Meet Frankfort Village President Candidate: John Clavio

FRANKFORT, IL — John Clavio is one of two candidates running for Village President of Frankfort. Clavio is an attorney, and operates a practice in Frankfort. He is a current Village Trustee and also previously served as a trustee for Frankfort Library.

Clavio recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and his 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:

John C. Clavio

Age (as of Election Day):

52

Town/City of Residence:

Frankfort, Illinois

Office Sought:

Village board (Mayor)

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

Independent - This is not a partisan race

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

Lewis University, Romeoville, Illinois - Criminal/Social Justice Major
The John Marshall Law School - Juris Doctorate

Occupation:

Attorney/Partner - Clavio, Van Ordstrand & Assoc, LLP - June 2018 to Present
Attorney/Owner - Clavio Law Offices PC - October 2001 to June 2018
Attorney - McDonald's Corporation - February 1997 to October 2001

Campaign website: Can be found here.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Village of Frankfort Trustee - 2017 to Present
Frankfort Library District Trustee - 2009 to 2015

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

Retaining existing businesses and filling the vacant storefronts. My experience in commercial and residential real estate over the years has forged relationships with builders, developers and unique business owners. The first step is to communicate our needs and expectations and develop a cohesive plan for our residents, business owners and the members of our surrounding communities.

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?

Per the Village of Frankfort ordinances, any use of public property, for demonstrations or otherwise are required to obtain a permit first. The permit requirement allows the Village and its staff to prepare for the size of the event and ensure that public safety of residents, participants, onlookers and public property are secured. As Mayor I have no intention of seeking to change this ordinance.

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

During my time as a Village Trustee, the Village Board and staff have never condoned, and in fact has openly stated that discrimination of any sort has no place in Frankfort.

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 it is fair to say that none of us were prepared for the COVID-19 virus. We all continue to navigate through this with ever-changing information. The Village of Frankfort does not have its own health department. For this reason we received direction and guidance from the county and the state. I favor public safety. However that must be balanced with the economic losses that may be suffered by the businesses in our community.

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?

The Village of Frankfort does not have its own health department. While the Village may not be able to administer the vaccine, it is appropriate to allow the use of government and park district facilities in cooperation with those that are able to administer the vaccine to assist with the rollout.

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

My opponent and I are both sitting Village Trustees. In many cases our voting records are consistent. I believe that my professional experience along with my role over the past years as the Plan Commission Liaison to the Village Board better position me to serve the Frankfort community as Mayor.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Maintaining Frankfort's quality of living and residential standards.
Revitalizing our business community after the pandemic and other adverse conditions.

Recruiting and mentoring our younger adult residents to lead Frankfort in the future.

Increasing communication to our residents.

Maintaining a safe living environment for all residents.

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

In 2001, after being downsized from McDonald's Corporation, I started my law practice with nothing. 20 years later that practice has grown into a Law Partnership working with thousands of clients. Throughout the 20 years, it has not all been positive. As any business owner you are dealt, curves, diversions and challenges. In dealing with those you grow as an individual and a business owner. As Mayor, I am certain I will be presented with curves, diversions and challenges. My legal training and experience over the years, coupled with my vast volunteer contributions have prepared me to be Mayor of Frankfort.

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

There is no single one accomplishment that would determine my tenor as Mayor a success. Success for my term is to leave with Frankfort a better place than when I begin my term.

Why should voters trust you?

Living in Frankfort for over 20 years and having my business in Frankfort for 20 years I am extremely vested in the Village of Frankfort. I will always have an open ear for the voters, residents, village board and village staff of Frankfort. While we may not always agree, I will maintain respect for each and every one at all times.

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

Government spending needs to be constantly reviewed and scrutinized to ensure that taxpayer funds are utilized appropriately and for the benefit of the entire community. Government spending needs to prioritize funding for public safety, road improvements and infrastructure.

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

No. In no way am I looking to utilize the role of Mayor as a stepping stone for another political role or appointment. Nor do I have desire to seek higher political office. If by chance something were presented, I would complete my term and then pursue after my term is completed. This is exactly what I did when I was a Library District Trustee. I was asked to seek reelection at the end of my term. Knowing that I was interested in running for Village Trustee, I declined reelection and then ran in the next Village Trustee's election. Which is the position I now hold. Likewise, my current term as Village Trustee expires this April. I will not be leaving a balance on my term by serving as Mayor.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

No particular words....Rather the living examples and actions of my parents and grandparents each and everyday they were on this earth.

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

I sincerely thank all of you for the opportunity to serve the Frankfort community as a Trustee, a volunteer and as your Mayor. I respectfully ask that you cast your vote for me, John C. Clavio.