John Walters, Homer Township Public Library Trustee Candidate

HOMER GLEN, IL — John Walters is a candidate for Homer Township Public Library trustee. There are eight candidates running for four open positions in this race.

The consolidated election is April 4.

You can find Walters' answers to the Patch candidate questionnaire below:

Your Name:

John Walters

Age (as of Election Day):

59

Town/City of Residence:

Homer Glen

Office sought:

Library Board

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

I attended Downers Grove South High School, College of DuPage, & Midwest College of Engineering (now part of IIT)

Occupation:

Computer repair technician & system software specialist for 12 years & an individual investor 30 years.

Campaign Website or Facebook:

N/A

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

HOA Member and current President, former committee member of Homer Glen Parks and Recreation committee, current member of environmental committee & HomerFest committee, & Homer Township precinct 15 committeeman

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

Roughly 75% of our property tax bills go to our local school, and the Library also has a line on our property tax bills. I believe in a more transparent, and responsible to the taxpayer, use of taxpayers’ money.

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

There is a lack of transparency about what happens at Board meetings and a lack of posted documentation on the library website regarding tax money use. The posted meeting agendas and minutes are overly simplified.

The current trustees are supplied with detailed packets of information for meetings, but unlike the village, the public does not have online access to this information.

I plan on having more detailed meeting minutes, and packet information, available online. Taxpayers deserve access to what happens at the meetings, and where and for what, their tax money is being spent.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)? Or what changes would you like to see?

N/A

Describe the other issues or ideas that define your campaign platform:

N/A

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

N/A

Why should voters trust you?

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

N/A

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?

N/A

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

N/A

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?

N/A

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

N/A

The best advice ever shared with me was:

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

As My HOA’s President, my Board and I have not raised assessments for over ten years and we still deliver our members the services we need to have increasingly beautiful common areas and ponds.

I have been very fortunate to serve with many selfless HOA Board members. working together we accomplished this and more.

It’s been my honor to serve with them. Thank you all, past and present.