By Andrea Arens
Long time resident Chris Vieaux, pronounced V-O, announced his candidacy for Mayor on Tuesday, November 12.
Vieaux, now retired, resides on the west side with his wife, Denise.
New to politics, the self-described family man said on social he believes Peotone “deserves a leader who truly listens and cares.”
In that same post, Vieaux vowed to focus on protecting what makes Peotone special by ensuring responsible spending and putting tax dollars to work where it matters most: Improving roads, parks, and supporting local businesses.
Vieaux has three daughters and seven grandchildren, with one daughter in Manteno, another in Colorado, and another in Canada. He’s a long standing member of St. Paul and involved in the congregation. He’s also coached softball for 18 years and has created many connections with players and families over the years.
Vieaux knows a bit about construction, too. He owned his own construction business, DVC Homes LLC, and built several homes around Peotone.
Vieaux sees the streetscape as a pressing issue in that its total cost is exorbitant, and it’s not being completed in a timely manner, although it’s expected to be completed by the time elections roll around.
But that’s not all, Vieaux feels many roads in town are not being maintained satisfactorily and would like to see improvements there.
If elected, Vieaux’s goals would be to see larger businesses move into Peotone to bring in additional tax dollars and ideally on the west side of I-57 if, available.
Vieaux also would like to distance Peotone from the airport. Give it another name, as he wouldn’t like to name it the Peotone airport. “It’s not Peotone’s airport,” he said.
Vieaux envisions a Peotone that seeks additional revenue and jobs but maintains that small town charm that he fell in love with.
Vieaux looks forward to campaigning. Already savvy on social, he has a meet-and-greet scheduled at Hansen’s Dugout on Friday, November 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. Look for Vieaux out and about as he looks forward to connecting with voters.