Susanna Steilen, Homer Glen Village Trustee Candidate

HOMER GLEN, IL — Susanna Steilen 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 Steilen's answers to the Patch candidate questionnaire below:

Your Name:

Susanna Steilen

Age (as of Election Day):

65

Town/City of Residence:

Homer Glen

Office sought:

Village Board

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

non-partisan

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

some college

Occupation:

Administrative Assistant/Community Relations Coordinator/Community Events Coordinator - Village of Homer Glen 12 years; recently hired as Executive Director for Illinois Recycling Foundation and Illinois Recycling Association.

Campaign Website or Facebook:

integrityforhomerglen.com

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.

Integrity and civility. We can't move forward when we don't respect each other and listen to the concerns of all residents. Machine style politics have entered our quaint community. The character of our elected officials sets the tone for the development of our community. I plan to improve communications within the community through more frequent newsletter communication (printed and electronic), reintroducing a community and civic involvement committee, regularly surveying the community, and working with community organizations to help them provide their services to the community.

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

I have contributed my time and ideas to this Village for over 20 years, by volunteering and serving on Village committees for the first 9 years, volunteering within the community, and working as an employee for 12 years. I have listened to many residents' concerns and followed through as much as I could. My passion and focus are to make Homer Glen a great place to live.

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?

Recently, Homer Township threatened the preservation of "Open Space" property which was purchased through a referendum supported by Homer Glen residents. The current Village Board did nothing to prevent the plans for development or sale of the land. Nothing has transpired to affect the "Open Space" properties yet, but the threat still exists. If this Board can't speak out and make any effort to protect land that the taxpayers have purchased to be protected, how are they going to prevent high-density development?

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

Open respectful communication - resident comments will be respected at meetings, input will be sought through surveys, and communication will be increased through additional print publications/newsletters. Transparent and ethical governance.

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

I co-authored the grant application and was on the steering committee for the Green Vision, served on the Environment Committee for the Village for more than 15 years, wrote the grant application for the Village's first tree inventory and implemented the Village's parkway tree planting program, coordinated the Community and Nature in Harmony award program for 17 years, worked on drafting Village ordinances and procedures, coordinated many Village events and worked with resident volunteers and community organizations in the process. I have attended many Village Committee and Board meetings for the past 21 years. I have a very good understanding of how the Village operates and the role of municipal government.

Why should voters trust you?

I keep my word and honor my commitments. My work history and living in Homer Glen for 27 years demonstrate my stability and many in the community know and trust me.

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

Quality restaurants added, a town center defined/started, active community organizations have a place to meet, seniors have added transportation options, Long Run Creek flooding resolved, Heroes Trail connections added to subdivisions, amenities added to Lamer's Park, employees proud and happy to be working for the Village of Homer Glen.

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

I am very fiscally conservative. The Village of Homer Glen has always been very careful with taxpayer funds. As an employee, when I did a project for the Village, I sought alternative funding and the most cost-efficient ways to accomplish the task at hand. The Village has demonstrated that it is sustainable with the tax revenues it receives. I live within my means; I expect the government to do so as well.

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

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?

N/A

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 a very safe community due to the care of its residents and excellent service provided by the Will County Sheriff's Office.

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

The Village of Homer Glen is sustainable as it is. Any future development should adhere to high quality standards. Our residents want more restaurants and a wider variety of shopping options. Commercial development should fit the unique character of the Village. Residential development should be low density. If higher density is presented by a developer, it should provide an amenity to the residents or Village. Quality development will come with time. I do support the concept of a Town Center. When there is a conflicting issue between the residents and a proposed development (commercial or residential) the current residents should have a higher priority in the decision-making process.

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?

Commercial Development - Our residents want restaurants and entertainment options for all ages. We have to be more creative in our approach to marketing our Village for these opportunities. Our current approach is to attract chains and corporate owned business. We need to go where the entrepreneurs and small business owners are and sell our community, not rooftops.

Residential - We have many seniors in Homer Glen that would like to move to a home within the community that offers lower maintenance with access to nature. And there are residents that wish they had a larger lot. I think the message is that nature needs to be incorporated in more developments. Large lots still need to be the desired option when choosing development. That is what makes Homer Glen a unique and a desirable place to live. When designing lower maintenance homes, land needs to surround the cluster of homes. Density shouldn't be sacrificed for lower maintenance homes.

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:

Tell the truth.

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

I am running to carry on the vision when we incorporated: "Community and Nature in Harmony" with well-planned development that protects our natural resources.