Joliet City Council District 5 Candidate Survey: Jim Lanham

JOLIET, IL — Patch submitted questionnaires to the four candidates running for the Joliet City Council open seat in the District 5 race in the April 4 election. The following responses were provided by Jim Lanham, who is challenging three-term incumbent Terry Morris in the non-partisan elections. Lanham, Morris, Suzanna Ibarra and Michael William Carruthers are the four candidates on the election ballot for Joliet's voters.

Your name:

Jim Lanham

Age (as of Election Day)

49

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Some college

Occupation

Private security services

Campaign Website

https://www.facebook.com/jimla...

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

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

Crime and public safety.. make sure the police have the resources support and local ordinances so they can do the job to the best of their ability.

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

I am a leader and a listener.

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

The current office holder is not very responsive to citizens. He has NEVER returned any email I've ever sent, whereas council members in other districts have often. It is in fact the number 1 issue raised when I speak to voters in district 5.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Public services. More of them. Better services for ALL ADDRESSES. Wasteful spending has to go.

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

I got 2 different railroads to clean up their eyesore properties that were also safety hazards as well. The normal channels weren't working, so I turned up the volume til they listened.

Why should voters trust you?

I speak my mind ... I mean what I say. You'll know where I stand.

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

Getting every bit of value out of YOUR tax dollars.

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

The less no bid expenses we have the better...any contracts the city enters into BESIDES collective bargaining agreements should have escape clauses to the taxpayers benefit.

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

No. Absolutely not. Not now, not ever. It's unconstitutional.

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?

Black lives absolutely matter…however the organization BLM seems to have been co-opted by leaders who are buying million-dollar houses away from the areas they were supposed to help leaving the true activists with nothing to accomplish the changes they seek. As with anything, the current council could do better, but I think they honestly try to be equitable for everyone.

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

Another no absolutely not. Dishonestly Legislated. Unconstitutional. Victimizes victims again and again. And it was intentionally written to make it legal to INTENTIONALLY file false complaints against police . policies and procedures forced on to police by people that don't know the 1st thing about the nature of the job. I hope all the lawsuits against it succeed.

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?

It can always be lower..and that is achieved thru arrest, trial and conviction of the criminal and the most severe sentence the conviction allows. Also, truth in sentencing no revolving recidivist door.

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

New jobs and businesses are great but need to be mindful of the ancillary costs such as truck traffic, excessive tax breaks which end up being passed on the ordinary people and undesirable temp service/non-union jobs

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?

Less mega stores. More locally owned small businesses. Bring them downtown. Have adequate municipal infrastructure for them too..parking. adequate street lights. Adequate police presence. Make it not only attractive but also convenient.

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

No, none at all.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best gift you can give people especially your family or children is your time and your example. Neither 1 of those costs you a thing yet are both priceless.

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

I'm not shy. I like dogs. I like baseball.