2013 Election: George J. Metanias

Name: George J. Metanias

Position Sought: Re-election for Mokena Village Trustee

Campaign Contact Information: 

www.mokena2013.com, mokena2013@gmail.com

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

I have and will continue playing a significant role in encouraging meaningful economic development in Mokena. We brought in Meijers, JC Penny, Schilling Lumber, Little Guys and many more great businesses. We continue to be a competitive option for many new businesses in the years to come. Economic development is an on-going effort.We will Continue with Responsible Economic Development for years to come.

Home Address: 21362 Prestancia Dr. Mokena, IL.

Family Members:

Wife, Denise
Daughter, Vicki
Son Joe

Education: 

High School, George Washington, graduated in 1976
South Suburban College
Prarie State College
Finished Electrical Apprenticeship Program and a local 134 Electrical member

Current Occupation and Employer:

Owner of G. M. Electric, Inc.

Political Party Affiliation: Independent / Friends of Mokena

Why are you seeking office?

First of all I would like to keep Mokena headed in the right direction and KEEP OUR TAXES DOWN. I have been blessed and honored to serve as a Village Trustee for 8 years.As we have in the past I would like to continue supporting a solid financial policies that have helped Mokena achieve a AA+ Bond rating and Saved Mokena residents over 1 million dollars in interest. Mokena's Municipal Tax rate remains lower than 23 surrounding communities.I will continue Working with my fellow board members supporting responsible economic development

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have the experience as a business man and a trustee for the past 8 years to keep Mokena on track when it comes to Economic Development. Working with the current Village Board we brought over 200 new businesses to Mokena. We properly annexed and zoned many more properties, which keeps Mokena competitive. By creating a stream lined development review process it has been applauded by businesses and land owners. If you look at our past we have successfully created a clear path to attract more businesses so that we can hold the line on taxes.

In your opinion, what are the primary challenges facing the village?

We are committed and will continue to be focused on bringing meaningful business development to ensure that our taxes remain low for years to come. We must be competitive but also have patience regarding economic development. Mokena has grown without suffering the side-effects, of traffic, congestion, increase demand on services , police, etc.and that's all due to our plan for responsible economic development.

How will you address those challenges?

I will continue my focus on economic development. As the economy slowly improves we can create more opportunities for people that want to be entrepreneurs, while continue to focus on medium to large scale retailers. We also have low impact/high sales tax generating businesses like Kenworth Trucks, M. Cooper supply etc.that I will continue to courage

If elected, what will be your philosophy as a member of the village board? 

I will continue to work hard for the residence of Mokena and to represent them on there behalf. I have and will continue to respect my fellow board members, neighbors and residents I will continue to encourage responsible economic development and keep Mokana taxes low.I'll continue to support a strong fiscally conservative policies to keep Mokenas Bond Rating high and live within the means that the Village is provided by the tax payers.I have used this philosophy the past 8 years and will continue for years to come. Mokena will remain a great small town as it continues to grow.