1. Why did you decide to run for trustee? To represent our community, to have a voice and a vote that counts toward the outcome. I enjoy working together with our residents and businesses of our Village. To help and support our Administration, Public works, and Police department to better serve the community and keep it safe.
2. Have you held public office before? Planning and Zoning Commission over 20 years, 4-year term Village trustee mid 90’s.
3. What is your background? I have been a resident of Peotone for 49 years. Peotone high school 1977. JJC Associate construction technology and engineering. Carpenter and project manager, Director of sales, marketing, and land development-Security Lumber and supply 36 years. I am married to my Wife Jean; We have two Daughters and five Grandchildren that all live in Peotone. My Family owns and operates our local business Main Street Dance for last 16 years.
4. What community involvement, organization, affiliations, or club memberships do you have? Business member Peotone chamber of commerce, Lifetime member Peotone Historical Society, Member of Kankakee Loyal order of Elks and golf club, Life spike member State and National Home builders Association NAHB. I enjoy being involved with Christmas in the Village; Main Street Dance performs two Christmas shows annually.
5. What characteristics, qualifications or experience do you feel you possess to be a trustee? I have worked in service-oriented business and served on boards most of my life. I communicate and work well with others to form an agreement on the issue at hand. As a trustee I will continue to rely on my experience to work together with our board and administration. As a small business owner, I understand that it takes a dream, dedication, and effort to operate a successful business. I am qualified and have the experience to help our Village move forward.
6. How can the Village Board improve? The board and the Village can improve by sticking to the fundamentals. My main objective for our Village will always be to balance the budget. We must constantly be looking for new sources of revenue that provide the least amount of burden to our residents. With proper management while being fiscally responsible, we can provide the best Village services, maintain infrastructure, and complete project upgrades.
7. What are the important issues you’d like to address and how will you address them? A] More development at I-57 and Wilmington Road. It is a concern that this area be developed in a way that is safe for all that pass through it. With the completion of the travel center and road projects later this year I believe developers will have more interest in this area. With proper planning we can achieve the outcome we desire. B] Support quality residential development. We have seen some growth and are fortunate to welcome new residents and families that purchase existing and new homes. Controlled residential growth is vital to support our local businesses and add tax dollars to our community. We have infrastructure in place to provide service to new development. C] Develop a plan for biking/walking trails in and around the Village. By incorporating this plan into future land annexations, we can preserve property for this use. It is important to be proactive as land is purchased. It would be nice to incorporate property for future trails along Rock and Walnut creeks.
8. Do you support the downtown streetscape plan in its current state and if not, what would you change? I support the downtown streetscape plan that was approved and submitted to the State for the 2.5 million grant awarded to our Village.
9. Raising chickens in the village limits has been a topic of discussion. What are your thoughts? I understand there is a group coming to a village board meeting to discuss changing the ordinance. I am always open to discussion about things in our village people are passionate about. There are pros and cons to this topic. Some people are for, and some are against. At this time, I stand behind the current ordinance.
In closing I would like to thank the Vedette for these questions. Our village has positive momentum I have not seen for a long time. New Families are moving into our community. People want to live in Peotone! Some folks say they want change. A new direction. I say we are changing now and heading in the right direction! With your support I will continue to use my experience to help our village board make the right decisions that affect our future. It is important that you vote in this election. Thank you.