Rose Reynders, Homer Glen Mayoral Candidate

HOMER GLEN, IL — Rose Reynders is a candidate for Village of Homer Glen Mayor. There are two candidates running for mayor.

The consolidated election is April 4.

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

Your Name:

Rose Reynders

Age (as of Election Day):

68

Town/City of Residence:

Homer Glen

Office sought:

Mayor

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

Republican

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

Thornton Community College

Occupation:

Government 25 years - Restaurateur 22 years

Campaign Website or Facebook:

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Village Trustee

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

The modernization of our infrastructure is essential for our community to move forward with developing our commercial corridor on 159th Street or any additional controlled growth the village plans for in the future. The additional revenue generated by commercial business will stabilize our taxes and secure our financial future.

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

The difference between myself and the other candidate is experience and accomplishments. I have 25 years of government experience working for the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook under the Presiding Judge, Administrative Assistant to the Cook County Medical Director of Cermak Health Services and Legislative Assistant to State Senator Patrick J. O'Malley of Illinois. I have owned and operated my own business for 22 years. I am currently on five committees between the Township and the Village.

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?

My opponent has been getting paid since 2019 for a job she does not do. Our deputy clerk or office staff carry most of her responsibilities. There are no financial records for any village event she has held at her place of employment or on Village property. There are no financial records on many of the charitable organizations she has. She supported and campaigned for previous Board members who voted for the first Municipal Tax Levy on the residents of our Village. She divulges Village business on social media and in public. I would like the next elected official of that position to take responsibility for their job duties and provide the proper documentation in a timely manner.

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

Fiscal responsibility is an important issue that defines my campaign. My plan is to explore and identify additional revenue sources to reduce or abolish the Municipal Tax and stabilize our tax base. I plan on working closely with law enforcement to keep our community safe. Community engagement is essential for our residents to feel their voices are being heard. I plan on leading my community with a shared vision of inclusion, diversity and equality for all.

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

In my 25 years of government employment, I have interacted with most agencies in the state of Illinois. From lawmakers to law enforcement. From balancing budgets to constituent services. In 1998 as a Legislative Assistant, I drafted the Non-Support Punishment Act child support bill that was signed into law in Illinois in 1999. In order to accomplish this, I worked closely with the FBI, the State's Attorney, Fathers Rights groups and different legislators throughout the state. In 2000, I was voted one of the top 100 Women in Chicago making a difference by Today's Chicago Magazine for my work on the bill. I have designed and built 3 successful restaurants. I have owned and operated my own business for 22 years.

Why should voters trust you?

The voters should trust me because I am someone who consistently builds relationships. When you do what you say you will do, people trust you and they feel comfortable and safe around you. I have always been respectful, friendly and approachable by the residents in my community and my business.

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

If I am elected Mayor and I accomplish the task of modernizing our infrastructure, I would consider that a success because just that one task alone will provide for future commercial and residential development that would secure our financial future.

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

As a business owner for 22 years, I have learned to be fiscally disciplined on a daily basis. The same applies to government spending. You cannot spend more than you generate. Your budget should be in place and your expenditures monitored regularly. If elected Mayor, I would outlay my revenue and balances efficiently and effectively when spending taxpayer money.

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

Even though I support my Second Amendment Rights, I do not believe assault weapons belong on the streets and in the hands of anyone other than military personnel.

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

I believe our board supports racial equality. We are a very diverse community.

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

As a former employee of the court system and the county corrections system, I have seen first hand how devastating crime has become. I do not believe in the Safe-T Act. If you make that decision to commit a crime then you should be prepared for the consequences of the law. Laws should not be changed for political reasons or for personal gain by anyone.

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?

Our crime rate is minimal. We have not experienced any violent crime that I am aware of. Educating the residents and keeping the residents informed on safety would help with awareness.

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

We have not had much development over the last 8 years due to the restrictive ordinances in the Village and poor infrastructure. The current Board has worked very hard to relax some of those ordinances to attract the types of development needed for some potential growth.

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?

Right now we need housing period. We have nowhere for our empty nesters or seniors to go. We need to relax our ordinances to attract the type of developers who will work with our history and rural charm. Our residents are not in favor of any additional housing.

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

No there is not.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

A quote from Ronald Reagan "Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and leave the rest to God"

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

It has been an honor to serve as Trustee for the past two years. I am so proud of the work my committees have accomplished in such a short period of time, The new inclusive playground, the Veterans Memorial, the proposed splash pad for Heritage Park, the plans for the Town Center, and the Senior Expo. But we are not done yet. There is so much more to do to secure our communities future. Our village is growing up. Unfortunately, our economic picture hasn't changed much in eight years but the needs of our community have. For far too long it has been politics as usual with the same people controlling our destiny. It's time for a change. It's time for a new perspective. If I am elected your Mayor, I will roll up my shirt sleeves and let my experience work for you.