Terry Jones For Wheatland Township Clerk: Candidate Survey

WHEATLAND TOWNSHIP, IL — Wheatland Township leadership could completely shift in the consolidated election on April 1. Four trustee seats as well as the supervisor, highway commissioner, clerk, tax collector and assessor roles are all up for grabs.

The Democratic candidates running include incumbent Michael Crowner for supervisor, Harry Benton for highway commissioner, current trustee Terry Jones for clerk and Jim Kopchok for tax collector. Margaret Tyson, Mary Frances, Matt Glowiak and Jeff Klein are running for trustee.

Wheatland United, as the Democratic party is known, is the incumbent party.

Republicans running in the race include Brian Evans for supervisor, Bruce Darata for assessor, Todd Morse for highway commissioner, Tim Willmore for tax collector and Robert Whittier for clerk. Michael Krzywinski, David Furnish, Tom Brzyski and Randall Haap are trustee candidates.

The township is made up of 37 precincts covering parts of Aurora, Bolingbrook, Plainfield and Naperville.

Patch sent surveys to Wheatland Township candidates ahead of the election. Responses will be published as they're received. Take a look at Jones's answers below:

Your name: Terry Jones

Office sought: Township Clerk

Campaign website: www.wheatlandunited.com

Town of residence: Bolingbrook

Party affiliation (if partisan race): Democrat

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for. Yes, Jackie Traynere.

Occupation: Insurance Analyst, 4+ years

Previous or current elected or appointed office: Township trustee

The most pressing issues facing Wheatland Township are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them. Our roadways and pathways need improvement as do our website. I intend to work with the Supervisor to create better access to information for residents thru the website and perhaps a mobile app.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I truly believe in freedom of speech, access to information, and though it seems ridiculous to say, government.

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

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. The Clerk's function is to help run an orderly and productive meeting and provide information to its constituents in an effective manner. While the current Clerk has done a great job I would like to improve or build upon the success she has achieved.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I've worked hard in every role I've had in my professional career to improve processes and make things run smoother. I will bring the knowledge I've gained over the years in my previous roles to maximize the effectiveness of the Clerk position. As a former Sgt. At Arms and Board Member of the Will County Progressives, I was able to achieve such success. In my current professional career, I am making progress in changing the mindset of the professionals I work with so we can better serve our business.

Why should voters trust you? Voters should trust me because I am straightforward in my answers and responses. There is no political speech or pandering. I say what I mean and mean what I say. I believe any voter I've ever engaged with at the door canvassing with tell you the same.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success? My idea of success looks like a revamped website with more information and links to information as well as more information in people's hands i.e. the mobile app.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? We need to be fiscally responsible and maximize the return on investment for taxpayers. We should have long-term goals that benefit the residents as a whole and sometimes that means lifting up those that are struggling the most so that they may be put in a position to self-sustain.

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? Crime in our community is not a huge issue but in order to keep it that way I believe we should partner with non-profits and other government entities who are better suited to deal with crime and crime prevention.

What is your view of the village's approach to commercial and residential development? The surrounding cities incorporated within Wheatland Township could do a better job of making the pathways more connected. I would like to see better traffic patterns or traffic calming measures to reduce the possibility of drag racing and such. I would like to see more community farming options. I would like to see Naperville off coal energy supply and move to solar (every federal, state, and municipal building should have solar roofs and more). More electric car charging stations throughout the communities should be incentivized.

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? Traffic is a common area I hear residents say they want improvement on. That, to me, means more connectivity. If we can't build more highways then the ones we have need expansion. Better public transportation with better punctuality is needed. Making pathways bigger to accommodate more bicycles and electric alternatives to cars could also help alleviate congestion on the roadways.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family? None.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I believe civic engagement should be a requisite for everyone. Either donating time or working in government could give everyone an appreciation for the rights we enjoy everyday and perhaps encourage them to have more civil discourse with their neighbors. Our Democracy requires more than soldiers to defend it but common everyday citizens to stand up against fascism, communism, and other forms of government we do not believe in here in America. Nothing great is ever achieved alone, lets do it together!