Channahon Mayor Candidate Survey: Missey Moorman Schumacher

CHANNAHON, IL —Patch submitted questionnaires to the two candidates running for mayor of Channahon in the April 4 election. The following responses were provided by Missey Moorman Schumacher, who is running for re-election against Sam Greco, who has served on the village board of Channahon.

Your name:

Missey Moorman Schumacher

Age (as of Election Day)

57

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

Bachelors degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology from University of St. Francis.

Occupation

I have been Mayor/Village President of Channahon since 2015. I have worked in the banking & accounting field for more than 35 years. I have been at my current position of Accounting Administrator/Analyst with Will County since 2012.

Campaign Website

Facebook page : Mayor Missey- Channahon Around Town

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I have been Mayor/Village President of Channahon since 2015. I was appointed as Channahon Village Clerk in 2008 to fill a vacated seat until the next election in 2009. I was elected Village Clerk in 2009 and re-elected in 2011. I was elected to the Village of Channahon Board of Trustees in 2013.

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

Our most pressing issues are controlling taxes, quality of life, infrastructure improvements, and the "BIG PICTURE," the future of Channahon. My intentions will continue to be actions. During my tenure as Mayor, we have lowered the Village tax rate more than 15%. Tax base diversification has afforded us that ability. Thoughtful growth is key in the Village of Channahon. All projects have been and will continue to be considered with quality of life in mind. Where and how we locate development is carefully considered, and I have been adamant about the restrictions I've enacted. Multi-millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements have been made, many through grants, developer participation, and multi-jurisdictional partnerships. Under my leadership, we have made significant investments to ensure quality of life for future generations of Channahon residents and businesses. I live here, too. My record over these past two terms reflects my commitment to the community and the residents of Channahon.

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

I am not interested in negative campaigning or smearing another candidate. My record as Mayor, the financial health and success of Channahon under my leadership, the thoughtful growth and development that has allowed the Village of Channahon to lower the tax rate more than 15% during my tenure, and my "big picture" vision and investment ensuring the vitality of the Channahon community for present and future generations speaks for itself.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

A "big picture" vision and the development of relationships and partnerships has always been a cornerstone of my administration.

Under my leadership, we have worked diligently to foster good working relationships with our local and other agencies and community leaders for the benefit of our residents and businesses. The partnerships we've created have allowed for increased opportunity and greater advantage for all partners. One such example is the recent partnership between Channahon, IDOT, Will County & the City of Joliet to begin engineering for the widening of Rt. 6. Another example is our partnership with Will County State's Attorney's Office to provide Channahon with a canine officer. That partnership was joined by Mallard Point Veterinary Clinic, The Feed Loft, and Puppy Cuts, all local businesses who offered to provide food and care for our canine officer. Those relationships and partnerships have proved to be invaluable and under my leadership, the Village of Channahon has tirelessly pursued them.

A "big picture" vision is also critical. It is often easy to lead board approval on decisions that have immediate effect, those that are tangible and concrete in the present. Presenting the big picture, and garnering support for those decisions that are less immediately tangible, or to make those investments that will ensure the future viability of Channahon well beyond our tenures as elected officials is often more difficult, but vitally important. The question of a quality and reliable source of water is one such example. Joining what will become the Grand Prairie Water Commission is likely one of the biggest decisions our elected officials faced, and it was not taken lightly. All of the scientific data gathered and compiled by all of the educated professionals dictated that we need to find an alternative water source in the near future. Multiple options were evaluated and re-evaluated. An non-response would have been to defer that decision to future elected officials when the need becomes more imminent and costly, but that wasn't the right thing to do. The "big picture" response is to consider all the options and think about the present and the future of the community. All options were explored and evaluated, and joining the Grand Prairie Water Commission has been found to be the most cost effective and the most practical solution, and will guarantee the most reliable source of quality drinking water.

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

As stated above, during my tenure as Mayor, we have lowered the Village tax rate more than 15%. Tax base diversification has afforded us that ability. Thoughtful growth is key in the Village of Channahon. All projects have been and will continue to be considered with quality of life in mind. Where and how we locate development is carefully considered, and I have been adamant about the restrictions I've enacted. Multi-millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements have been made, many through grants, developer participation, and multi-jurisdictional partnerships. Under my leadership, we have made significant investments to ensure quality of life for future generations of Channahon residents and businesses. I live here, too. My record over these past two terms reflects my commitment to the community and the residents of Channahon.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because my record of leading with integrity, as evidenced by my tenure as Mayor, has been uncompromising and will continue to be so.

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

With an eye to our future and the "big picture," the Village of Channahon has recently purchased 22 acres to develop a Town Center. I would like to use this term to continue that development and see this project through.

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

As evidenced by my record while in office, careful spending and thoughtful investment has allowed the Village of Channahon to control spending, prepare for the future, all while lowering the Village tax rate more than 15% since I've been in office.

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

Whether or not a single community simply approves a ban, fundamental issues of social violence, mental health stigmatization, socioeconomic opportunities, and 2nd Amendment rights remain. All of these issues must be addressed for an effective solution.

Do you support Black Lives Matter, and do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality? If not, what specifically should be done to do so?

As an elected official, I believe it is important to understand all perspectives and ensure equality. I am committed to continuing education; the more information and education I have, the better able I am to represent and support my community and all the people in it.

Do you support the SAFE-T Act? Why or why not?

The Illinois Chiefs of Police are working with state legislators to clarify language and address some of the issues contained in the SAFE-T Act. There are many factors to be considered in the intent and implementation of this and every act of legislation. I support the work of our local law enforcement professionals in addressing these concerns.

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?

Fortunately, we enjoy one of the safest communities in the state. As in all communities, though, crimes do happen. Our community is largely supportive of law enforcement, and our philosophy of community policing encourages the development of relationships and enhances the ability of our police department to keep the community safe for our residents and visitors.

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

The Village of Channahon's approach to development under my leadership has been one of thoughtful growth. Growth is necessary to the vitality of a community. Directing the location and impact of that development is fundamental to creating an atmosphere of positive growth that benefits the community and protects and enhances quality of life for our residents.

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?

Refer to my previous response regarding a Town Center project. The intent of this project is to create a walkable downtown area including a Village Green gathering space to bring the community together. We have already begun this process with the purchase of the 22 acre site intended for this use. Planning and communication with IDOT regarding roadway access to the site is also in progress.

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:

"It's only as good as you're willing to make it." That was advice from my grandfather who was Mayor of Channahon for most of my childhood. What he meant was that a community is only as good as the work you are willing to put into it, and it is our responsibility to work for the benefit of the whole community. I have taken that advice to heart and kept it in mind throughout my tenure.

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

It has been my privilege and my honor to serve the Channahon community as Mayor for the past 8 years. Over my past two terms as Mayor, not only has the Village of Channahon controlled spending, lowered the Village tax rate, and invested in our future, I have been a proven and respected leader locally and regionally, and at all levels of government.