2019 Elections Guide: Jeffrey A. Mech, Tinley Trustee

TINLEY PARK, IL — Patch asked all candidates running for elected office in the April 2, 2019 municipal elections to participate in our voters guide. All submissions are voluntary. Those whose names are not listed chose not to respond or did not respond to requests for information. Responses are edited for style or space only.

Get to know your candidates:

Name: Jeffrey A. Mech

Age: 42

Position sought: Tinley Park Trustee

Party affiliation: Independent

Family: Wife, 2 young boys, ages 7 and 9

Education: Associates Degree from Moraine Valley Community College, attended Columbia College Chicago

Occupation: Real Estate Agent for RealtyOne & Associates, Tinley Park

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Offices: Tinley Park Environmental Enhancement Commission, Member, 7 yrs

Campaign Website: Jeff Mech for Tinley Park Trustee, Facebook

Names and offices of all family members who work in politics or government: NA

The most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and what I intend to do about it: A large majority of TP residents residing in condos and townhomes have no access to recycling everyday items. I propose to immediately open back up the 80th Avenue recycling drop-off location between the Public Works building and Police Station on weekends from 9am-5pm. A public works employee will monitor the drop-off to ensure residents are recycling appropriately. Long-term solution is to pass ordinance requiring all condo and townhome associations to offer recycling pickup for all residents.

What are the key differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I am the only candidate on the April 2 ballot who ran for Trustee in 2017. There are 8 candidates running for 3 open Trustee positions. Myself, and the other independent candidate offer an option to flipping a coin between one group, or the other.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board): On all levels of government, priorities are revealed in how taxpayer money is spent. Taxpayer money shall be spent wisely, and with discernment. My focus would be providing resources to schools, road infrastructure, and the latest technology available for law enforcement.

In what way have current officeholders of the position you're running for failed the community? How would you do better? Too much infighting. It doesn't accomplish much, and wastes time. I will first look to find common ground on any given issue presented before the board.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: There are lots of ways to make Tinley Park greener. Expanding solar by putting a 100 acre community solar farm at the former TPMHC site, and providing incentives to businesses in industrial parks to put solar on top of their warehouse roofs is a start. Encouraging zero carbon transportation, residents should be able to safely get from one side of town to the other by walking or biking. Further, I do not support more gaming machines in town. I would oppose any proposal for the TPMHC site that includes access to gambling.

If you win this position, how would you define your term in office as a success? If Tinley Park takes lead and places a high priority on implementing local initiatives to protect the environment, this will be a success, and worthwhile.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career: Tough one. I've stayed at certain jobs for too long for the stability. Once I was able to step out of my comfort zone, bigger and better things happened. If you are too comfortable, you are not growing.

Why should voters trust you? I'm running for the right reasons. This is my second time running, so I'm committed. I've introduced myself to now thousands of TP residents. I hope to have made a good first impression.

Which accomplishments do you cite as evidence you can handle this job? The most tangible is my time spent on the Tinley Park Environmental Enhancement Commission for the past 7 years. The EEC has never been more active, relevant, or visible in the community. We are excited to be planning for the 40th Annual Spring Cleanup in April. The turnout increases every year, and we are expecting no less for the 40th!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I believe in government, not skeptical of it. Democracy calls for citizens to have concern for the greater good, above their own self-interests, for it to fully function.