Election 2025: Mokena Village Trustee Candidate Colleen Patrick-Lenart

MOKENA, IL — The consolidated election is set for April 1, and Mokena will come out of it with some new faces on the Village Board.

Two candidates are running for one unexpired term, and seven are running for trustee seats. One seat is unexpired, with two running for it. Five others are running for three, four-year seats.
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.

Current Mayor Frank 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 questionnaire to candidates, and we're now featuring their answers in candidate profiles.

Candidate:

Colleen M. Patrick-Lenart

Position Sought:

Mokena Village Trustee

Campaign website:
https://friendsofmokena.com/

Town of residence:

Mokena

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.

Flooring Executive 30 years

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

Community Affairs Commission

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

Easing the tax burden on our residents and the revitalization of the downtown area.

I will work to bring meaningful development to the village and create responsible policies to attract businesses. This will further enhance our commercial tax base so residents can continue to pay low municipal taxes, while securing more money for education and infrastructure needs.

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

As a life long resident of Mokena, I bring a unique perspective to this position. With my deep ties to the community, I believe I have the ability to bridge old Mokena with the new. Having the experience of running a family owned Mokena based business for over twenty years, gives me a distinct advantage. As a former business owner, I know how important viable business is to Mokena. It's critical to our future, our children's education, and easing the tax burden on homeowners.

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

Since my opponent and I are new to this process, I'd rather talk about what's right about my candidacy and how I won't fail our community. I'm deeply committed to improving Mokena. This means attracting more business and making Mokena more business friendly by reducing excessive regulations. In doing so, we create a stronger commercial tax base that eases the tax burden on residents.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

We're committed to attracting meaningful business opportunities within the community.

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

While running a business, you garner various insights to all aspects of it's inner workings. Whether working on Financials or day to day operations- it's about fiscal responsibility. You also develop outstanding communication skills working with contractors, designers, architects, unions, laborers, and homeowners. Effective communication and fiscal responsibility is essential to the success of any operation. I bring twenty plus years of this experience with me.

Why should voters trust you?

I have demonstrated my care of and commitment to Mokena by choosing to serve on the Community Affairs Commission for almost twenty years.

When it comes to commitment- I'm all in. I have shown that through the care I gave my mother through her 11 year illness. I then extended that same love and care to my father for 4 years. After their journey with hospice care, I was inspired to volunteer for Vitas because I saw the difference the volunteers had made in my own life.

When I ran the golf outing at St. John's UCC, I earmarked the fundraiser monies to protect and restore the stained glass windows. I was committed to seeing that through. We were able to complete the window project in 7 years.

When I set out to do something, I accomplish it.

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

Bringing in meaningful development to help ease tax burdens on homeowners. Continuing to make Mokena a place that people love to live in and are proud of their community.

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

Having run a business- you have to learn to spend within your means. You cannot spend money you do not have. Being fiscally responsible is a priority as is securing investments and funds for our schools and 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?

As a life long resident, I have always felt safe in Mokena. While crime is unavoidable, I feel that our police department maintains a good presence around town which aids as a deterrent. We also live in a world where you can never be too safe. Self awareness is a must.

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

Maintaining small town charm while adding purposeful development, residential expansion, and family-friendly green space is a delicate balance. Although with mindful planning, all of these things are attainable.

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?

Revitalization of the downtown has been a common thread. As well as improving the ease in which businesses work with the Village. If we can make Mokena more business friendly, we will attract more meaningful businesses.

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

No.

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

As a life long resident of Mokena, I believe it is self evident that I have an affection for our community. I am determined to give back to the community that has given me so much.
I feel privileged to have run a business, volunteer, attend church, and patronize other local businesses in a place we all call home. As a tax payer myself, I take this opportunity very seriously.