2017 Election Questionnaire: Sheldon Watts, Bolingbrook Trustee

Name: Sheldon L. Watts

Age: 41

Town of residence: Village of Bolingbrook

Position sought: Village Trustee

Family:

Married with children, 2-year-old twins (boy and girl)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: None

Education:

• Roosevelt University, BA - 1998
• Roosevelt University, M.B.A. – 2001
• Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Ph.D. Candidate in
Organizational Leadership

Occupation: Global telecom industry professional and leader, with nearly 20 years of experience. A member of my company’s Mobility Networks - Global Services Delivery Organization, where I serve as the Lead Customer Compliance Manager responsible for ensuring the organization’s operations meet technical and legal compliance requirements established by the U.S. government and industry standards. I am also an experienced business operations manager and the leader of my organization’s Digital Security Strategy Program.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

• Elected DuPage Township Trustee: 2012-2016
• Appointed Bolingbrook Zoning Board of Appeals
Commissioner: 2010-2012

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Feedback from the community has been largely positive as it relates to their satisfaction with the Village. Crime is at its lowest in 20 years. Continuing to manage our crime rate and ensure it continues to decrease is one of our major priorities. The Village over the years has decreased its percentage of residents’ overall tax bill, going from 22% many years ago to now 10%. The levy has also stayed flat over the last two years. Working to continue to hold village taxes flat is something we’re working very hard to do and is also a top priority

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My professional and community involvement experiences (including prior elected office), along with my formal education and leadership skills provide me with a unique skill set and ability. The skills I’ve developed over the years allow me to quickly evaluate constituent needs and other Village matters. Upon evaluating, I am very proficient in establishing a clear plan of action that focuses on delivering services to the residents of Bolingbrook in an efficient and effective manner.

In addition, my extensive community involvement, which includes
volunteering with numerous non-profit organizations has provided me with a great understanding of the needs that face our community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Other issues that define our campaign platform in addition to continuing to drive down crime and working to manage the tax levy, our slate also wants to educate the masses on the topic of debt. Ensuring that residents understand that there is a solid plan in place that includes revenue streams to pay it down. The infrastructure that was invested in over the years is what attracted home, retail, and industrial developers and new residents that now has our population standing at 76,000 and growing. This foresight is what has led to Bolingbrook being recognized over the years as one of the top 50 best places to live in the US by Money Magazine and one of the top 10 places to buy a home in Chicagoland recently by Crain’s Chicago

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?

Accomplishing technological advancements and process improvements that drive cost savings and improved constituent services.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career.

I've learned from experience that it's always best to speak up proactively when you notice what appears to be a "potential" issue. It is better to have discussed the issue with your colleagues and/or key stakeholders in advance. Doing so ensures direct communication which deflates the problem rather than keeping it to yourself and regretting it later.

Why should voters trust you?

I have a proven track record of service to the community.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

• “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

• “I wake up every day with the goal of serving the community… being a voice for the community… and working hard on behalf of the community to ensure that Bolingbrook continues to be a great place to live, work, shop, and raise a family." – Sheldon Watts

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

In the spirit of always striving for continual improvement, staff should be asked periodically for their thoughts and opinions on ways that we can implement technological advancements and process improvements that drive cost savings and improved constituent services.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

I believe that it is the Board’s fiduciary responsibility to always ensure that the Village receives the best pricing for quality goods and services procured by the Village and that we always strive to manage our human resources as effectively and efficiently as possible.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a DuPage Township Trustee, I was a part of a board that consistently held the tax levy flat and always implemented improved services and programming to the residents of the township

In my professional career, I’ve had a well-rounded experience that has spanned engineering roles, to business operations management roles, to now compliance management. During that time, I’ve developed a critical eye for detail… managed and tracked every aspect of business operations and performance including upwards of $300 million in revenue, organizational expenses, margins, headcount, training, etc. and also enforced government and customer contractual requirements and restrictions across a large global company.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

• In life, when you work hard, doors of opportunity will open for you.
• As an elected official constituent services are always the number 1
priority

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I love Bolingbrook, and I am passionate about serving and giving back to my community. Ensuring that my children and our residents’ children/grandchildren continue to have a great community to grow up in drives and motivates me every day. Myself and the entire First Party Slate have dedicated our lives to this town and its residents. We look forward to the opportunity to serve the community for many more years to come.

More via Watts' campaign website

Photo submitted