2019 Chicago Heights Elections Guide: Arthur W. Wiggins, Mayor

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — Patch asked all candidates running for elected office in the April 2, 2019 municipal elections to participate in our voters guide. All submissions are voluntary. Those whose names are not listed chose not to respond or did not respond to requests for information. Responses are edited for style or space only.

Get to know your candidates:

Name: Arthur W. Wiggins Jr.

Age: 52

Position Sought: Mayor, City of Chicago Heights

Party Affiliation: This is a Non Partisan Race

Family: Lynette Wiggins 40 (wife), 8 Children ages 6y.o. to 33y.o.

Education: Bachelor of Commerce, DePaul University (2012)

Occupation: Business owner since 1990, prior businesses were automotive based, now structured network wiring/security cameras. Army Reserve 1985 - 1991

List Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Offices: Secretary of Olympia Gardens (2009)

Campaign Website: artwigginsjr.com

Names and offices of all family members who work in politics or government: N/A.

The most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and what I intend to do about it: ...the lack of economic development,... We can change the landscape of Chicago Heights by how we choose to pursue industry to locate in Chicago Heights. My goal is to create a green energy manufacturing hub in Chicago Heights, we have everything we need to do this, our railroad spurs, easy access to major interstate arteries, and available land are all attractive to manufacturers.

I will pursue specific manufacturers and their supply chains to all locate in close proximity of each other. Supply chain proximity, a business friendly municipality, and ease of shipping creates a plan for businesses to increase their profit, profits drives business. If legislation allows, the build up of this industrial community will be funded by REITs. If this goal is accomplished, commercial and residential property will increase significantly, however property tax will decrease.

What are the key differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? The incumbent and I differ begins with what I perceive as our view of the position. My intent is to work for the people of Chicago Heights and only for the people of Chicago Heights. The position of Mayor should be a full time job with a fair wage. I do not believe in taking a tax payer's funded pension, I am educated enough to invest in my own pension.

I believe communication is the key to success in everything in life. I want the people of Chicago Heights to know that they can reach me, and I am never to busy to speak to them directly.
If the voters of Chicago Heights elect me, it will be an honor, an honor I will display in my interaction with our municipal workers and citizens alike; every day throughout my entire term in office.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)? Budgetary concerns in both revenue and expenses are the core to the success or failure of an administration. I am aware that making sure the municipality stays within budget while being fair to the tax payer in assessing revenue will define my managing abilities as Mayor. I will make sure the services our city offers are necessary and proper for the people of Chicago Heights, I will do so through constant communication and use evaluation with our citizens.

First Responders should never have a need for equipment to do their job, our police and fire will always be prepared to protect our citizens and care for their own families.

Creating a demand for our property is they only way to lower taxes, fees, fines, and licensing while keeping the actual revenue dollar amount adequate for the city to operate. I do not adhere to the belief of taking on debt with out a proper plan in place to repay that debt when that debt is created. Selling bonds with no plan of how they will be paid back is a huge burden on our future generations; we will not do that.

In what way have current officeholders of the position you're running for failed the community? How would you do better? Our city is in decline, we have higher than national average of unemployment, we have far to many rental single family homes (section 8), and there is an absence of communication with City Council.

If I am elected, Chicago Heights will have true economic growth, which will decrease our unemployment rate. The economic growth will create a demand for families seeking to purchase a home. If I am elected, both the Mayor's office and City Hall will operate like our citizens are our customers and we need their business to keep the doors open.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: I am strictly against stop light cameras, if I am elected they will be removed. The citizens of Chicago Heights pay far too many fees, our water and garbage bill has out grown inflation, I am determined to find out why and correct it.

If you win this position, how would you define your term in office as a success? My term in office will be a success when we see property value rise, and property tax decrease. The is my goal.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career. Once in the 1990s a person came into my store to purchase stereo equipment, the young man was dress very poorly. I naturally assumed he would want the cheapest equipment because of the way he dressed. He insisted on buying the most expensive equipment but I assumed he did not have the ability to pay for it, Finally he pulled cash from his pocket which was more than enough to pay for the equipment. I quickly apologized for assuming how much he had to spend, and sold him what he wanted. From that day forward I have never "read a book by its cover" again, be it a financial transaction or simply saying hello to a person in passing. People are deeper than their outwardly appearance.

Why should voters trust you? I live here, I have vested interest here, I am a father, I am a Veteran, my business was adversely effected by bad government here in Chicago Heights. Because of my experiences I will never subject the citizens of Chicago Heights to bad policies.

Which accomplishments do you cite as evidence you can handle this job? The Mayor's job is about compassion, decisiveness, negotiating, and management. Being the head of a family it is necessary to filters and enlarge issues, this is both an exercise in compassion and decisiveness. I believe that I have been a very good negotiator and manager for 30 years in businesses ranging from sole proprietor to large corporations.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? A heart felt THANK YOU to everyone that has faith in me.