Meet Alsip Mayoral Candidate Michael Zielinski

ALSIP, IL — Michael Zielinski is running for mayor of Alsip as the challenger in the April 6 election. He was elected to his current office of village trustee in 2017. Zielinski is heading the Alsip Alliance slate. Early voting starts March 22.

Name: Michael Zielinski

Age (as of Election Day): 52

Town/City of Residence: Alsip

Office Sought: Mayor of Alsip (challenger)

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race): Non-Partisan

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

Education: Richards High School, Moraine Valley Community College

Occupation: Journeyman Ironworker -- Ironworkers Local 1 for 17 years; Village of Alsip Trustee since 2017

Campaign website: AlsipCA.com and AlsipCA Facebook page

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Elected Village of Alsip Trustee since 2017

Appointed Planning and Zoning Commissioner 2015-2017

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

There are many issues. Enforcing government transparency. Diversifying our economy. Continue to fight to improve our postal system 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?

I believe everyone should treat everyone else with equal respect and dignity, and the government has a higher standard to treat everyone equally under the law. I don't believe government officials should align themselves with any single group or slogan, some of which may be well-intentioned but counterproductive when seen as pitting one group against another. I expect our police officers to follow the letter of the law and the spirit of the law like all our officials and employees. I support any residents' right to protest if they feel we are not treating them fairly.

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

Yes. Alsip is a diverse community that welcomes all who come here.

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?

I believe national and local governments are doing the best they can in this unprecedented time. I believe businesses should be operating safely with the protective measures set forth by Illinois state law. As a municipality we cannot override the Governor's orders even if we did disagree with the mask mandate or business restrictions.

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?

If elected mayor, I will cooperate with state and federal efforts to coordinate the vaccine rollout any way I can. To me, the sooner we all get vaccinated, the faster we can bring our economy up to full speed while preserving as many lives as possible.

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

I believe that the current mayor seeking re-election has favored families and businesses based on their political contribution and/or political affiliation. I, on the other hand, believe that every resident in Alsip has an equal voice in our community, and that every business should have an equal opportunity to prosper. I will not play favorites and I will definitely not allow PAY FOR PLAY.

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

Certain decisions made by the current Mayor have been more self-serving rather than having the best interests of Alsip and its residents. The current Mayor John Ryan campaigned for "cutting the fat" and then raised the Mayoral salary. He also failed the village by voting in the SafeSpeed Red Light Camera Company, which I voted against, and therefore put the Village of Alsip and John Ryan under investigation by the FBI.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform?

I plan to enforce government transparency, fight to improve mail service for Alsip, increase economic development, and support our police, firefighters and all first responders.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have 6 years' experience with the Village of Alsip. The past 4 years I have been an elected Trustee for the village making critical decisions regarding finance and legislation, and from 2015 to 2017 I was an appointed commissioner on Planning and Zoning, which is a committee that acts on measures affecting residential and business districts.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

Over the next four years, I have three major goals. First, I would like to identify exactly what long term infrastructure projects will need to be financed so we don't push major repairs off on the next generation while endangering people in the interim. Second, I would like to make sure Alsip takes a lead in regional economic development so that we can properly diversify our economy to be able to better survive future economic downturns. Third, I want to include a realistic assessment of all current and future expenses when we prepare our annual budget so that we do not pass major expenditures off on future generations. Just like in our personal lives and in business, responsible government officials need to plan for tomorrow but also for 20 years in the future.

Why should voters trust you?

I have served the Village of Alsip with honesty and integrity. I have and will continue to give consideration to the concerns of the residents and businesses before making any voting decisions.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

As I stated above, we need to plan for tomorrow and for 20 years from now, and all financial decisions have to be made on what we need and not what we want. Property taxes and taxes in general in Illinois are out of control and residents are not getting a fair return on their tax dollars. I find it especially upsetting that 1 out of every 4 dollars I send to Springfield is spent on interest payments and debts instead of actual services. I will not allow that to happen to Alsip.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family? No.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Always be honest and whatever you do, always give 100%.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am very approachable and willing to listen to any thoughts or concerns from residents and businesses.