Jan Quillman/Joliet City Council At-Large Candidate

Name: Jan Quillman

Position Sought:  Council Member at Large

Campaign Contact Information-

• www.janquillman.com
• janquillman@att.net
• 815-726-7071
• 813 Western Ave., Joliet , Ill. 60435

Age:  59

Family: I have been married to husband Tom for 32 years, a retired Sergeant with the Joliet Police Department. We share our home with our niece, Katie, a sophomore at Western Illinois University.

Education: Graduated from the School of Nursing at Thornton Community College in 1976 with an Associate's Degree. I then took my state boards and became a licensed Registered Nurse. I continued my surgical training at the University of Chicago. I am BLS and ACLS certified. I have taken several management courses and graduated from the Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership School. I also have to fulfill continuing Education Requirements for the State of Illinois for Nursing every year.

Previous Elected Offices: In 2005 I was elected as Council Member at Large to the Joliet City Council. In 2009 I was successful in running for re-election and I am now serving my second term. 

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position: Since starting public service I have been involved in many community and civic organizations as well as working with charitable groups. The following are those areas I feel have given me insight into what is needed to become a well rounded public servant:

• Cathedral Area Preservation Association Board from1990-2005
• Joliet Zoning Board of Appeals from 1995-2003
• Will County Metropolitan Exposition Development and Auditorium Authority board, which oversees the Rialto Square Theatre, from 1997-2003

• Will County Center for Economic Development Partnership Board 1995-2005
• Joliet City Public Safety Committee from 2005-2011
• Joliet City Baseball Committee from 2005 to present
• Joliet City Liaison to the Will County Metropolitan Exposition Development and Auditorium Authority from 2005-2011
• Joliet City Communication Technology and Information System Committee from 2011 to present

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I will work to maintain economic security as well as a safe fostering environment to raise a family in Joliet. I want to remain diligent on spending so the city can stay within it means. Continue to work with the city staff to maintain and improve the infrastructure, see the completion of the Transportation Center and the revitalization of the City Center. I also want to see the Jefferson Street corridor get a facelift because it is the gateway to City Center. 

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

I want to work with staff to recruit retail businesses, which is an important part of economic growth. These businesses will not only contribute to the tax base, but to also create good sustainable jobs for our citizens. Ordinances should be reviewed and updated to make the city more business friendly.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

All those seeking the officer of Council Member at Large have different backgrounds. I have experience in dealing with not only elected officials, but also business and labor leaders. I keep an open communication with citizens by returning all phone calls and listening to their concerns on issues in the city that will impact them. I also take time to study each issue, gathering all the information I can and seeking input from the citizens. I am not afraid to ask the hard questions or make the tough decisions when necessary.

How long have you lived in Joliet?

I made Joliet my home 33 years ago.

What‘s your favorite thing about Joliet?

I believe that the diversity of the city and its neighborhoods is the most attractive trait. You have entertainment at the Rialto Square Theater and Bicentennial Park. Sports at Chicagoland Speedway, Silver Cross Field and the Autobahn. Each year there are festivals like Race Fan Rally, Taste of Joliet, Festival of Trees, Cathedral Area House Walk, Cruise Nights and Concerts on the Hill. There is no limit to what one can experience here. All of these events help to showcase this beautiful city and all it has to offer. 

What is the biggest problem?

How the financial future of the State and the new legislation will impact the city budget. We have to remain diligent in watching our spending in order to keep the city fiscally strong. We have to continue to reinforce our police department to get more officers back into the neighborhoods. We have to spend wisely, but remain dedicated to the quality of life and safety of every citizen.