Channahon Mayor Candidate Survey: Sam Greco

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 Sam Greco, who is running against two-term incumbent Missey Moorman Schumacher.

Your name:

Sam Greco

Age (as of Election Day)

69

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

Graduated Joliet Central High School studied at Columbia Southern University

Occupation

Assistant superintendent of Buildings and Grounds-Minooka South High School

Campaign Website

https://www.facebook.com/profi...

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Village Trustee

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

I believe economic development is an issue the Village of Channahon needs to do a better job of handling. We need to attract business such as restaurants, retailers and grocery stores. This can be achieved by tax rebates or incentives plus economic development programs.

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

I believe the Mayor needs to be available to the citizens. If elected I will hold regular office hours. My fellow citizens will be able to have access to the mayor's office to stop in and talk about whatever they may need.

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

As a current trustee I see that we are always working toward improving our community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I want to be a mayor who is accessible to his constituents. I would like to see more programming for seniors and veterans. Support of local businesses. I would like to keep low taxes and a balanced budget.

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

I served on the Channahon Board of Education for 14 years. I also served on the Channahon Township Board for 4 years. I am currently serving 30+ years on the Channahon Village Board. I am confident about my knowledge of how government bodies function and work for the citizens they represent.

Why should voters trust you?

I have served the Channahon community for over 40 years on various boards. I have always been a voice for the community. My voting record will show I have always voted what I thought was best for my fellow citizens.

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

It's not about personal accomplishments, but about I, as the mayor, working with the Village Board to make Channahon a community that stands above the rest.

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

I believe you have to be a good steward of the taxpayers money. I work for and support a balanced budget and affordable taxes.

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

I believe in the second amendment. I believe responsible adults should be allowed to own semi automatic weapons.If there was an assault weapons ban in my community I would approach the citizens I am representing and seek their input on the issue.

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?

I believe all lives matter, the Village of Channahon Board has always supported racial equality.

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

The Illinois Supreme Court is currently hearing the Bail without Cash portion of the act. As mayor it is of upmost importance to keep the citizens of Channahon safe. That is why we need to support local law enforcement.

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?

Crime is not a problem in Channahon. The Village of Channahon has been consistently voted one of the safest cities in Illinois.

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

I believe the village needs to be more aggressive when it comes to commercial growth. We should use every marketing tool we have to attract this type of growth. It is this type of growth that will keep a low tax rate and affordable taxes. Residential growth is important for a community to thrive.

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?

I believe the residents want restaurants, grocery stores and other amenities. We need to attract these types of businesses with tax incentives and other economic development programs. Marketing is the key to this.

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:

Treat people the way you want to be treated with respect and dignity.

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

I am a man of character and integrity. I have been a resident of Channahon for 44 years. It is my goal to represent every person that lives in this community. All issues that are important to them will be important to me.