Joe Kenny, Darien Ward 3 Alderman Candidate

DARIEN, IL — Incumbent Joe Kenny is one of two candidates running for Ward 3 Darien alderman in the April 6 election. Here are his responses to the Patch questionnaire:

Joe Kenny

Age (as of Election Day)

52

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No, I have no family members who work in politics or government.

Education

Brother Rice High School and College of DuPage

Occupation

Realtor since 2001

Campaign website

No

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Current Elected

Do you have any family members working in politics or government?

No, I have no family members who work in politics or government.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

I feel these questions probably should have been asked and answered by all elected officials at the time these events were unfolding. There are no words that can be shared by my colleagues or opponent that will bring back the lives that have been lost or comfort their loved ones. There are no words that can be shared to undo the actions that led up to George Floyd losing his life and Jacob Blake nearly losing his. Whether it be Black Lives Matter, Mother’s Against Drunk Driving, or Survivors of Suicide, there has to be more done and many more conversations need to take place. I am in support of lawful and peaceful protests.

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

I believe our city supports racial equality and diversity overall. In my term we have had a female mayor, a female clerk, three female alderwomen, and currently an African American Alderman.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

If a business can operate safely and take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus then I feel we have to give them the opportunity to do so. I feel if a nurse can wear a mask for a 12-hour shift, then wearing a mask to protect myself and others in a store is no big deal.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

There are approximately 355 million people living in the United States, the vaccination is a huge undertaking which needs to be handled by medical and logistic experts on a national level. The City of Darien is part of the DuPage Mayors and Managers who are working with the DuPage Health Department to create several vaccination sites throughout the county.

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

I have never met or spoken to my opponent in my term as Alderman and cannot speak to this.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Maintaining city services our residents have become accustomed to is my main focus.

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

Taking a hard look at unfavorable issues and voting on what I personally felt was in the best interest of the residents whether they were in favor or not.

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

I’m successful by the way I have always communicated with residents. Whether a resident has a complaint about a certain issue or a request, I treat everybody equally. To me that is a success that I’m very proud of. I make myself readily accessible to the entire community.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I don’t have any personal agenda and I’m not using my position as Aldermen as leverage for future political endeavors. I’m just an average Joe looking out for my community.

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

Since I was elected I have always looked carefully at what is being spent on a monthly basis. It’s easy to vote on spending or not spending on major items, but just like our personal budgets there are small expenditures we have to focus on carefully and review.

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

I don’t foresee any reason why I wouldn’t be able to serve my full term.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Just be myself and what people think of me is none of my concern.

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

I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve the community. Though being an Alderman is classified as a part-time position, I have always treated it like a full time position. I check my mailbox at City Hall daily, return all phone calls and emails from residents as soon as possible and will visit a residents home if they have a concern that needs a pair of eyes for.