2019 Chicago Heights Elections Guide: Lori Wilcox, Clerk

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: LORI J. WILCOX

Age: 42

Position Sought: CITY CLERK CITY OF CHICAGO HEIGHTS

Party Affiliation: DEMOCRATIC (RACES IN CHICAGO HEIGHTS ARE NON PARTISAN)

Family:
TAYLOR, 17, DAUGHTER
FRANK, 15, SON
LORENZ, 10, SON

Education:
MASTER DEGREE OF EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION, AIU
BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE, ENGLISH/COMMUNICATIONS, WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
POST BACHELOR DEGREE, PARALEGAL STUDIES, ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
CERTIFIED AND REGISTERED MUNICIPAL CLERK (UIUC AND EIU)
ILLINOIS WOMEN'S INSTITUTE FOR LEADERSHIP (IWIL) POLITICAL FELLOWSHIP FOR WOMEN IN ILLINOIS

Occupation:
CITY CLERK, SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR, BOOK AUTHOR AND PUBLIC SPEAKER

List Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Offices:
2018 BLOOM TOWNSHIP DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEEWOMAN
2011-PRESENT CITY CLERK CITY OF CHICAGO HEIGHTS
2009-PRESENT LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2015-REACHING ACROSS ILLINOIS REGIONAL LIBRARY BOARD

Campaign Website: n/a

Names and offices of all family members who work in politics or government: none

The most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and what I intend to do about it: The most pressing issue faced by elected officials of the South land is economic development and infrastructural upgrades.

As a tenured elected official I will continue to strive to build positive relations with my fellow elected officials across the board, lines and diverse backgrounds.

My mantra is if I win you win. By practicing "Collaborative and Educated Politics" we will bridge the gaps with all communities to ensure the voices of the southland is heard from the local level to the State level.

What are the key differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I have a proven record of engaging, educating and empowering voters and people across all party lines, from all walks of life, economic statuses, religions and races.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)? Transparency, Honesty and Integrity. I believe in "Open and Honest Government."

In what way have current officeholders of the position you're running for failed the community? How would you do better? I have held this office for the past eight years. Upon taking office in 2011 I personally created and hosted an annual education summit for municipal clerks, staff and other elected officials training them on the duties of the offices held.

I have also collaborated with local, county and state officials in efforts to host a new clerk's breakfast/brunch to share our experiences as elected official and the duties of the Municipal Clerk. Clerk Nyota Figgs of Calumet City was very instrumental in assisting to facilitate and coordinate these efforts.

Clerks Marva Campbell-Pruitt (Sauk Village) and Yumeka Brown (Matteson) has now taken on the task of educating our new colleagues.

Furthermore, I have a great working relationship with my two predecessors Mrs. Rachel Vega and Mrs. Ethel Taylor. Whom were both appointed, I am the first elected City Clerk in the City of Chicago Heights.

In summary, building positive human relations is crucial to the growth of any governmental body.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: The entire south land is plagued with high taxes, lack of economic opportunity and are required to provide more services with distressed funding.

My platform is to continue to build community collaborations and cooperation across all levels of government in efforts to rebuild the south land to a place where we can live work and play.

If you win this position, how would you define your term in office as a success? Success is being a voice for the voiceless. Success is building positive human relations at all levels of government. Success is providing and continuing to provide quality services to all constituents.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career. The wisdom that I have learned is that this is a marathon and not a sprint. I have learned to pace myself by moving forward slow and steady by taking one day at a time. My physical, mental and emotional health are just as important as my service to the public (sometimes I tend to forget this).

Ultimately, I have learned to do what I can and not to hesitate to stop and ask for help and most importantly to take time to rest, relax and refresh for the next leg.

Why should voters trust you? I have been intentionally consistent in providing information to the residents. I have a proven record of engaging, educating and empowering others to get evolved in local government.

Which accomplishments do you cite as evidence you can handle this job? My office is the hub of the City, we have been fiscally responsible and have provided services to the public at a level of excellence. We provide outreach to our seniors, hospitals and veterans as well.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I have experienced personal, economic, health hardships, discrimination and sexual harassment, which makes me human and relatable to the constituents that I serve. I am a proven servant leader that has a deep concern for the residents of Chicago Heights, the south land and the State of Illinois. Service is MY LIFE!