Township Trustee Candidacy is a Family Affair

A Will County daughter and her father are running for township trustee seats in two Will County townships. Colleen Hassel is running for trustee in Frankfort Township and her father, Kevin Clancy, of Plainfield, is running for trustee in Plainfield Township at the same time.

The two are running as Democrats.

Hassell, 34, of Frankfort Square, said she learned how to give back to the community through her father's example. Growing up on Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood, her dad volunteered to coach softball for the three girls and one boy in the family. He was very supportive of the girls' activities, she said.

Years later, his entry into politics served as an example too. Clancy said he moved the family to Plainfield about 20 years ago. Hassell attended Plainfield High School. His interest in politics led him to get involved first at the precinct level in Plainfield. Then he advanced to take a leadership role with the Will County Democrats.

This election is the first time he decided to throw his hat in the ring and run for a trustee position. Whether he influenced Hassell or her revved-up interest in Frankfort Township inspired him remains a mystery. Nevertheless, the two decided in separate places to take an active role in politics.

The father and daughter duo share the same motivating factor, "to help people."

Hassell said she got involved in politics seriously in about 2007 when President Obama started on his campaign for his first term of office. She grew "excited" about the political process.

When asked what the effect his running for office had on his family, Clancy said that he thought it to be positive over all. Hassell, acknowledging the influence of her father’s example on her, also observed that this effort is a great civics lesson for her two young children.

“After all,” she said, “we’re influenced by our past, but we serve to make a better future.”

Both Clancy and Hassell will be appearing on the ballots in their respective townships for the consolidated election this April 9.

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