Election 2025: Oak Forest Mayoral Candidate Kenneth Keeler

OAK FOREST, IL — The consolidated election is set for April 1, and Oak Forest will come out of it with a new mayor for the first time in nearly two decades.

First elected in 2009, current Mayor Hank Kuspa is not seeking re-election. Three candidates are vying for his spot: Donald Guisinger, James Hortsman, and Ken Keeler.

Patch has provided a candidate questionnaire for all three, and we're now featuring their answers in candidate profiles.

Candidate:

Kenneth Keeler

Campaign website:

WWW.KENOOTZ4MAYOR.COM

Party affiliation:

Independent

Town of residence:

Oak Forest

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.

BUSINESS OWNER IN OAK FOREST

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

ALDERMAN OF THE FIRST WARD

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

SIDEWALK AND STREET REPAIR, PLANTING AND MAINTENANCE OF TREES, MAKE OAK FOREST MORE BUSINESS FRIENDLY

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

BUSINESS EXPERIENCE AND CONNECTIONS WITH BUSINESS OWNERS AND RESIDENTS IN ALL 7 WARDS.

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

THE CURRENT COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE GOOD PEOPLE. I HAVE LEARNED MUCH ABOUT WHAT RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES WANT AND NEED. I WANT TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THEM TO IMPROVE OUR GREAT CITY.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

TRANSPARENTCY IN GOVERNMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY TO RESIDENTS AND THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY.

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

STARTED A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS AT 23 YEARS OLD THAT HAS PROVIDED EMPLOYMENT FOR HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE OVER YEARS AND THROUGH TODAY.

Why should voters trust you?

BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN THERE FOR THE PEOPLE OF OAK FOREST AND I HAVE ALWAYS GONE OUT OF MY WAY TO KEEP MY WORD TO RESIDENTS, CUSTOMERS, MY FELLOW ALDERMEN AND DEPARTMENT HEADS IN THE CITY OF OAK FOREST.

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

DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH-PROFILE BUSINESS VACANCIES AND MORE INVOLVMENT OF RESIDENTS

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

ILLINOIS TAXES ARE SOME OF THE HIGHEST N THE COUNTRY. AS CITY LEADERS, WE MOST BE AWARE THAT ANY INCREASES IN LOCAL TAXES WILL HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON BUSINESS AND RESIDENT RETENTION.

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?

EVERY CRIME IN THE CITY IS CONCERNING. I BELIEVE THE BEST WAY TO DETER VIOLENT CRIME IS ENFORCE THE UPON ALL CRIMES: CAR BREAK-INS,, VANDALISM, GRAFFITI, GUN POSSESSION CRIMES.

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

MY APPROACH IS AGGRESSIVELY MARKET OUR AVAILABLE PROPERTIES. TO ATTRACT BUSINESSES THAT RESIDENTS WANT AND NEED.

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?

THE OAK FOREST HOSPITAL SITE, THE BOWLING ALLEY PROPERTY AND THE TRAILER PARK PROPERTY. WE HAVE TO BRING IN EXPERIENCED DEVELOPERS AND USE INCENTIVES TO REDEVELOP OUR AVAILABLE PROPERTIES.

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

NONE. IF ELECTED MAYOR OF OUR CITY I WILL KEEP MY COMMITMENT TO THE VOTERS OF OAK FOREST

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

I LOVE THIS CITY AND WANT TO SEE IT PROSPER, I WILL ALWAYS PUT THE RESIDENTS FIRST - BEFORE ANY POLITICAL PARTY OR INTEREST. I HAVE BEEN THERE FOR THEM IN THE PAST AND I WILL BE THERE FOR THEM IN THE FUTURE.