Joliet Mayor Candidate Survey: Tycee Bell

JOLIET, IL —Patch submitted questionnaires to the three candidates running for mayor of Joliet in the April 4 election. The following responses were provided by Tycee Bell.

Your name:

Tycee Bell

Age (as of Election Day)

45

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Regina Bell, my mother is a supervisor for the McClean County Clerk

Education

Completed 3 years of undergrad studies

Occupation

Seven Mountains, LLC Founder/Visionary Director Community Affairs Professional, 23 yrs.

Campaign Website

www.citizensfortyceebell.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

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

Neighborhood improvement. For some parts of Joliet, this will mean water, for some police, for some sidewalks and street lights, for some affordable access to after-school services, and for many just business as usual, no disruptions.

Workforce has to be a top priority right now and in the future. The City of Joliet must work closely with the county to ensure our residents can afford to raise their families here. A living wage with health insurance is imperative to public health.

A skilled workforce, affordable housing, vibrant and walkable neighborhoods, and plenty of opportunities for recreation” are all predicated on geography. Let's make sure ALL of Joliet reflects the growth and development we boast as the Cross-Roads of Mid-America.

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

I have frontline experience both personally and professionally. For decades our policymakers are passing legislation and the resources never reach the intended targeted audience. I know that we need solutions, sustainable programs, and inclusive city planning. I plan to leverage my current partnerships and relationships to build trust with the current city employees and focus on the pulse of the whole city. I have always been a visionary leader who knows that collective work has more impact when working with influential leaders and residents.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I'm here because we have to cultivate a city government that will leverage resources for the next generation. Let's talk about solutions with community organizations, city officials, school districts, and city employees. I have highlighted Healthcare because the issues a large majority of residents are facing stem from a lifestyle change directly correlated to optimal health. I also want to uplift and prioritize our disabled community, veterans, and seniors.

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

I’m a Community Affairs professional with a career spanning over 20 years in non profit. My goal has always been to take my executive and board experience to become a world leader who works with large cities to implement new governance structures to ensure the betterment of humanity. I’m the Founder and Visionary Director of Seven Mountains, LLC and Community Cultivation Project, NFP. I work with leaders locally and across the county to ensure our voices are heard at the nation's capital. Because Joliet is the largest inland port in North America, we have an opportunity to leverage resources from IIJA, IRA, and the CHIPS Act to assist in improving the quality of life in Joliet. These are just a few landmark legislations that will help us strategically determine where Joliet and all of its citizens can thrive. *Resume and bio available by request at tyceebell@citizensfortyceebell.com

Why should voters trust you?

I care, I hear, and I serve the community to the best of my ability. I work with groups of people who not only share my passion for service but have built coalitions where we lack representation in our frontline communities. Voters can trust that when I don't have the answer I will always seek out assistance and do my research.

Vision can be out of reach but never out of sight. My why, IS protecting citizens and building human capital. We all must require more of ourselves and become civically engaged. It's important to always remember that we have the capacity to connect and transform the world through our actions. I have high moral values and I am a decent human being who puts others first.

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

Providing access to essential resources in areas that have infrastructure needs. I also want to improve support for business owners and new businesses in Joliet.

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

The taxpayers have spoken about their needs. Why are current taxpayer dollars going to companies that have not invested in our communities? It's time to restore trust and work with Township, County, and State legislation on best practices that build back a resilient economy in Joliet.

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

Yes, but this is just my personal choice because I lost 2 family members to gun violence. It was traumatic for my dad and his family. My mother's brother Larry was killed at 40 years old by a drive-by shooter. I haven't met one person who hasn't asked about gun safety, gun laws, and personal safety. People want safe communities and gun laws.

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?

We can do more to support racial equality, especially for our youth who need mentors. Yes, I work with the local Black Lives Matter Will County and believe they need more help from elected officials.

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

The SAFE-T Act ( SAFETY, ACCOUNTABILITY, FAIRNESS, and EQUITY TODAY act) is important to me because of the Pre-Trail Fairness Act -cashless bail. It's so imperative that we understand it was signed into law by Governor Pritzker.

We need laws that provide an alternative to decades of institutional racism. Here's an example; Someone who had a speeding ticket goes to one court date has no missed work, and has time to pay it in full. They don't lose their job or worse, die in an institution.

Policy is changing. We have to support the citizens and courts by providing clear pathways to improve safety and deter crime.

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?

I've been honored to be on the Office of Firearm Prevention Local Advisory Council as a Public Health in Gun violence prevention/Youth development representative for Joliet. There are currently 2 Joliet community organizations that received funding from the Reimagine Public Safety Act grants.

To improve overall safety, we need to spend more on community services, and programs and increase community integration of police and other first responders. Accountability and transparency build trust and pride of ownership in our city. While it's important to work collectively on boards/committees, I know in order to see long-term improvements we have to be honest about the "tough on crime" and policing in Joliet. How are our partnerships with schools? Are we focusing on the victims of ALL violent crimes? Businesses are also at risk, so we have to include them too. What opportunities do we have when it comes to trauma and treatment?

When I'm elected as Mayor, I will have a hands-on approach to ensure that we use every opportunity to implement programs throughout Joliet.

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

The city has to focus on the real issues, and that's the citizens who need the most help. Affordable housing, rent control, and comprehensive plan for development projects in the districts have been on a decline for over 20 years.

There are several projects happening throughout the city that will be great additions for some. While others continue to feel the effects of being ignored we can see it as we drive through the city.

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?

We have a Culinary School Downtown, we have a desperate need for a grocery store downtown, and we have a Casino with all of its attached food services. There is a natural synergy there to create a food distribution hub that the city has consistently failed to capitalize on. We rely on the Northern Illinois Food Bank on Larkin - on the West Side - to supply food to pantries for those in need. If we want restaurants and entertainment and venues downtown, the facilities that are training and employing those professionals should be our biggest partners and no one who lives around there should have to wonder where to get wholesome and affordable food. If we are going to be a distribution hub, let downtown by I80 be a food distribution hub. It can provide much-needed grocery availability as well as grow new food and food processing businesses. With the Culinary School, the Casino, and the desire to revitalize downtown, a large, year-round, city-supported, indoor food wholesale/retail market could make a big impact.

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:

Start each day like it's your birthday.

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

Civic engagement is key in non-partisan elections. I represent the people in this city no matter my personal opinions. I am fair and will listen. I will work for the city, citizens, and city employees. Vote for Tycee Bell and your city councilman/councilwoman. You need to be heard and counted. There are 82k registered voters and our consolidated elections garner less than 10k voters.