,” he said, “It has to be about the Village of Oak Brook.” That attitude hasn’t prevented Lalmalani from being recognized with awards for his service to the village. He has received several awards from local, national, and international community service groups, such as Outstanding Community Service Award from Congressman Danny K. Davis, Public Service Award from the Metropolitan Asian Services, Inc., and Special Recognition award from the Asian American Coalition of Chicago.

Lalmalani was born in Jakarta, Indonesia and went to India for his pre-med and medical education. After receiving his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree from G.S. Medical College in Bombay, India, Lalmalani practiced medicine for a year in Jakarta. He came to the United States in 1973 and completed his internship, residency and fellowship in cardiology from Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago in 1978. He returned to school about 20 years later, earning his MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Business School in 1999. “After a while of practicing medicine, I felt I needed to open up my brain,” he said. “I wanted to find out how businesses run their operations. When I first got my MBA, my idea was to move into medical management, but I enjoyed my practice with my patients too much to do that.” Lalmalani continues to enjoy his interaction and work with his cardiology patients, but a big piece of his heart will never leave Oak Brook.

*Photos by Marcello Rodarte

Author

Executive Chef Stephen Langlois

Feeding His Passion: Newly appointed Chef Stephen takes the helm at The Westin Chicago Lombard

The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, NM

Celebrating A Century of Open Road: Now in its 100th year, this slice of Americana still beckons travelers

Tely Nagle, Drake Hotel Proprietor, in the Romanesque gardens
Photo by Victor Hilitski

Welcome In! The Drake Oak Brook’s elegance and charm are back to stay

ATJMAH_CM_2223

Striking the Right Note: The Chicago Youth Orchestra shapes the lives of aspiring young musicians

The camaraderie of the volunteers often keeps them involved after their student graduates

Always Boosting: Hinsdale Central’s Booster Club helps fill gaps in student activity and athletic budgets

Anne Schultz, MD, FACP Cindy Lagone, MD, FACP

Authentic Internal Medicine: Building relationships with patients and the community

Hair loss problem after covid search Instagram Post Minimalist -

Is hair loss on your mind? Reclaim Your Crowning Glory

Kristina and Matthew Bailey began reading books to their son, Owen when he was six months old— they haven’t stopped.
Owen turned 4 in June and recently received an award from the Clarendon Hills Public Library for having had 1,000 books read to him before starting kindergarten.

The library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge is one of a few reading challenge programs offered in Clarendon Hills, where the Bailey family has lived for the past 2 1/2 years.
Kristin Bailey said she saw an ad about the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge and decided it was a good fit for Owen.

“He’s always been really into books,” Bailey said. “He had a natural interest in books at nine months old. That’s when COVID started, and he didn’t get out much, so reading books to him worked out very well. He’s a naturally curious kid, and imagination-building is important. The reading allows him to learn and explore new things, and he really wants to learn to read now.”

Krista Devlin, the Clarendon Hills library’s youth services librarian, said there’s a specific reason The Friends of the Library-sponsored 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge was started in 2022.

“Reading aloud to a child is one of the best ways to help develop important early literacy skills, which will prepare them for kindergarten,” Devlin said. “It is also a great way to bond with your child and to encourage a love of reading.”

Devlin said Owen was the second child to reach the challenge of having 1,000 books read to him before starting kindergarten. He was awarded a certificate, a crown, and his picture was taken to recognize his accomplishment.

Bailey, who said she is “a big reader,” said her family usually goes to the library once a week. Reading three books each night to Owen, along with a book before nap time, is the household normal.

“Consistency in our routine has been good and is important,” she said, adding that Owen’s two sisters, ages 2 1/2 and 1

An open book: Clarendon Hills four-year-old earns library recognition

Charlie Tomfohrde and his array of house plants for sale at the Hinsdale Farmers Market

A Budding Entrepreneur: Charlie Tomfohrde’s plant business continues to grow

Terri Doney (left) and co-founder Barb Thayer are “sisters” in the group, My Breast Cancer Sisters

Breast Cancer survivors: Hinsdale area group looking for others to help

Maxx Klein and Jack Klein

Airoom’s New Design Space Maxx and Jack Klein take the helm of their family’s business

IMG_4543

Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club A Tennis Player’s Dream