Meet Candidate for Algonquin Village Trustee, Janis Jasper

Name: Janis Jasper

Age: 60

Town of residence: Algonquin

Position Sought: Algonquin Village Board trustee

Family: Husband, Steve

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No

Education: B.A. Education and science; M.A. Education

Occupation: Retired public school teacher, 34 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: none

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it: Balancing the business and residential needs of the village. To this end, I want to make sure that both sets of stakeholders are part of the discussion around the direction that the village will take.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?: I think my greatest asset is that I can bring a lifetime of experience to this position without the political filter. This would be my first elected office and I am not afraid to ask questions in order to fully understand the decisions we will be asked to make or to make suggestions that I think might work.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?: I disagree with the current board in their support for the Longmeadow Parkway project. I believe that they disregarded the feelings and opinions of the residents who live around the roadway. I don't think they used current traffic and residential statistics to gauge the need for expansion of Longmeadow. The need to direct traffic to the businesses on the west side of the village should not have been done at the expense of the residents.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: While I believe that any public official should be appreciated for their service to their community, I believe that a political office is not meant to be a job for life. A community is best served when there is a variety of voices being heard - experienced and new, both genders, multi-ethnic. Elected public officials should understand this. Sometimes no one steps up because no one steps down.

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?: I would hope to see fewer empty businesses, residents who are happy to live in Algonquin, and more people who want to run for village board.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career: This was not so much a mistake, but a decision I made that affected my career choice. Early in my teaching career I was feeling burned out and thought that I wanted to try something different. I was considering pursuing a different career that was related to education, but would have taken me out of the classroom. I soldiered through this period and eventually decided that I was exactly where I wanted and needed to be. This event taught me patience and not to make hasty decisions, especially ones that might have life-altering effects.

Why should voters trust you?: If you talk to the people I worked with and to my friends and family, I think they will all tell you that I am very trustworthy. I say what I mean, but I am also very circumspect so I don't just say the first thing that pops into my mind. I keep my promises.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy: "There is a loftier ambition than merely to stand high in the world. It is to stoop down and lift mankind a little higher." Henry Van Dyke

I just recently came across this quote, but it resonated with me as a way that I have always tried to live my life and something that we are in need of in today's political climate.

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?

Are you serving your clients in a way that reflects well on our town?
What can we (the village board) do to make that easier or possible for you?

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?: I believe in making the best use of every dollar spent. I run my own household on a budget and do not believe in debt - I would bring this same philosophy to the village's budget, keeping in mind that long term investments must be made. Sometimes debt cannot be avoided, but it should be based on informed decisions and lots of input.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?: During my 34 year teaching career I chaired and served on several committees that addressed a variety of issues from curriculum to district budget to personnel. I know how to respond in leadership positions.

The best advice ever shared with me was: Be open to experiences and opportunities.

More via the Janis Jasper's campaign website and Facebook page