Village Of Homewood Trustee Candidate Jay Heiferman: Election '23

Patch is providing candidate profiles for several races in the area. If you are a candidate seeking an opportunity to complete our profile form, please email lauren.traut@patch.com. Please note your position sought.

Name: Jay Heiferman

Age as of Election Day: 62

Town/City of Residence: Homewood

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race): Greater Homewood Party

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Education: Homewood Public Schools, Homewood Flossmoor High School and The University of Iowa - Bachelor of Business Administration.

Occupation: I operated AAA Rental System, a regional event equipment rental company from 1982 until it's 2017 acquisition by Marquee Event Group. I then joined Marquee as Vice President of Operations until 2020. Today, I'm an associate with the Entertainment Division of Hard Rock Live.

Campaign Website: Vote Greater Homewood Party

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: I have been a Village of Homewood Trustee since 2006.

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them. Traffic safety issues are important to my family, and I believe, to most residents.

I plan to see through... The successful execution of our sensible well-considered plans for safety and use enhancements on 183rd Street. I encourage the continuing increase in traffic law enforcement to meet the need. Improving vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian safety throughout Homewood is a top priority.

Recognizing and executing the responsible creation, use, and maintenance of public infrastructure is key to our success as a Village.

We've just accomplished the largest public works project that Homewood has ever undertaken. We created a new, reliable source of water at a fixed contract rate. I'd like to complete the next major water project, building a new, much-needed downtown water tower, in the same manner: expertly managed and with no debt.

We must maintain momentum in attracting quality development throughout Homewood.

I will continue to be active in our non-stop, direct pursuit of the best economic opportunities for our community while using the most creative 'tools' to do so. I strongly support our council-manager form of government and will continue to hire stellar management and staff to execute our goals. This is one of the reasons that Homewood is among the most respected towns in the south suburbs.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I have been part of the fabric of Homewood since the late '60s. I bring the knowledge and experience of a successful business career to the Village Board. Having over two decades of positive, responsible, direct involvement in Village leadership, demonstrates my commitment to continuity and stability for our Village government.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)? No response

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: No response

Why should voters trust you? I have been consistently accessible and responsive to residents for over 15 years in office. Every one of the hundreds of matters that I have addressed as a Board member is been in a manner that considers only the best interests of the residents of the Village of Homewood.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success? No response

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? I'm committed to bringing quality Village services in a fiscally responsible manner while planning for future needs.

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

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? No response

Do you support the SAFE-T Act? Why or why not? No response

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? No response

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development? No response

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? No response

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: Ernest Dewey said "Get involved."

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

I support: Consistently Maintaining our superior financial strength.

I support: Pursuing the best economic development opportunities for our community.

I support: The success of our excellent Police, Fire and Public Works departments.

I support: Making our streets safe for everybody.

I support: Cycling and pedestrian infrastructure enhancements.

I support: Progressive Downtown development.

I support: Positive communications and engagement with residents and businesses.

I support: More unforgettable special events, seasonal markets and community activities.

I support: The Homewood Science Mission.

I support: Property maintenance enforcement.

I support: The Izaak Walton Preserve and all valuable Village landmarks.

I support: Continued improvements to our water system and all infrastructure.

I support: Positive intergovernmental cooperation.

I support: Citizen involvement through boards, commissions and committees.

I support: MAKING local businesses a priority.

I support: KEEPING HOMEWOOD THE RESPECTED REGIONAL STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE.