People Over Politics Candidate: Joni Radaszewski​

ORLAND PARK, IL — Meet Joni Radaszewski, the Village Trustee candidate running with the People Over Politics Party in the April 2021 Consolidated Elections. The election is April 6.

Radaszewski recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and her answers can be found below.

If you are a candidate for the April election, and would like to answer our Patch candidate questionnaire, please email yasmeen.sheikah@patch.com.

Joni Radaszewski

Age (as of Election Day)

48

Town/City of Residence

Orland Park

Office sought

Village of Orland Park - Trustee

Party Affiliation

People Over Politics

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelors of Business Administration, DePaul University (with honors)

Campaign Website

https://people-op.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is Fiscal Responsibility, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Fiscal responsibility should continue to be our number one goal. We need to remain focused on doing what is best for the citizens and businesses in Orland Park. I believe we should continue to be transparent and work together as a team to accomplish our goals.

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

I am a political outsider, so I come into this with a fresh set of eyes and no agenda, yet with my many years of business and marketing experience, I want to use my background to listen to both sides, be as non-partisan as possible, and help craft a course to keep Orland Park moving forward and help the village maintain its status as a premier suburb to work, live, play, raise a family and grow a thriving business.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

While a political outsider, I have become more deeply entrenched in Orland Park, not only through living here, but moreover through my time volunteering on the Village of Orland Park’s Economic Development Advisory Board and its Technology Commission. Being involved with these groups has given me a birdseye view of what is going on in the village, and despite the many challenges COVID has wrought, I am excited for the many new businesses, restaurants, and retail establishments that are coming here. I am excited to be a part of it and do all I can to help continue that growth and success.

Why should voters trust you?

I have built trust in my business career and personal life by being a calm and patient listener and being empathic to those around me. This has helped me problem solve, build consensus, and come up with solutions that work for all in the most win/win way possible. In a politically divisive and misleading world, I’ve no room nor tolerance for word spin. I listen to issues, ask questions, and bank as much thought as possible in coming up with ideas and options to help solve problems.

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

For me, helping Orland Park become the most admired suburb in the Chicagoland area for businesses and residents would mean the most to me. As trustee, my goal is to continue down the path Mayor Pekau has paved for us in this regard and to make Orland Park an even better place than it is now while continuing to help improve our roads, parks, and neighborhoods.

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

I am a huge believer in fiscal responsibility and fanatical about debt reduction. Spending should always be well thought out and done responsibly.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

I believe that Black lives matter. I believe in transparency in proper policing, bringing those to justice who do not properly do their jobs, the 1st Amendment rights to free speech, but also helping those in law enforcement do their jobs and give praise to those that do. While law enforcement can always improve, I believe the police should be given their due for a job well done, and not only be in the news when something goes wrong.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

I believe the board has always acted in the spirit of fact and merit and has always strived to promote racial equality. When elected, I will carry that forward in the most forthright and passionate way possible.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

The virus has certainly been a scourge on all of us, and while I strongly believe in prudent science-based methodologies to protect us from the virus, I am also equally as strident in my desire to help the entire business community in ways that can allow Orland Park business to survive and thrive, and do so in a way that puts the health and safety of workers and their families first. While certainly the COVID response could have been stronger and better organized at both the national and state level, we must also realize the coronavirus is something none of us have ever dealt with in our lifetimes. Our job is to mitigate, keep people safe, but do in ways that allow us to keep living our lives in a healthy and successful way.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

The village has a vaccination plan in place. I wholeheartedly agree with getting the vaccine first and foremost to front line workers and those (i.e. elderly) most at risk. It is my goal to assist in any way possible from my trustee chair to be sure vaccines are distributed quickly and effectively to those in our population most in need.

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

No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Whenever given a chance to help someone, do so, it is a gift we should all appreciate and embrace.

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

I am a strong listener, nonpartisan, and open-minded. Again, as an outsider, while I have a passion for issues, I stand ready to hear all opinions, because once you listen, and hear what someone else has to say, that lays the foundation to build sound relationships and opportunities to work together. I am also the proud daughter of a great mom and dad (Vietnam veteran), a mom to a wonderful son who got married last year, and love spending time with my Golden Doodle, Charlie Morgan, who is so adorable, he deserved to have a middle name!