Crystal Lake Mayoral Race: Jim Sisto Profile

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL —Three candidates are running for the open Crystal Lake mayoral seat this election. Here is the profile for Jim Sisto:

Age (as of Election Day): 56

Town/City of Residence: Crystal Lake

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

Education: MBA in Business Administration Keller Graduate School

Occupation: Sales Manager 30 years, Teacher Business classes 15 years Columbia College

Campaign website: @Sisto4 mayor

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: None

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.: With Covid-19 still here it is getting our business in Crystal Lake the help they need to survive. I intend to help them with needed assistance and then get them to thrive in late 2021.

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 in peaceful protests as they are a right of every American. Some of the protests last summer and on January 6th at the Capitol were wrong. I'm glad our protests and demonstrations last summer in Crystal Lake were peaceful.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?: I believe our current Council has listened to the concerns of all people and I will continue to make sure we listen in the future.

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 in science and I think that we need to reopen our business and schools as soon as its possible and safe. Since the state and county are in charge of the mask mandates I will try and support our efforts to getting business open at full capacity as soon as we can.

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?: It started out slow but it is getting better with more vaccines now available to more and more people every day. I will try and help to make sure everyone in Crystal Lake that wants a vaccine will get one before summer.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?: I will lead Crystal Lake far into the future with growth opportunities and not focus just on the short term.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency): I have learned that Crystal Lake has not been a good partner with other communities around us. I will work with other communities in the area to make it beneficial to all involved including Crystal Lake.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: I will do all I can to help Downtown Crystal Lake survive and thrive and also revitalize the Route 14 corridor that has been ignored the last few years.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?: I have been a volunteer and leader for many athletic and social organizations with great success in the past.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?: If I were lucky enough to win this election I believe success would be in attracting new business and restaurants to the Crystal Lake area to continue growth and lessen our tax burden.

Why should voters trust you?: I always will tell the truth even if its not what everyone wants to hear.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?: I am fiscally conservative and don't want to raise taxes if it can be avoided.

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: Be honest and tell the truth as you won't please 100% of the people ever.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?: I support teachers, fireman and policemen 100%.