Election 2025: Manhattan Village Trustee Candidate Justin Young

MANHATTAN, IL — The consolidated election is set for April 1, with Manhattan's mayor making a push for a second term and going up against a longtime trustee.

Mayor Mike Adrieansen heads up a slate with current trustee Justin Young and joined by newcomers Jennifer Bahena and Clint Boone for trustee, and Becky Bouck for clerk. Their slate is not named.

On slate "Manhattan First," current trustee Dave Beemsterboer tops the ticket in his bid for mayor, with new face Paula Gibbs, former trustees Mike Naughton and Tom Biscan seeking trustee spots. The slate does not include a clerk candidate.

The board will inevitably be shuffled a bit, with Trustee Ron Adamski not seeking re-election, and Beemsterboer forgoing his seat to for a shot at the mayoral one. Those elected will join trustees Tom Doyle, Lucinda Neighbors and Bob Dilling, whose terms expire in May 2027.

Patch provided candidate questionnaires, with answers now published in candidate profiles.

Early voting begins March 17.

Candidate:

Justin Young

Campaign website:

Mike4Manhattan

Office sought:

Village trustee

Town/City of Residence:

Village of Manhattan

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.

No.

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

Vice President of Sales in commercial branding and signage, 18 years

Previous or current elected or appointed office.

Currently Elected Village Trustee

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

One of the most urgent concerns is the Northpoint Development and the current truck traffic. The proposed development would significantly increase traffic through town, leading to severe issues for both pedestrian and vehicle safety due to infrastructure that is not built to accommodate such volumes. Additionally, it would alter the landscape of our community, causing public nuisances such as pollution of our drinking water, air quality, nearby farmlands, wildlife habitats, and contributing to increased noise and light pollution. The area is already struggling to handle the trucks passing through, and a development like Northpoint would exacerbate dangerous traffic conditions, ultimately diminishing our quality of life. It would also lower property values for residents. This issue extends beyond Manhattan—it will negatively impact all our neighboring municipalities as well.

The second issue we face is attracting the right kind of growth to help reduce or stabilize taxes. It's crucial that we focus on developing a robust community with quality housing and businesses that fit our town's needs, while revitalizing areas that could use some attention. Manhattan is full of wonderful people who enjoy gathering and sharing time with each other. To maintain our small-town charm, we must have a walkable downtown with activities for all ages. By growing our downtown area and developing open spaces thoughtfully, we can bring much-needed tax relief to Manhattan, all while preserving the small-town feel. This approach will also provide residents with local places to dine, shop, and socialize. It’s important that we focus on how economic development can reduce taxes and encourage more community interaction.

And as for the chatter surrounding the fumes and noise from Highway 52—let's be clear, our intentions for the downtown plan are to build away from 52, with dining and gathering spaces on the backsides of buildings, well off the busy roadway. This is contrary to what some candidates are trying to make residents believe. We are committed to preserving the quality of life in our downtown, while still fostering growth that benefits everyone.

Additionally, we plan to install a water line along 52 to support development across from Berkots on both sides of Gougar Road. I believe that by installing this water line, it will make those individual parcels more appealing for commercial development. We've received grant money to help fund this project, and we plan to implement a recapture fee on each parcel to recover the village's investment as businesses come in. This is a smart approach that will finally result in development on those empty commercial parcels and help move our community forward.

The third issue we need to address is the town’s infrastructure, particularly in some of the more established areas. While we’ve been doing our best to spread out the necessary work, there are significant drainage problems throughout town that, for some reason—whether due to funding or other factors—haven’t been addressed. These issues need to be tackled immediately. Our residents, no matter where they live, pay substantial taxes, and it’s unacceptable for homes to flood during rainstorms because of poor drainage. The drainage projects will primarily focus on Trask Street, Foxford, Sunset, and Front Street. Additionally, one of the major projects we’ll be addressing, unrelated to drainage, is Eastern South. This spring, we’ll begin widening the culverts, followed by resurfacing the road.

After years of resident requests, we finally got Eastern Avenue North done during my first term, working alongside the mayor and five other trustees. Now, we’re fulfilling another campaign promise by addressing Eastern South. These projects are part of our ongoing commitment to improving Manhattan’s infrastructure and meeting the needs of our community.

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

I’m running on a slate with two fantastic trustee candidates, Jennifer Bahena and Clint Boone, who are vibrant, hardworking, and creative. Along with Mayor Mike Adrieansen and unopposed Clerk candidate Becky Bouck, we make a strong team focused on getting things done for the residents of our town. We’re not a group looking for titles—we’re a group committed to making progress and delivering results.

When I ran, I presented a 21-point plan. While some of the points were similar to others or even current board members, I’m proud to say that 18 of those points have either been accomplished or are actively being addressed within the first 3 1/2 years. I truly believe my background—growing up here, being educated in finance, and working in commercial development and branding—helps me understand both the needs of our community and how to achieve our goals. I’m also part of the same age bracket as many of our residents, while still having long-standing connections with the original families in town.

I’m a competitor, a hard worker, and a results-driven person. I can focus on a task at hand, create a clear plan, and deliver results. I am proud of my record and everything we’ve accomplished in less than four years. Just imagine what we can achieve with four more years.

In addition, I feel I have gone above and beyond to engage with the community. I know the Mayor also works hard to engage with residents, but as a trustee, I believe I’ve truly lived up to my promise of being transparent, actively volunteering in the community, and remaining always accessible through social media platforms. My philosophy is that a trustee should be showing up more than just the first and third Tuesday of the month at board meetings. A true leader, especially one dedicated to the well-being of the village, is someone who volunteers with other local groups and taxing authorities, shows up to help at community events, engages with our seniors at their luncheons, and is always willing to help, answer questions, or be open-minded to constructive criticism.

Being a leader is about being present, both physically and emotionally, and I strive to do that every day for the residents of this village.

I often tell residents that I can be a bridge between those who are new to town and those who have lived here for generations. There is so much common ground between both groups, and I feel well-positioned to manage that unique task, along with our dedicated slate.

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

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

What defines us is results compared to promises—a track record of getting things done, not just “could haves,” “we’re going to’s,” and “should haves.” Let’s take a step back and look at the other slate’s record on these issues. They claim they’re focused on addressing NorthPoint, economic development, and safety, but what have they actually accomplished? Four years ago, how many semi-trucks were being pulled over? Compared to the last four years, where we not only purchased truck scales but also developed an actual truck enforcement program—something we didn’t have before—to actively address truck traffic and enforce laws. The difference is clear. In June of 2021, with the new mayor and board, we purchased truck scales. In 2022, we worked together to create an IGA (Intergovernmental Agreement) with the Manhattan Schools to have School Resource Officers (SROs) in the schools, and we developed a real plan for their presence—not just showing up during drop-off and pick-up times, but ensuring that officers are truly integrated into the schools to support safety and build positive relationships with students.

Now, let’s look at economic development. We brought McDonald’s to town. While the other slate may claim credit, I personally met with McDonald’s real estate team. They knew of Manhattan and had expressed interest in our town, but they were initially looking at a space that ultimately wasn’t obtainable. After meeting with them and discussing the potential, McDonald’s became really interested in the current space, and we had a franchisee owner willing to take on the project. Dunkin’ Donuts is actually here, not just a "coming soon" sign for a location they ultimately didn’t occupy. Almost all of the strip center space is now occupied, with several new concepts and businesses recently opening up. Many of these businesses are now proudly displaying signs supporting our slate in their windows.

So, why is the Stop NorthPoint group endorsing our team? Why is the police union backing us? And why didn’t the board members running against us address critical issues like truck traffic or NorthPoint when they were first elected? Their platform is built on topics where we’ve already earned the endorsement of experts in those fields.

At the end of the day, we are a team of individuals working together to get things done, not just offering lip service. We’re running on positive change and a bright future, while the other group is focused on misrepresenting the facts, using scare tactics, and claiming they didn’t address these issues before, but would have if they just had the chance.

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

I believe my first term was a busy and productive one. I’ve delivered on nearly every campaign promise I made, and I’m committed to finishing the few that are still in progress. We've successfully implemented a truck enforcement program and are actively pulling over trucks. We opened Eastern Avenue, joined a lawsuit to fight NorthPoint and are actively working to protect us from unwanted developments on our borders, and extended all boundary agreements with our neighbors—with the exception of Joliet, because they do not feel they want to extend it at this time. We've brought McDonald's to town, Dunkin’ Donuts is up and running, and we’ve filled many of the empty spaces in town. Additionally, we’ve created several community events that help strengthen the small-town feel, and I’ve been the most transparent member of the board, always keeping residents informed and engaged.

I have walked the walk, not just talked about the things I’m going to do. I’m out there in the community—volunteering, coaching our youth sports teams, and serving on the Patriots Football and Cheer board. I’m actively working to make this community the best version it can be, always seeking feedback from residents and striving to make a difference.

Why should voters trust you?

I have always followed through on what I said I would do and have remained approachable and open to explaining why I voted the way I did. In fact, I have the most record of voting "no" when I believe it's in the best interest of the town. I'm not afraid to disagree and make decisions based on what I think is right for the community. While I support the Mayor, I'm not a "yes" vote on everything, and I believe the Mayor appreciates that, as do the residents. Even when faced with negative comments online, I’m always willing to address them respectfully. If residents have questions or concerns, they know they can tag me in a post, and I will respond with an answer if I have it or let them know I’ll get back to them as soon as I do. I truly believe I have done nothing to break the trust of voters, and I will continue to be transparent and honest with the community.

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

If we can prevent NorthPoint from damaging our quality of life and negatively impacting the surrounding towns, it would be a tremendous achievement.

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

Managing government finances in a town that largely relies on property taxes to fund operations can be challenging. Most residents might not realize, but the village only receives just under $0.10 for every tax dollar collected. With limited commercial sales tax, we really have to stretch every dollar. While it's important to remain conservative with taxpayers' money, we also need to spend wisely to maintain a livable community that meets the needs of our residents.

As the community grows, so do the expenses necessary to support that growth. That’s why it’s crucial to diversify our revenue base and attract more businesses that not only benefit the town but also contribute to our tax revenue. My approach to managing the village’s finances is simple: treat residents’ money like a family budget—pay the bills, build up our rainy day fund, and use the remaining funds for community events, beautification projects, or investments that will improve our residents' quality of life.

Ultimately, my main goal is to secure our finances well enough so we can provide residents with a rebate or even achieve meaningful tax cuts. Unfortunately, we only have control over the portion of your tax bill that comes from the village, but I’m committed to using that control in a way that benefits the community.

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?

Manhattan is graded as one of the safest communities in Illinois, and we are also one of the fastest-growing communities as well. To have these two statistics together speaks volumes about the exceptional group of individuals protecting our families and the leaders who provide the necessary funding and direction to accomplish our safety goals.

I believe this success is due to the outstanding residents we have in town, our extraordinary police department, and the safe, welcoming area we live in. The board has done a good job supporting our police force by providing them with the best tools and training available. Over the past four years, we’ve added Flock cameras, a K-9 unit, and implemented truck enforcement, all of which have played a significant role in keeping crime rates low.

I also want to thank the leadership in our police department for creating an atmosphere where officers want to stay and work. Our past two Police Chiefs have been excellent in fostering employee retention, which is vital to maintaining a strong and experienced force.

When residents see an active police presence, it sends a clear message that we are committed to protecting our village. The cameras around town reassure everyone that if a crime is committed, the chances of getting caught are high. Additionally, the K-9 unit has proven invaluable in helping to reduce drug trafficking in our community.

Finally, having officers in our schools at an early age helps build trust between the police department and young residents. This early connection will hopefully lead to fewer violent crimes from Manhattan residents in the future.

That said, we can’t forget about the importance of the neighborhoods in Manhattan. On my street, we have a saying: "The block helps raise your kids." We are fortunate to have so many residents who not only look out for their own families but also watch over their neighbors. It’s this sense of community that truly contributes to the safety and well-being of our town.

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

I believe our village is in a unique position where we can control our destiny in terms of the types of rooftops and businesses that come to town. While we certainly need commercial growth, it's important that we attract businesses that fit the character of Manhattan. We could benefit from an auto parts store, a UPS store, some additional dining options, a car wash, a pharmacy, and some mom-and-pop type businesses. However, I’m not interested in big-box commercial development.

Supporting local, homegrown concepts in our downtown area is crucial. We have some great village staples, but adding a few more unique businesses would help drive traffic to existing establishments and foster a more vibrant community. A thriving downtown not only boosts tax revenue but also keeps money in town and strengthens the connections among residents.

Regarding residential development, there was a push in the past to focus on simply increasing rooftops through SSAs, private roads, smaller home square footage, slab foundations, and relaxed building standards. These are all things that others running on the opposing slate have supported. I believe we can be more selective with our residential growth, prioritizing quality over quantity. Moving forward, I’d like to see us raise the bar on building standards by requiring higher-quality materials, larger lots, concrete driveways, and more diverse facades to ensure that new subdivisions maintain the distinct character of our town.

I believe part of my responsibility as an elected official is to make smart decisions that help protect the home values of our residents. The choices we make today will leave a lasting impact on both the value of their homes and the quality of life they experience living here in town. I take this responsibility very seriously, knowing that the direction we take will shape our community for years to come.

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 believe the majority of our residents support a revitalization effort in our downtown area. Residents want a place to eat, hang out, and shop locally, but they also want quality and options. I believe working on our downtown plan will make Manhattan a unique destination, not only for our own residents but also for those in neighboring towns. We’ve already started the early stages of creating a gathering area downtown and setting a blueprint for the expansion and makeover of many areas. We are not forcing anyone out of their homes or mandating changes to their buildings, but we have a plan that we hope will gain support from our business community.

In addition to the downtown plan, as I mentioned earlier, we plan to bring a water line down Route 52 to make the commercial lots north and south of Gougar Road ready for development. We have secured a significant amount of grant money to help meet this goal, which will reduce the impact on residents. We don’t plan to do this for free, however, as we will recoup the costs from businesses as they move in. For years, those lots have had very little interest, primarily due to the lack of proactive planning. Without our waterline project, the first businesses that moved in would have had to pay the entire water cost for the site, which would have been a major deterrent. By securing a grant and implementing a recapture plan, we will make those parcels far more attractive to developers.

I believe this space, along with some TLC downtown, will not only make our residents happy but also allow us to keep more of our residents shopping locally. It’s an exciting step toward a vibrant, thriving community.

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

I grew up in this town and have deep roots here. Now, I’m raising my young family in Manhattan, and I’m committed to staying here for the long haul. I don’t give up, and I am dedicated to serving the people of Manhattan throughout my term.

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

I want voters to ask themselves a few important questions: How has the past four years of living in Manhattan been for you? Have you seen action taken against trucks in our town? Have you noticed increased community events bringing residents together? Have you seen progress in economic development? Have you seen transparency coming from Village Hall? Have you seen action to address the Northpoint development? Have you finally seen progress?

If you’re looking for results from someone who walks the walk and shows up, then our team is the right choice for you. But if you’re comfortable with going backward or seeing "Coming Soon" signs for businesses like Dunkin' around election time—just for them to never open—then maybe there are other options for you.

We’re committed to real action, not political gimmicks. I’m running with a passionate mayor and a group of individuals who are focused on serving the community, not for titles or personal gain. We’re here to make a real difference.