Meet Alsip Mayoral Candidate John D. Ryan

ALSIP, IL — John Ryan is running for re-election to his second term as mayor, or village president of Alsip in the April 6 election. Ryan is heading the Better Government for Alsip slate. He was twice election as village trustee starting in 2011. Early voting starts March 22.

Name: John D Ryan

Age (as of Election Day): 60

Town/City of Residence: Alsip

Office Sought: Mayor (incumbent)

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race): N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Education: DeLaSalle Institite

Occupation: 4 years as Village President

Campaign website: Better Government 4 Alsip Facebook page

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Elected twice as a Village Trustee starting in 2011

The single most pressing issue facing the Village of Alsip, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Finding ways to meet debt obligations after previous the administration didn’t do more to promote policies and implement ideas that capture needed revenue.

I advocate for always living within our means, while we need to properly fund all Village departments, we never diminish services, where sacrifices are necessary.

1. I voted to approve Tier 2 policies where starting salaries and retirement insurance was reduced, but the Village still has made great benefits available to the employees.

2. I voted to reduce salaries and eliminate healthcare for elected officials, saving Alsip taxpayers $1.2 million to date.

3. I proposed and the Board approved a post-employment policy that pays-down a massive debt by over $3 million annually until its paid in 2040, and this is done before considering operation cost.

4. I proposed and the Board approved unconventional revenue ideas by adjusting telecommunication fees (paid by the providers), gasoline tax and imposed a service fee for recipients of business tax incentives who qualified for a renewal. I was the tie-breaking vote to allow Video Gaming in gas stations, electronic message boards (coming soon )and Cannabis cultivation and dispensaries (none here yet), all of which can collect over $1.3 million annually without imposing on taxpayers.

5. I’ve facilitated over $90 million of new construction within the Village during my first term in office where 9 New facilities were built, 21 New businesses opened their doors in Alsip and 6 existing businesses expanded their operations in Alsip.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake? Did not answer.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so? Did not answer.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate? Did not answer.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout? Did not answer.

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

I was handed a key on a paperclip when I was seated in 2017, as this is my full-time job. I’ve promoted 3 good $52 million budgets, last year I promoted a reduction of $2.4 million in spending, all the departments have great equipment and my appointments of department heads have managed their departments well. I have a full report to share at every meeting and I’m constantly offering legislative updates that affect our community.

I have a very good working relationship with many of our businesses, and I’ve attended many networking opportunities where I’ve made campaign donations to many on behalf of the village, but paid for by my political party. I have an assistant who does a great job representing my office, but I prefer to do all of my own emails and negotiating with prospective business interests, plus I manage 140 employees.

My opponent hasn’t offered any revenue ideas in the 3.5 years he’s been a member of the Board, except increasing annual fees on Video Gaming terminals. He rarely has a report to offer the Board. He has no management experience that I’m aware of. In 2019 he voted “Yes” to 3 collective bargaining agreements that included annual compensation increases for 120 employees, then voted “No” to a tax levy to fund those increases. That’s like running up costs on a credit card with no intention of paying the bill.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. Did not answer

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? Did not answer.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success? Did not answer.

Why should voters trust you?

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? Did not answer.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family? Did not answer.

The best advice ever shared with me was: Did not answer.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? Did not answer.