Meet the Candidate for Lemont Village Trustee: Ken McClafferty

LEMONT, IL - Ken McClafferty, a candidate for Lemont village trustee, shares his experiences and plan to revitalize business in Lemont.

McClafferty was born in Ireland, where he studied Culinary Arts in college. He moved to America when he was 21. In his professional life, McClafferty was a co-founder of Waterside Development, which is a general contracting business in Chicago. In 2007, he founded the Shorlan Group, which builds custom homes in the southwest suburbs. He is also a realtor with Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group in Lockport.

McClafferty's main concern for Lemont is the lack of leadership with economic development that has led to store closings and vacant storefronts.

"I intend to focus on existing businesses by re-engaging with the owners and working hand in hand with them, giving incentives on build out improvements and beautification projects," he said. He added that he would also like to work toward driving more traffic to the downtown district by creating a gathering spot.

"Working on beautification projects along the I&M canal will entice more traffic, more restaurants, and specialty stores," McClafferty said. "Additionally, I will capitalize on our other natural assets in the Heritage Quarry corridor by promoting more recreational users from our surrounding town and getting them to frequent our fine establishments."

Other issues McClafferty would focus on include annexation, transparency and lawsuits.

McClafferty would work with neighboring towns to resolve boundary disputes and work with Cook County to resolve the current lawsuit. He would also like to engage residents more in the decision making process, especially when decisions come at great cost to the taxpayer.

McClafferty believes he's a good choice for trustee because he is honest, conscientious and dependable.

"I want the voters to know that I will work with all the board members to ensure we communicate better with all our residents," he said. "I will also work with businesses, gaining their trust and cooperation so that Lemont can succeed."

McClafferty has a wife Ann, and two children Clare and Brian, who are both in college.