Curtis Mason, Homer Glen Village Trustee Candidate

HOMER GLEN, IL — Curtis Mason is a candidate for Village of Homer Glen Trustee. There are six candidates running for three open positions in this race.

The consolidated election is April 4.

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

Your Name:

Curtis Mason

Age (as of Election Day):

60

Town/City of Residence:

Homer Glen

Office sought:

Village board

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

None in politics and none in the local government that I am currently running for. However I do have a long list of family that are either current military or Police and Firefighters and an even longer list of former military.

Education:

Some College

Occupation:

Regional Mgr Midwest & Canada. 37 years in the Industry.

Campaign Website or Facebook:

Integrityforhomerglen.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

None

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

Taxes, I will try to stifle and or augment taxes by driving businesses into Homer Glen. I am a strong fiscal conservative. I believe in accountability and transparency in all forms of government.

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

Our slate has no self-serving interest. I feel that that current trustees are focused on individual concerns rather than the benefit of the overall community and the residents of Homer Glen. Our slate is committed to governing with integrity, accountability and transparency. We will lead with compassion & common sense.

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?

We will treat all residents with dignity and respect. We are pro business and support controlled growth. We seek to promote local businesses while maintaining our distinctive rustic charm.

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

We are also Pro Police, Military and Veterans. We believe in financial constraint in order to hold and or reduce taxes when possible. We will eliminate wasteful spending and promote transparency. I will work to lower water bills. We need to implement solutions to reduce our skyrocketing water rates.

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

I have been in the transportation industry for 37 years. I have climbed the ladder from the ground up. I have held positions such as National Sales Executive, Director of Sales and Operations and many other positions along the way with Fortune 500 companies. My skill sets include liaison between labor and management, contract negotiations, and working with various unions on a daily basis. I am a problem solver, a negotiator, a get things done kind of person. One attribute I feel that I have is motivating people. I appreciate different points of view and recognize others accomplishments. There are internal customers and external customers, and I will always express appreciation for their hard work and efforts. I, for one, am committed to both leveraging my strengths and willing to continue to grow in order to do my best to be impactful for the community.

Why should voters trust you?

As a Trustee I want to lead with integrity through servant leadership. I will encourage our trustees to respect and trust one another, encourage everyone to be engaged and motivate my counterparts. My goal is to build relationships across the village and work productively with others. Due to the fact of all the chaos with the current administration it is time for fresh blood to balance a board and protect our citizens and our community.

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

My pledge to all Homer Glen residents is I will do my best to preserve opens spaces. Our slate will ensure future growth in the village is done responsibly while driving new business into Homer Glen. Producing results for our residence, our people need and want additional amenities and deserve them.

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

We do not seek to add additional tax burdens to our residents, and ultimately would like to reduce them if possible. I will be committed to ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and not wasted.

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

No and No

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

N/A

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

No as mentioned prior we need to support our police. My family has a lot of first responders including my son who is an officer.

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?

Homer Glen is the safest place to live in Illinois and we want to keep it that way. This is one reason why I say No to the Safe-T act. I will continue to support and defend our Police.

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

N/A

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?

N/A

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:

N/A

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

As a Trustee I promise to listen to the concerns and needs of our residents. I will create an environment of integrity and trust. I will proudly uphold the Homer Glen village values and culture.