Vanessa Sula For Plainfield Trustee: Candidate Survey

PLAINFIELD, IL — Three candidates are looking to become trustees on the Plainfield Village Board.

In the April 1 Consolidated Election, Vanessa Sula is running alongside Siv Panicker and incumbent Tom Ruane for the three open trustee seats. The expiring Village Board seats are currently held by trustees Patricia Kalkanis, Cally Larson and Ruane.

A fourth candidate, Peter Adamson, was originally in the running for trustee but was removed after the Illinois Board of Elections deemed him "ineligible" in early February, Patch reported.

RELATED: Plainfield 2025 Consolidated Election: Who Filed For Mayor, Trustee

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

Your name: Vanessa Sula

Office sought: Trustee

Campaign website: www.vanessasula.com

Town of residence: Plainfield

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race): No answer.

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: Substitute teacher in Plainfield School District 202 (3 years), Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design professional (2 years), Community Corrections (4 years)

Previous or current elected or appointed office: Village of Plainfield Plan Commission (1.5 years)

The most pressing issues facing Plainfield are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them. Safety, economic strength, and sustainability.

Safety: As a specialist in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), I am committed to designing every new development in Plainfield with the safety of all residents in mind. Simple, low-cost fixes like testing traffic calming measures allow us to immediately make a street safe for all users before we spend millions on implementation. Plainfield should be safe for everyone.

Economic strength: I will advocate for the continued economic diversity of our tax base. To alleviate our residential tax burden, we need to continue to bring businesses that will create local jobs for our residents. Imagine what the traffic patterns would look like if you only had to commute down the street to work! We must make it easier for local business owners to open up shop and succeed within our village.

Sustainability: During my time on Plan Commission, I've worked hard to fight for affordable, sustainable solutions that save the village money and enhance quality of life. Simple actions like walking or planting trees greatly impact our community. Modern options like geothermal and smart lighting need to be available and encouraged for our shared spaces, residents, and businesses.

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

What sets me apart is my commitment to continuous learning and community engagement. I don’t claim to have all the answers—but I’m always willing to do the research, listen to residents, and learn from experts. I’ve read extensively on topics like parking, placemaking, finances, and mental health. I’ve taken courses on sustainability and public health and have immersed myself in city planning through books, podcasts, and professional resources.

Honestly, I haven’t spent much time analyzing the other candidates because my focus is on what I can do to make Plainfield a better place to live. My priority is bringing informed, thoughtful, and community-driven leadership to the table.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. The way we design our village can have a large impact on mental health. When our Babi was 98 and could no longer drive, her ability to connect with the community dwindled. Her mental faculties followed shortly thereafter. I want to make sure our village develops in a way that keeps our seniors and children healthy and engaged in the community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I've pushed hard for the new lighting at the riverfront to be Dark Sky compliant.

Why should voters trust you? The only financial ties I have to Plainfield is working in the school district. As a substitute teacher in PSD202, I witness the challenges and opportunities our families face. My roles as educator, parent, and public servant fuel my commitment to listening, collaborating, and making Plainfield better for everyone.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success? I would love to see a Dark Sky ordinance passed for all new or improved developments. I would also like for us to have OPTIONS for more environmentally sustainable developments (ie. geothermal HVAC, electric water heaters, solar, etc) that are subsidized and encouraged for our shared spaces, residents, and businesses. People need to know that these options not only cost them less money in the long run, they can reduce power strain on the electric grid (especially during dramatic heat/cold snaps).

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? I am running to implement safe, innovative, and low-cost strategies that benefit all of Plainfield. I believe that our village will succeed through small, incremental growth, not huge leaps. Incremental investments allow us to fine-tune developments and become more resilient. Modest, regional investments will allow us to move the needle forward in a way that adapts to the changing needs of Plainfield instead of locking us in to 20-year agreements that no longer fit with the goals of our community. Sometimes, the simplest route is often the best. (ie. street trees are vital for pedestrian comfort and urban livability. They provide shade, cool temperatures, absorb rainwater and emissions, offer UV protection, and reduce wind effects. Trees also slow traffic and enhance walkability by creating a sense of enclosure. Their impact boosts property values, retail viability, and local tax revenue. A modest investment in our tree canopy will yield significant fiscal benefits).

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? As a specialist in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), I believe we can design a safer Plainfield by shaping our spaces with intention. By using strategies like natural surveillance, access control, territorial reinforcement, maintenance, and activating public spaces, we can create an environment that naturally deters crime. It’s not about costly or drastic changes—it’s about smart, simple choices. (Imagine planting a rosebush beneath a window instead of installing bars. Thoughtful design makes our town safer and more inviting.) Every new development in Plainfield should be built with safety in mind. By integrating CPTED principles, we can foster a community where everyone feels secure and welcome.

What is your view of the village's approach to commercial and residential development?

Residential: One in four households in our village is cost-burdened. This means that many families, including our children and aging population, face limited options for finding homes within the community. By promoting housing diversity, we can create opportunities for our children and relieve the tax burden on our parents to continue to live in the community they love.

Commercial: I will advocate for the continued economic diversity of our tax base. To alleviate our residential tax burden, we need to continue to bring businesses that will create local jobs for our residents. Imagine what the traffic patterns would look like if you only had to commute down the street to work! We must make it easier for local business owners to open up shop and succeed within our village.

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?

One of the biggest things I hear from residents is the desire for more accessible public gathering spaces, like neighborhood coffee shops, plazas, trails, and community hubs that strengthen our sense of place (third places). People want to be able to stroll through their neighborhoods, reach local businesses, and enjoy parks without feeling like they’re dodging traffic. To make this happen, we need to prioritize pedestrian-friendly infrastructure—better sidewalks, safe crossings, traffic calming, and street trees that provide shade and comfort. These require smart planning, investment, and collaboration between local government, businesses, and residents. When we build with long-term livability in mind, we create a stronger, more connected, and more resilient community.

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

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? No answer.