NLSD122 Candidate: Sue Smith

Running for a 4-year-term on the New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education is Sue Smith, of New Lenox. Smith is an incumbent.

Get to know Smith. She and husband Dave have two son's. Our oldest,
David, is in his third year at The United States Naval Academy studying
Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation this year from Lincoln-Way Central
our youngest son Alex will be attending Illinois Institute of Technology pursuing a degree in Bio Medical Engineering.

Smith's educational background:

I am a graduate of Joliet West High School, with continuing education classes at Joliet Junior College; numerous classes with Illinois Association of School Boards, and a Licensed Real Estate Broker. I embrace continuing education in multiple fields. For me, learning is a life long journey.

Smith's Occupation and Employer:

I am a Real Estate Broker with McCabe Real Estate Group and have been a
restaurant General Manager for 34 years.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

Providing students the quality education New Lenox is known for; while avoiding
anymore property tax increases.

Why Are You Seeking Office?

I enjoy serving my community; although, as the saying goes: "no good deed goes unpunished" As these past few months have shown. The school board is facing tremendous challenges; but the experience of serving the residents of New Lenox makes it all worth it.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

None of my family members have worked or are currently working for district
122; or any neighboring school districts.

The business that I work for as a General Manager has no dealings with the
district. I have not done any Real Estate transactions with any Employee of
District 122. This makes me an independent voice for the taxpayer. I align myself with no one. I am not beholden to any special interest group or factions. I am independent. I'm honest and I'm proud of it. My voting record speaks for itself. If one looks at it; my basic belief that our district should deliver the best education for our children with the least impact on our taxpayers has not changed over the years.

How will you lend stability to the board?

I have repeatedly stated that you cannot change a person; you can only change
how you react to them and the situation. The board's stability should not
depend on the taxpayers ability to pay for the school district's attorney whenever a personality conflict arises. There is a fine line between stability and rubber stamping. Everyone should have the right to respectfully disagree on issues.

How will you work to balance the budget?

In my time on the board, we have operated with a balanced budget. As our fiscal challenges increase, it will become more important than ever not to
increase our debt. This means we must live within our means and not spend
more than we can receive on a yearly basis.

How will you represent all taxpayers in the district?

I have a proven record that I represent everyone. When I first moved to New
Lenox we had no children. As our children came along, they went through our
district. Preserving the quality of education in New Lenox for our grandchildren
and every child will remain my top priority. This has given me an unbiased view of the majority of the taxpayers. My voting record clearly shows that I have
represented everyone; while retaining the ability to react to the changing fiscal
landscape.

Other information pertinent to the campaign.

To contact me please visit suesmithnl.com.

I am asking for your support to remain YOUR school board member.

You can see the voting records of all the school board members at

http://www.nlsd122.org/static.asp?path=3567

There are eight candidates running for 4-year terms. 

The incumbents for the 4-year term are: 

1. Patrick Martino, incumbent
2. Deborah Kedzior, incumbent
3. Sue Smith, incumbent
4. William Pender, who was initially appointed in August to fill the remaining  two years of a term left by resigning Member Sue Gillooley.

The four newcomers are:

1. Thomas Hottinger
2. Philip Adair
3. Gregory Loock
4. Rhonda Starklauf

The candidates running for a 2-year term are:

1. Kathy Miller (incumbent)
2. Todd Hyatt (write-in candidate)

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VOTER INFO: To see your sample ballot, check if you are registered and find your designated polling location, go to the Will County Clerk's Precinct Lookup page.