2017 Election: Steven Yasell, Village President

Name: Steven Yasell

Age: 28

Town of residence: Niles

Position sought: Village President

Family: Ziebell

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No

Education: Saint John Brebeuf School, Maine East High School, Columbia College Chicago

Occupation: Freelance Director - 10 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Position: None

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our board is wasteful spending, and I intend to utilize our budget more effectively, where we aren't spending $690,000 on resurfacing a single road two years prior to tearing it open again for 54" inch sewer pipe installations. After the sewer installations were complete, more than 3 water supply mains have broke at the surface along Monroe, causing more flooding, and sheaths of metal are clamped onto these broken pipes instead of replacing said broken pipes with new ones.

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

I am the first new face in local politics in decades. I was born here in Niles and I have respect for all of our residents. I will listen and respond to what each resident has to say at public meetings. It is supposed to be an open forum, not a kangaroo court in a banana republic.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

The current Village President (Mayor) has failed our community by wastefully spending our budget, turning a blind eye to neighborhoods with no storm water drains, severe parking situations village-wide and letting our 50+ year infrastructure crumble beneath our feet, while focusing on beautification of the same roads to make them look good at the surface. We need to dig and it needed to be done years ago.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Infrastructure overhaul including replacing our storm water and sewer drains, our drinking water supply lines and natural gas lines. Lowering property taxes, fixing our pension problem of funding below 50% by closing our business vacancy gap of 10% (which has risen from 4% in 2013 when Mayor Przybylo took office) and getting the public more involved at public meetings.

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

Significant reduction of flooding to homes and streets.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career.

When I began my documentary of Niles two years ago, I reached the chapter of addressing crumbling alleyways. The flow of water had me look into flooding and that curiosity resulted in packing village hall with people who have experienced horrible flooding for many decades. It opened up the pathway to getting the public more involved with the village board but more has to be done. It was not my intention to become a community activist through documentary work but the happy mistake was getting myself involved in local government elections. I am a leader, I went to school for leadership and team-building and I see where we are and where we need to go. This helped me make the decision to run for office.

Why should voters trust you?

I am dedicated to my work, have experience in Geology to address our flooding problem and tax dollars will not be severely wasted by the millions. My campaign has only cost me $2,000 while Mayor Przybylo has already blown through $12,000 and is asking the public for more funding on March 22nd. This is at least his 2nd banquet rally this year which may have eaten up most of his campaign budget. Fancy dinners will not address our ongoing problems and buying expensive suits doesn't get you campaign exposure.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win." - Mahatma Gandhi

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?

Why are roads being resurfaced when flooding occurs from aging storm water pipes? Why are public works being told to sheath broken water supply lines year after year without properly replacing them? Why is it taking the public 7 different tries to find the right employee to talk about any particular concern they have?

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

If something is broken, we need to fix it. We can't keep band-aiding infrastructure and kicking the problem further down the road year after year. Projects need to be combined and inefficiency must be dissolved.

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

I've been the head of crews of over 100 people, working day-to-day and keeping everyone in the loop with what is going on. I have worked within strict budgets and came out with extra funding to spare for other projects. I have filled village hall to near capacity and I have addressed village problems that Mayor Przybylo refuses to carry conversation about.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

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

Infrastructure will be revitalized. Our budget will be corrected. New and existing businesses will be able to thrive. I will take care of the people first.

More via Steven Yasell's campaign website

Photo submitted by Steven Yasell