Meet Frankfort Township Trustee Candidate: Mary Beth Windberg

FRANKFORT, IL — Mary Beth Windberg is one of eight candidates running for four open positions for trustee on the Frankfort Township Board. Windberg is retired but previously worked at the Mokena Community Park District, and also served on the Mokena Community Park District Board of Commissioners from 2001-2010.

Windberg recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and her answers can be found below:

If you are a candidate for the April election, and would like to answer our Patch candidate questionnaire, please email andrea.earnest@patch.com.

Name:

Mary Beth Windberg

Age (as of Election Day):

66

Town/City of Residence:

Mokena, IL

Office Sought:

Township board

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

Democrat

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Not at this time

Education:

Associate of Arts - Joliet Junior College

Occupation:

Retired - previously Superintendent of Recreation at Mokena Community Park District for 11 years.

Campaign website: Can be found here.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Mokena Community Park District Board of Commissioners 2001-2010

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The lack of communication and transparency. Our slate would open the lines of communication, tap into technology to allow more seniors to become involved, make sure that the taxpayers of aware of what the township does and what it can offer them.

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?

Yes, I do. Both incidents point to the disparity in treatment between a white person and a Black or brown person, especially at the hands of law enforcement. Peaceful protest is an expression of freedom of speech, one of our cherished freedoms, and right now that is what is necessary to shine a light on the racial injustices in this country.

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 do not believe that they do. When Black or brown people in this community speak up, they are labeled as agitators and/or bullies by many people in this area. Those people have close ties to the current Board, who do nothing to tamp down the hateful rhetoric. This area is not very diverse, and people of color are not always welcomed. Our slate is diverse, and we will welcome all voices.

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 would definitely support mask mandates. I think overall the Illinois response has been pretty responsible, as evidenced by the current low positivity rate in the state. Locally, many municipalities have either stuck their heads in the sand or outright flouted the guidelines. The national response has seen marked improvement recently, unfortunately too late for half a million Americans.

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?

Better coordination locally would be very welcome. Will County seems to be farther behind than our neighboring counties, as far as the county government response. Our local pharmacies have been picking up the slack, but it has been extremely difficult for older seniors who don't have the ability or the resources to the technology necessary to obtain an appointment. Local governments (municipalities, townships) could set up vaccination sites, or at the least, places where seniors could get the assistance they need to get the vaccine.

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

Our slate is running on Fresh Ideas, and we mean that. We want to see programs for all ages, more accountability, less nepotism. The incumbents are running on the premise that things are just fine the way they are. Why not aim higher? Why not constantly strive to be better?

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

I am astounded at the number of people who do not even know that they live in a township. There is no outreach on the part of the current Board beyond their small geographic area. Their website is out of date. Their social media presence is negligible.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Transparency - especially in the financial arena. There is very little financial information available, and we would have budgets, monthly spending, financial audits, etc. available on the website. Community Enrichment - working collaboratively with other local organizations and taxing bodies to provide more activities for all ages.

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

As Superintendent of Recreation at Mokena Park District, I was responsible for programming for all ages, special events, preschool, the dog park, community gardens, website, social media, and more. As a Department Head, I was responsible for hiring, budgeting, staffing, and compliance with all risk management policies. I am able to multitask and prioritize - 10 years ago I went through breast cancer treatment while working full-time and attending college. I think this shows I am up for any challenge, I have the background and knowledge to handle the position, and I will work hard for the township residents, as I did for the Park District residents.

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

I would consider my term a success if services were expanded, and all of the township residents were aware of the services offered by the township.

Why should voters trust you?

I've been a resident of Mokena for 34 years. I've been an active volunteer since my children were small. I am approachable and responsive.

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

We should never outspend our means. Ideally, it would be incredible to tighten our belts and be able to give the residents a rebate of some kind. Spending should be completely transparent and open, instead of having to FOIA every little bit of financial information from the township.

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

None whatsoever. As a recent retiree, I'm eager to use my time to give back to the community.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Do what is right, not what is easy.

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

I'm outspoken about what I believe is right and just. I am very analytical and I do my research on issues before I make a decision. I am a loyal friend. I love my community, and I want to make it the best it can be.