Election 2025: Mokena Mayoral Candidate Frank Fleischer

MOKENA, IL — The consolidated election is set for April 1, and Mokena could come out of it with a new mayor.

First elected in 2013, incumbent Mokena Mayor Frank Fleischer seeks a fourth term against sitting Trustee George Metanias.

The policy-making branch of the Village of Mokena includes the Village President (Mayor) and a six-person Board of Trustees. Officials are elected at large for staggered, four-year terms.

Mayor Fleischer leads his Mokena's Future slate, with trustee candidates Nick Clancy (candidate for the unexpired term), Kimberly Huelsman, and James Roberts.

Mayoral challenger and sitting Trustee George Metanias runs with his Friends of Mokena slate, with trustee candidates Daniel Gilbert, Colleen Patrick-Lenart (candidate for the unexpired term), Melissa Fedora (incumbent) and Josh Bailey. Incumbent Village Clerk Melissa Martini also joins their ticket.

Patch has provided a candidate questionnaire to both, and we're now featuring their answers in candidate profiles.

Early voting begins March 17.

Candidate:

Frank Fleischer

Campaign website:

mokenasfuture.com

Town of residence:

Mokena

Party affiliation:

Nonpartisan

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.

Mayor of Mokena since 2013. Former Communications Technician and Lead Man at AT&T with 39 years of experience

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

Village President/Mayor of Mokena (2013–Present), Village Trustee (1987–2003), Member of the Planning and Zoning Commission (1985–1987)

The most pressing issues facing Mokena are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

The most pressing issues facing our village are maintaining Mokena’s small-town charm while managing responsible growth, ensuring fiscal discipline, and keeping our community safe.

This is what I intend to do about them:

Fiscal Responsibility: Continue Mokena’s tradition of sound financial management, ensuring balanced budgets and responsible spending without raising unnecessary taxes.

Public Safety: Invest in local law enforcement to keep crime rates low and ensure our officers have the resources they need to protect our community.

Smart Growth & Development: Support commercial and residential development that aligns with Mokena’s character, bringing new businesses and amenities while protecting property values.

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

Experience matters. As mayor since 2013, I’ve successfully led Mokena with strong fiscal management, steady leadership, and a commitment to preserving our high quality of life. My record speaks for itself—Mokena is one of the safest, most financially stable communities in Illinois. My opponent lacks the experience and leadership required to keep Mokena on the right track.

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

Experience matters. As mayor since 2013, I’ve successfully led Mokena with strong fiscal management, steady leadership, and a commitment to preserving our high quality of life. My record speaks for itself—Mokena is one of the safest, most financially stable communities in Illinois. My opponent lacks the experience and leadership required to keep Mokena on the right track.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Traffic & Infrastructure: Continue working with state and regional partners to improve roads and ease congestion.

Business Growth: Attract businesses that serve the needs of residents while maintaining Mokena’s unique character.

Ethical and transparent leadership that serves the people. Too often, special interests and large donors have too much power in politics. I’ve always been transparent, independent, and committed to our community above all else.

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

Maintained Mokena’s strong financial standing, keeping taxes low while investing in infrastructure and services.

Kept Mokena one of the safest villages in Illinois by working closely with law enforcement and first responders.

Oversaw smart development that brought in new businesses while preserving our small-town charm.

Why should voters trust you?

I have a proven track record of delivering results. I have always put Mokena first, ensuring our town remains financially stable, safe, and a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I am transparent, accessible, and committed to serving the people of Mokena.

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

Continuing Mokena’s trajectory of low taxes, safe neighborhoods, and responsible growth while maintaining our village’s character and high quality of life. With good partners on the Village Board, we’ll complete a traffic study and comprehensive plan, and begin to revitalize our downtown.

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

I believe in fiscal discipline, low taxes, and balanced budgets. Under my leadership, Mokena has maintained strong financial reserves, invested in infrastructure without overspending, and avoided unnecessary tax increases. I will continue to ensure taxpayers' money is spent wisely while building for the future.

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?

Mokena remains one of the safest communities in Illinois, thanks to our dedicated police force and proactive crime prevention strategies. I helped lead the effort to rebuild the police station in town, ensuring our officers have state-of-the-art equipment and support from the village. We must continue to provide law enforcement with the resources they need, strengthen community policing efforts, and collaborate with surrounding towns to ensure regional safety.

What is your view of the city's approach to commercial and residential development? What would you change (if anything)?

Mokena must grow strategically, welcoming new businesses and developments that complement our town while avoiding overdevelopment or turning over our streets to trucking businesses. We need to prioritize infrastructure improvements, encourage family-friendly businesses, and ensure new projects enhance Mokena’s charm and appeal. I look forward to having a Village Board that shares my commitment to revitalizing the downtown and building for the future while preserving what makes Mokena so special.

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?

Dining & Retail: Residents want more restaurants and shopping options. We must continue attracting quality businesses while keeping local ownership and character in mind. We need to invite local, family-friendly businesses into our downtown, offering them a compelling vision for what Mokena will become.

Traffic Solutions: We need to work with to improve roadways and reduce congestion, especially along Wolf Road and 191st Street and to protect our roads and families from encroachment of dirty trucks and industry.

Recreational Spaces: Expanding park facilities and improving the downtown area to enhance community engagement and quality of life.

To make this happen, we must work with developers, state agencies, and the community to balance growth with infrastructure improvements. But, the biggest thing necessary is having a Village Board that is committed to revitalizing and restoring Mokena.

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

No. I am fully committed to serving the people of Mokena.

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

Mokena is my home. I’ve dedicated my life to serving this community, and I’m committed to keeping it safe, strong, and financially secure.

I will always put Mokena residents first and work to preserve the town we all love. I appreciate your support and ask for your vote to continue leading our village forward. But I can’t do this alone, and so I am asking you to support Nick Clancy, Kimberly Huelsman, and James Roberts for Trustee so we have a board that supports our vision of a revitalized and renewed Mokena.