Patricia "Pati" Ostaszewski
I’m a proud Berwyn native with deep roots in the 4th Ward. I grew up attending Komensky, Heritage, and Morton West, and today, I’m raising my family in the same community I’ve always called home. I know firsthand what makes this area special, and I’m excited to work together to make it even better for all of us.
Berwyn deserves fresh, honest, and trustworthy leadership that puts people first. It’s time to turn the page on the old ways and step into a brighter future together. We’ve reached a turning point and we have the power to shape Berwyn into the thriving, welcoming community we all deserve. I am driven by a desire to protect the values that make our city strong, to support working families, and to help shape a future where everyone has a chance to thrive. I’m motivated by the opportunity to represent all my neighbors, fight for safety and work together to build a better more connected community.
What Drives Me
I believe in the importance of transparency for Berwyn. It’s about promoting accountability and ensuring that every resident is informed about the actions and decisions made by their government. Transparency is not just about keeping people in the loop, it’s about fostering an environment where the community can trust that their leaders are making decisions with their best interests in mind. For me, transparency means open communication, clear processes, and a firm commitment to honesty in everything we do. It’s about making sure residents have access to the information they need, when they need it, and that decisions are being made in the open, not behind closed doors. It means no more rubber stamping agendas that serve special interests or personal gain. No more making decisions without seeking input from the people who are directly impacted by them.
Our city government needs a fresh approach focused on performance accountability, where every department’s goals are clearly defined, tracked, and met. For too long, leadership accountability has fallen through the cracks, with little oversight of how well departments are performing or whether they’re delivering the services that residents need and deserve. It's time for a shift—where city leaders are held responsible for their actions, decisions, and outcomes.
Improving the way our police department operates directly enhances the safety of our community by ensuring more efficient, fair, and effective policing. Adequate funding is crucial for ensuring the police department has the tools, technology, and personnel necessary to keep the community safe. By properly allocating resources to critical areas such as training, equipment, and mental health services, Berwyn can strengthen its police force and improve public safety. Hosting regular town halls, open forums, or listening sessions where community members can voice concerns and share ideas with police leadership is essential for ensuring that residents feel heard and respected. A police department that is seen as approachable and invested in the community's well-being will foster greater cooperation, leading to safer neighborhoods.