1. Why did you decide to run for trustee?
I want to make a difference and stay actively involved in my community. I aim to be a voice for Peotone, as many residents feel that their concerns are not being heard. I have an open communication style and am committed to listening and following through on any issues that are brought to my attention.
2. Have you held public office before?
Yes, as of May 2025, I will have completed my two-year term.
3. What is your background (length of time lived in Peotone, education, career)?
I have been a resident of Peotone for 17 years and graduated from Peotone High School in 1991. After high school, I attended Eastern Illinois University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Communications. Currently, I serve as a Senior Account Director at Federal Funding Group, which assists rural hospitals in obtaining federal funding and navigating the complex processes involved.
4. What community involvement, organization, affiliations, or club memberships do you have?
I have two daughters who have been in the Peotone School District since kindergarten and have participated in a variety of sports, including cheerleading, volleyball, track and field, and cross country. I have coached cheerleading for the Peotone Blue Demons for five years and have served on the board for three years. This experience has allowed me to learn more about the community and has given me the ability to help families find organizations that they will love. I truly appreciate this community and enjoy being an engaged and active participant.
5. What characteristics, qualifications, or experience do you feel you possess to be a trustee?
I have the ability to approach situations with an open mind while understanding people’s needs. Professionally, I have over 25 years of experience in building relationships, deploying services, and helping to create effective teams that are efficient, supported, and accountable.
6. What do you think the Village needs right now and what would be the first thing you would do if you’re elected?
We need to attract more visitors to our beautiful town. I would like to promote more events in the downtown area to encourage people from nearby communities and even local residents to come, socialize, and enjoy our town. This could include organizing events like food truck days or festive activities, such as decorating small windmills and placing them along Main Street for voting.
7. What are some long-term goals you would like to see the Village complete?
Improvements to sidewalks are essential, ensuring that all public workers, including police and public works, have everything they need to succeed in their departments.
8. What do you feel the Village needs to improve and why?
There is always room for improvement in every aspect of the village. I believe we are doing a great job with many of the issues and projects we have underway. I would also like to ensure that we remain fiscally responsible.
9. What are important issues you’d like to address and how will you address them?
I would like to revisit the concerns regarding Aqua. I am aware we sold our water system and that pricing “is what it is.” However, I would like to become better educated on this matter and ensure that nothing has been overlooked. Surely, there must be some type of financial assistance for water needs that could help our seniors and other residents facing hardship.
10. The mill is the feature point of the town and in disrepair. The mill was deeded to the Village but all the land surrounding it is privately owned. How would you address the mill’s needs given the lack of revenue and situation? And what long term future plans would you have for the mill?
Ed Nelson and the Historical Society have done a tremendous amount of work with the mill. I believe we should dedicate some time during each meeting to explore ways the board can collectively take action and contribute to long-term plans for its future. I think we could benefit from brainstorming more proactively rather than simply reacting to the mill’s issues.
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