Meet Joliet City Council Candidate: Glenda Wright-McCullum

JOLIET, IL — Glenda Wright-McCullum is one of 12 candidates running for three open positions on the Joliet City Council. Wright-McCullum recently filled out the Joliet Patch candidate survey, and her answers can be found below:

Name: Glenda Wright-McCullum

Age (as of Election Day): 66

Office Sought: Joliet City Council

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

Education: Associate's Degree/Honorary Doctorate of Divinity

Occupation: Minister - Property Investor

Campaign website: www.glendawrightmccullumcampai...

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Vice-Chairman of Board of Commissioners for Housing Authority of Joliet

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

A city is made strong or weak by the people who lead and live in it, in that the core of every city is it's inhabitants. The single most pressing issue facing our city is the need to connect the whole city by developing a common ground to bridge the gap of inequality between community, community leaders and city officials.

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

As a life-long resident of the city of Joliet, and being in public service for over 30 years, I am well aware of the many accomplishments that have produced major advancements for our city. These achievements have given Joliet the prowess of being the 4th largest city in the Midwest, with momentum toward becoming the 3rd largest city. Contrary to the other candidates, my focus is to forge community alliances and unify for the common goal of continued advancement.

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

Joliet has at least 4 connecting components to make it a whole city; the north side, south side, east side and west side. When any component is lacking developmentally, socially, economically, culturally, etc., the whole city becomes infected. I will work hard to promote development on the southeast side of the city that's comparable with the developments in other parts of the city; thereby, strengthening the WHOLE city.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

B.U.I.L.D. B - UILD - focus on urban development of the city's infrastructure in the areas of health, education, housing development, economic planning, street improvements, justice and cultural heritage protection: give attention to rehabilitation and reconstruction to the underdeveloped portions of the city, providing a framework for continued city growth and advancement.

U - NITE - unify communities through regular communication and meetings (town meetings per post-covid) to address core issues and concerns; formulate a united front forging an alliance with the community and its leaders; identify community strengths and weaknesses; bridge the gap of inequality between community, community leaders and city officials.
I - NVOLVE - the community through the integration of city projects and create a strong viable union by working together; to know the heartbeat of the community by becoming informed of pressing community issues
L - EAD - I will lead with integrity, trust, transparency and attentiveness; work to prepare the next generation for leadership by way of positive programs and extra-curricular activities through partnerships with the educational systems, park district, etc.
D - EVELOP - Promote economic development on the southeast side of Joliet; help individuals develop marketable skills for viable employment through apprenticeship programs; identify, educate, and develop self-employment initiatives; partner with community in the development of life skills programs, post-covid initiatives; develop programs to get kids off the streets through community center programs.

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

I have served the community in a ministerial leadership capacity for over 30 years, I know the heartbeat of the city with its strengths and weaknesses; I have led initiatives to promote character, skill building, mentorship, education, and training through workshops and seminars, I am a trusted leader in the community with proven character; My constituents and I have been successful in housing development endeavors, providing affordable housing through the Housing Authority of Joliet, the city; served in a managerial capacity for General Motors Corporation; implemented low-cost summer day camp programs for under-privileged youth; established a 501c3 organization to serve disadvantage youth; self-employed business owner involved in property rehabilitation, fragrance line distribution, music producer and recording artist, event coordinator.

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

The revitalization of the south side of Joliet.

Why should voters trust you?

My reputation precedes me as one who is honest, possessing strong character and integrity, with strong community ties.

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

Cities are built on the foundation of wisdom, proper judgment and understanding. Where there is knowledge the whole city is furnished, flourishes, thrives and grows. The city will grow and thrive when the leaders understand the needs of its communities, use wisdom to successfully address those needs, and exercise proper judgment in order to produce favorable outcomes. I believe that prudence should be exercised regarding the handling of taxpayer dollars, as it equates to the ability to provide continual city advancement that will support the residents of the city.