By Karen Haave
All five incumbent Monee Village Trustees have filed nominating paperwork for the upcoming 2023 Consolidated Primary Election.
In an unexpected move, former Trustee Janet Blue has tossed her hat into the ring, filing for one of the two-year unexpired terms that will be decided. Blue left the board after the April, 2021, election, when she ran unsuccessfully for mayor.
Long active in village organizations and government, she told The Vedette that she is running for office again, with concern for Monee’s future financial stability.
“I have served the Village of Monee since I moved here 10 years ago,” she said. “I continue to serve and strive to be a voice for our residents as the opportunity arises, within local government or outside of it. It seems a natural next step to run for the office of trustee again, whether it’s a four-year or a two-year term.
“The reason I filed for a two-year term is because of the respect I have for Trustees Youdris, Gonzalez, and Wilson and the support they gave me during the last election. We live in very uncertain economic times, and I consider it my responsibility to add my shoulder to the wheel to work towards a fiscally sound future that stretches way beyond a time of wealth for the village,” she added, “including a Plan B, should Amazon disappear, and to benefit all residents.”
All but one trustee position are up for election in 2023. Four-year terms that will be up for election are those now held by incumbents Heidi Gonzalez, Scott Youdris, and Michael Wilson.
Two-year unexpired terms are those of John Henson and Chuck Rakis. Two-term incumbent Douglas Horne is the only trustee whose term is not expiring.
No objections were filed against any of the candidates’ paperwork, according to Village Clerk Doneshia Codjoe. The last day to file objections to petitions was Tuesday, December 27.
The Consolidated Election takes place on April 4, 2023.