Election 2025: Mokena Village Trustee Candidate Nick Clancy

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:

Nick Clancy

Position sought:

Mokena Village Trustee

Campaign website:

Mokena's Future

Town of residence:

Mokena

Party affiliation:

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.

Coffee Roaster/ Cafe Owner. 9 years.

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

None.

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

Vision for our future. I intend to cast fresh vision and perspective alongside my fellow trustees in order to establish a roadmap for where we want to go, and what we want to do. As a visionary, you must be stubborn in vision, and flexible in details.

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

I am a business owner in Mokena, which provides me with great perspective for what our specific economic needs are. Also, I am 35 years old- I represent a younger generation who is eager to voice their unique wants and needs, as they establish roots in Mokena.

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

There is a conflict of visions at play currently. Consequently, this has fostered an atmosphere of disunity, gridlock, and complacency. When elected, I will immediately begin cultivating relationships with staff, and my fellow trustees so that ideas can be shared freely in an atmosphere of collaboration and teamwork.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

We believe in honoring the past and building for the future. This means we value issues like public safety, quality of life, lower taxes, education, infrastructure, etc. But also means we intend to raise the bar for what Mokena can be in terms of a viable downtown, community driven events, and expanding our leadership to neighboring towns.

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

In 2013, I was able to sign an NFL contract with the Atlanta Falcons. This shows that I not only possess talent, but more importantly the work ethic necessary to achieve BIG goals. Becoming a full-time teaching pastor at 28 years old, of a growing congregation in 2018, prepared me to handle unexpected challenges, and take on substantial responsibilities that directly affected the people I served. Starting a small business is no small feat, but to organically grow it into maturity is an accomplishment I am exceedingly proud of and grateful for.

Why should voters trust you?

Any way you look it, voters are taking a leap of faith with each candidate. Trust comes with time. The better questions might be, why should voters have faith in you? I am not running for trustee for any other motivation than to see Mokena be the best it can be. I care deeply about our town and its future. I believe I have the ability, vision, character, and leadership skills to accomplish much in these next 2 years. We are here to serve the residents. And that's what we do.

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

Revitalizing the downtown

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

I believe it's the governments duty to diversify revenue streams, and to explore creative ways to generate income beyond what we collect in resident taxes. Through business-generated sales tax, State and Federal infrastructure grants, etc. This ensures we are still committed to growing and developing as a town, without placing a larger tax burden on resident.

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 think Mokena PD does a fantastic job at policing our town. Our track record of low crime speaks to the great job they are doing in keeping us properly surveilled thus unattractive for criminals. I think as technology continues to improve, our police department stands to benefit greatly allowing us to be more proactive in our efforts to prevent criminal activity of any kind.

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

I think there is an emphasis on carefully planning our commercial and residential progress which is absolutely necessary- however, clinging to this motto too tightly can quickly stifle any real momentum these types of projects need in order to become real.

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?

Front Street is what first comes to mind. This is a marquee strip that has the potential to be the home of an exciting lineup of businesses as well as improved facades, streetscapes, landscapes, connecting walkways, bike paths etc. In order to make this possible, we will need to conduct a traffic study to be sure our current streets can handle the expected traffic increase, collaborate with the forest preserve, and recruit experienced developers/engineers who can start planning the phases if these changes small and large alike.

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?

Mokena's residents are the hero of the story. Not us. We, as elected officials get to simply be the guides and guardians that will help facilitate the outcome we all so genuinely desire!