2013 Election: Joseph M. Siwinski

Name: Joseph M. Siwinski

Position Sought: Village of Mokena Trustee

Campaign Contact Information: 

www.mokena2013.com

mokena2013@gmail.com

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

To continue working toward bringing responsible economic growth and development. I believe Mokena's financial rebound will continue to outpace our region if we stay on track. We brought Meijer, JC Penny, Schilling Lumber, Petsmart, M. Cooper Supply, and many more quality businesses, which resulted in record sales tax over the past two years, all during the worst recession of our generation . If elected, I will work with all elected officials to continue strengthening our local economy and holding the line on property taxes.

Home Address: 

Mokena, IL

Family Members:

Wife: Annette Siwinski

Daughter: Cassandra Lanoue

Son: Mathew Siwinski

Education: 

Mokena Public Schools-1983

Marist High School-1987

American Institute for Paralegal Studies

Current Occupation and Employer:

President of MBLO Funding, Inc. Mokena Illinois

Managing Broker/Owner of Lincoln Way Realty Mokena Illinois

Political Party Affiliation: 

Independent
Supported by Friends of Mokena

Why are you seeking office?

Growing up in Mokena, I have always been commited to volunteering my time and energy to this great community. For 16 years, I've been proud to serve as your elected representative. In that time, I have been able to bring my years of experience and knowledge as a business owner to the business of Government. I believe that sound financial planning, and conservative values are the key to managing your tax dollars. If given the opportunity to continue to work on your behalf, I can assure you that I will continue to work tirelessly to keep Mokena affordable and a great place to live and raise your family as I have mine.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Experience. As a business owner, I have the background to undestand what factors influence a business's decision to locate in Mokena. Working with the current Village Board, I've supported the annexation and rezoning of over 500 acres of property that is now either developed or available for development. These efforts keep Mokena competitive and attractive to
desirable businesses. More quality economic development will reduce your tax burden. I believe in a smaller and more efficient government that focuses on providing quality services at the most affordable cost.

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

Remainging competitive, yet patient regarding economic development. Working closely with other taxing districts to ensure that even though we only recieve 4% of your property tax dollars, we are doing what we can to support our schools by encouraging even more economic growth. Keeping taxes low will alwyas be our biggest challenge. But ecomomic development alone will not bne enough. We need to continue to manage our budget, keep expenses down and adapt to our changing economy.

How will you address those challenges?

Mokena's economy has accelerated over the past two years and I believe that we can create more opportunities for medium and large-scale retailers. I will also continue to encourage sales tax generating businesses like Meijer, Kenworth Trucks, etc. to locate here. There is more to economic development that just a name, you have to measure the actual benefits and costs related to a development and make sure the tax payer is the actual winner. It is also important that we continue to work with existing businesses such as Berkots, to encourage their growth and sustainability.

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

My philosophy will be to remain committed to representing all of Mokena.I will cotinue to apply my knowledge and skills as a business owner on your behalf, while accepting and considering the opinion of residents, businesses and my fellow elected officials.