Matthew Glowiak, Bolingbrook Village Trustee Candidate

BOLINGBROOK, IL — Matthew Glowiak is a candidate for Village of Bolingbrook Trustee. There are five candidates running for three open positions in this race.

The consolidated election is April 4.

You can find Glowiak's answers to the Patch candidate questionnaire below:

Your Name:

Dr. Matthew V. Glowiak, Sr.

Age (as of Election Day):

39

Town/City of Residence:

Bolingbrook

Office sought:

Village board

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

Local Party - Bolingbrook Independent Voices

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Ph.D., Counselor Education and Supervision, 2015
Walden University, Minneapolis, MN
Dissertation Topic: "The Impact of the Internet on K-8 Learning and Social Development"

M.S., Mental Health Counseling, 2010
Walden University, Minneapolis, MN
Capstone Project: "Internet Bullying: A Much More Serious Problem Than Many People Think"

B.S., Psychology, 2005
The University of Illinois, Champaign, IL

Occupation:

Core Clinical Faculty
Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH October 2017 – Present

Contributing Faculty
Yorkville University, Toronto, ON October 2020 – Present

Faculty Lead
Yorkville University, Toronto, ON September 2022 – Present

Contributing Faculty
Walden University, Minneapolis, IL August 2015 - March 2022

Assistant Professor
Benedictine University, Lisle, IL August 2015 – August 2017

Content Writer
Choosing Therapy, Brooklyn, NY January 2020 -- Present

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor/Certified Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor
counseling speaks, LLC Chicago and Park Ridge, IL March 2015 – May 2020

Licensed Professional Counselor/Certified Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor
Stonybrook Center, Winfield, IL April 2013 - August 2015

National Certified Counselor [Certification # 277087]
Certified Advanced Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor [IAODAPCA # 32287]
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor [State of Illinois # 180.009889]
National Provider Identifier Number: 1962823724

Campaign Website or Facebook:

https://bolingbrookindependent...

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

N/A

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

The most pressing issues facing our Village are that many smaller organizations and individuals feel as though their voice is unheard. With a platform built upon the vision that "Real Representation Matters," our intention is to ensure that each resident and organization feels heard, understood, and appropriately represented. This includes fully supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Given the increased rates of mental health and addiction disorders, a focus will be placed upon funneling in evidence-based community support programs established by Will and DuPage Counties, the State of Illinois, and beyond. Further, to increase accessibility to services, free and low-cost options will be directly placed in front of residents. Providing additional support to the Bolingbrook Police Department is also appropriate. They have done much to keep our community safe, however, adding a police social worker, for instance, may allow for better and safer response during mental health crises. For everything to work together, transparency is imperative. This means speaking openly not only to Bolingbrook's successes but also areas warranting need, repair, and otherwise.

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

As a born and raised Bolingbrook resident who is now raising his own family here, I have directly experienced Bolingbrook throughout my entire life. Most of my wife and my immediate family members are residents, we have established many friendships, and are also aware of areas warranting growth and change. Perhaps the most critical difference between the other candidates and me is that I am an educated, licensed, and credentialed mental health professional. My experience in the field is extensive, as I have diversified my work among clinician, former private practice owner, professor, author, presenter, and advocate. Having learned and conducted my work remotely, I have established strong professional connections that extend beyond that of local but to the state, nation, and even internationally. Mental health is a part of everything, and given my education and experience, I intend to incorporate my knowledge, skillset, and multicultural sensitivity in everything I do from public policy establishment and refinement to supporting our residents individually and collectively. When speaking to and addressing these issues, I come from a highly informed position--one that may readily and continually be checked for accuracy. Much of what I would like to bring to the Village of Bolingbrook are things I have created and/or implemented to success in various other capacities, such as coalition efforts I made as a private practice clinician in Park Ridge, IL to receive grant funding for a police social worker.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)? Or what changes would you like to see?

Upon meeting with and listening to the needs of the community, it appears that some individuals and organizations continually to receive what they need/want while others continually go without. Given that the Village of Bolingbrook is a diverse community that prides itself on said diversity, it is imperative that we honor this through action.

Describe the other issues or ideas that define your campaign platform:

Clear communication to the public is another issue. A point of emphasis here is to continue to pursue and implement new and innovative methods to communicate, which will keep residents informed and allow for the collection of resident feedback.

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

Earning a doctorate was certainly a huge accomplishment. But beyond that, I have built my life upon supporting others, which has led to many accomplishments. As a K-12 student in Bolingbrook (Jonas Salk, Humphrey, Bolingbrook High School), I received many accolades from the Principal's Award in 8th grade through graduating in the Top Ten of my class and receiving various certificates, medals, and scholarships for having done so. Professionally, I have served on many local, state, national, and international committees as a Committee Chair, Board Member, or President. This past year I was runner-up for SNHU's Excellence in Teaching Award (out of 7000+ faculty university-wide). At Yorkville University, I was identified as top 1% of faculty and promoted to Faculty Lead. Locally, I was recently recognized as the Valley View School District 365 September 2022 Alumni Spotlight. Otherwise, I have been published in nine graduate level textbooks, numerous peer or medically reviewed articles, and have authored three solo books (two of which are children's books currently displayed by the Bolingbrook Arts Council.

Why should voters trust you?

I have built my life, both personally and professionally, on integrity. My reputation is such that I maintain that of which should be held confidential, provide informed information, and am empathic through all I do. Given that a large part of my platform priorities evolve around mental health, I am a licensed and credentialed professional. This means that anything I do for the community must follow Illinois State laws and professional regulation while also adhering to the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics. If I misstep with any of this, I compromise the career I worked so hard to build.

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

The most significant accomplishment would be ensuring that our diverse residents feel heard, understood, and appreciated. Everything comes down to that. I also see us as being a community that paves the way insofar as DEI initiatives; wellness programs (mental, physical, and spiritual health); and expanding upon our business infrastructure (especially by way of local businesses).

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

It is imperative that taxpayer dollars are spent in a manner that best serves our residents. This may be accomplished by polling the community to identify needs and wants. Beginning here, we may best identify how to spend what and where. Also, as someone who is skilled at finding deals and negotiating prices, potential savings for the community will be explored, leaving additional funds to meet additional needs.

Do you support the Illinois assault weapons ban, and would you support a local assault weapons ban in this community?

I believe that the State of Illinois as well as the United States, collectively, have much work to do here. The Illinois assault weapons ban is currently pending litigation, and my response would depend on that. Regardless, I do believe that safer and stricter gun laws should be implemented.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality? If not, what specifically should be done to do so?

Topically, I do believe that it appears racial equality is supported. When speaking with various individuals and groups, there is a desire for more to be done. This requires moving beyond endorsements and promoting events but to actually assessing needs and following through to ensure the needs are met. Doing this thoughtfully does require knowledge of diverse populations, experience, and genuine intentions.

Do you support the SAFE-T Act? Why or why not?

While the intention of the SAFE-T Act is to mitigate bias against individuals who may otherwise be unable to afford cash bail, there are certain provisions within the Act that warrant further consideration and medication.

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town?

Though I still regard Bolingbrook to be a safe community, we have recently experienced an uptick in violent crime, which warrants additional preventative and intervention measures. Although crime can and does occur in any community, there are measures we may take individually and collectively to reduce it as well as respond better when it occurs. This includes providing additional support to our police department as well as hosting monthly town halls, educating our residents (including youth) on the connection between mental health and violence, providing transparent communication when crimes occur, and having appropriate mental health services in place to quickly respond during crisis. It is important to note that whether directly or indirectly impacted, violent crime impacts everyone. Our response must cater to that reality.

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development?

I do appreciate seeing an influx of new smaller businesses as well as residential development. As we continue expanding within a limited space, it will be important to ensure that Bolingbrook residents are also in approval of what we welcome to the community.

When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? What will need to be done to make this happen?

One key area for improvement that has continually been mentioned is the litter throughout the community. We have a beautiful community, and it requires collective action to keep it that way. The garbage totes keep refuse from spreading throughout the community, which is a start. From here, we may host additional "community clean-up days," install more trash receptacles throughout town, solicit the engagement of those needing volunteer hours (e.g., National Honor Society students, Boys & Girl Scouts, etc.) to assist as well.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Henry Ford is coined as saying, “If you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got." While this is true in some capacities, when it comes to pervasive, serious community-wide issues, the law of diminishing effects is more applicable. That is, "If you always do what you always did, things will continue worsening until the bottom falls out."

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

Beyond my professional qualifications, I am a highly compassionate individual. I love people, my work, and the Village of Bolingbrook. Every day I feel grateful to have found my calling in life, and I share that with others in everything I do. That compassion is a driving force.