Joliet City Council District 5 Survey: Suzanna Ibarra

JOLIET, IL —Patch submitted questionnaires to the four candidates running for the open seat in the Joliet City Council District 5 race in the April 4 election. The following responses were provided by Suzanna Ibarra, who is one of the candidates challenging three-term incumbent Terry Morris.

Your name:

Suzanna Ibarra

Age (as of Election Day)

53

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

Graduated from Joliet West High School

And some college at JJC, certified vaccine ambassador at Malcolm X College 2021

Occupation

Health Equity Navigator 2 years experience

Campaign Website

Suzannaibarraforjoliet.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Joliet Township Government Trustee elected April 2021

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

The water rates are steadily rising, while inflation is at an all-time high.

We need a tiered water rate that is tiered at a higher rate than the current system in place.

We have 7 thousand residents on the verge of shut-offs now.

The city of Joliet needs to do better and make huge corporations that are profiting off the warehousing industry pay their fair share to provide relief to our residents.

The next critical issue is crime and gun violence in district 5. We need to bring back teams of neighborhood oriented policing to key areas of district 5.

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

Sans the incumbent, I am the only candidate with any legislative experience.

I have the time, energy and passion to pursue the vital services the community has missed out on by being underrepresented for Far TOO LONG ! I will commit to quarterly town halls with residents and travel on a regular Basis to every part of the district.

I will take my own calls which is something the current councilman doesn’t do, he has a relay service take his calls from residents. He is out of touch with the needs of his district.

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

He does not listen to the needs of his residents and is not an active, engaged rep. District 5 has been underrepresented for far too long!

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Keeping water safe and affordable.

Attracting and facilitating family friendly economic development in district 5.

Protecting the environment.

Protecting workers rights.

Enhancing and improving public safety.

Chase down state and federal dollars to provide relief to our residents.

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

I am very proud of what I have accomplished professionally. As a health equity Navigator at The Will County Health Department, we raise vaccination rates in the most under served communities in Will County By more than 50 %.

I facilitated The Joliet Police Department, the director for Illinois of Lutheran home and aid society along with myself and residents of Joshua arms to bring some very vital safety concerns to the forefront. We all worked together with me as the facilitator to make things safer for many residents experiencing safety issues.

Together at the town hall at my behest, we worked together and created long and short term solutions that made their issues better quickly.

I am very skilled at solving issues.

Why should voters trust you?

I have a proven track record of success.

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

A grocery store for the southeast side of district 5 that is all-inclusive.

Bring family friendly economic development to a forgotten about district that is underrepresented.

Listening to the concerns of all areas of district 5 and taking action.

Having most voters in the district know who their council rep is because at this point very few residents can even name their rep, which shows you they have done Nothing noteworthy for residents!

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

I will be a good steward of tax dollars, as I am now at the township!

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

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?

YES Black Lives Matter. As far as equality, I feel that the council meetings should be translated somehow to Spanish since Joliet has a robust Spanish-speaking population that has no way of getting the council updates as the meetings happen. That’s a part of equity!

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

There have been many different versions of this bill and many edits and updates. I support our city being safer!

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?

Our police force is 20 years behind in trainings and technology than similarly sized police departments.

I would like to improve and enhance public safety by fining state and federal grants that will help us bring our police department up to speed and improve safety to our residents.

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

Beyond warehousing and trucking? Does it even exist?

Our city was once a bustling thoroughfare of the finest stores, entertainment and restaurants we need to get back to Joliet being a city of champions!

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?

I will work together with Joliet center for economic development to bring the east side a large inclusive grocery store and more family friendly attractions.

The environment has to be protected for the next generation in all that we do when developing!

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

NO.

City Government is my highest aspiration, and I will serve a full term and run again in 4 years.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

It’s not about what I want or the plans that I have for district 5 it’s about the residents!

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

I am honored to be Endorsed by The Illinois Sierra Club.