Meet Homer Township Board Trustee Candidate: Sharon Sweas

HOMER GLEN, IL — Sharon Sweas is one of eight candidates running for four open positions for trustee on the Homer Township Board. Sweas is retired, and currently serves as a trustee for the Village of Homer Glen.

Sweas 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: Sharon Sweas

Age (as of Election Day):

N/A

Town/City of Residence:

Homer Glen

Office Sought:

Township board

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

Independent

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

BA - Elementary Education

Occupation:

Retired

Campaign website: Can be found here.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Homer Glen Village Trustee

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

Improving Township assets, parks and sports fields along with augmenting senior citizen para transit and ADA accessible transportation programs under budget limitations and without increasing taxes or borrowing money. I would try to seek out more grant funding for some of these projects.

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?

N/A

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

N/A

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?

N/A

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?

N/A

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

My experience, dedication, and involvement with the community. I have been active on various committees and have been a Village Trustee for 8 years. I have also been a volunteer at many special events in the community, such as Homer Harvest Days, Stargazing and Earth Day-Arbor Day.

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:

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

N/A

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

N/A

Why should voters trust you?
N/A


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

N/A

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

N/A

The best advice ever shared with me was:

N/A

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

I have been a resident in the community for 18 years and have been active in Homer Glen and Homer Township since becoming a resident. My many experiences include being involved as a hardworking member of the committees on which I served. They are: being chosen as Mayor Pro Tem in 2016-2017, member of the Environment Committee since 2008 and then becoming Chair and Co-Chair to 2021. Served as Co-Chair on the Parks and Recreation Committee for two years, member of Administration and Finance Committee for at least 4 years, and member on special event committees, such as Earth-Day, Arbor-Day and Homer Harvest Days. Handled early voting for the Village prior to 2013 and Former Precinct Committee Person.

My goal is to work to maintain an attractive community character that protects and improves our township assets, parks and sports fields, such as the Morris Park renovation project through attracting grants and without raising taxes. I would also work to support Homer Township's role as it continues to benefit the Homer Township seniors and [those with] special needs in the community, such as expanding senior and ADA transportation programs.

Working in the corporate world for 25 years along with my past experiences and involvement with Homer Glen and Homer Township enables me to better understand our residents' needs, to listen to their concerns and make the right decisions to promote Homer Township as an exceptional and desirable community. I consider it an honor to serve the citizens of Homer Township.