Mokena Village Board Of Trustees Candidate: Terence Smith

Candidate Name: Terence Smith

Age (as of Election Day): 59

Town/City of Residence: Mokena

Office Sought: Village Trustee

Party Affiliation: Independent

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Education: Bachelor Of Science, Technical Management

Occupation: Claim Director

Campaign Website: None

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Currently, I serve on the Mokena Planning and Zoning Commission. I believe this experience will help me prepare to be a leader for the Village of Mokena.

What are the most pressing issues facing the village and what do you intend to do about them? I want to continue to maintain the Village's fiscal accountability and responsibility.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? Each candidate brings independent thought with diverse viewpoints.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: I believe the current Board has done a very good job putting the Village on the right track with sound fiscal governing.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? As a Claim Director, my job is to listen to both sides of a dispute, apply the proper contractual terms of a policy and resolve the dispute effectively. Negotiations and fact-finding are the best terms to describe my skill set for Insurance Claims.

Why should voters trust you? I promise to govern Mokena each day by doing what is right for taxpayers. I am proud to be a part of Friends of Mokena.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success? I would like to continue the fiscally responsible spending that the Friends of Mokena have focused on in the past. I would like to bring meaningful development and continue to create policies that promote our planning goals. We need to continue to try to attract commercial businesses to expand that tax base so the residents can continue to pay low Municipal taxes.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending, and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? I plan to continue the current fiscal policies by supporting policies that attract thoughtful development to increase our commercial tax base. Will focus on Village services including the commitment to clean water and all other services needed throughout the Village.

Do you support the Illinois assault weapons ban, and would you support a local assault weapons ban in this community? I believe the courts need to decide this dispute.

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? I support equality for all races and gender.

Do you support the SAFE-T Act? I support the majority of the Act – however, there are some provisions that are a concern such as cashless bail.

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? The Mokena Police led by Chief Brian Benton is very professional and leads a well-trained staff. They are a strong presence and they will only be more efficient with the soon-to-be-completed Police Station.

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development? Friends of Mokena has promoted and pursued policies that have brought in new businesses and have increased our commercial tax base. I would like to see continued development and will provide leadership that continues to be fiscally smart.

When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? I would like to provide purposeful planning and development of our Downtown area that builds an economic base and enhance aesthetics and property values.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family? No

What is the best advice ever shared with you? Do these 3 things for success: Be Honest, Be Professional, and Give Effort.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I promise to work hard for the Mokena residents and apply my learned experiences to govern Mokena in a fiscally responsible manner.