Meet Joliet City Council Candidate: Jeremy Brzycki

JOLIET, IL — Jeremy Brzycki is one of 12 candidates running for three open at large positions on the Joliet City Council. Brzycki recently filled out the Joliet Patch candidate survey, and his answers can be found below:

Name: Jeremy Brzycki

Age (as of Election Day): 38

Office Sought: Joliet City Council

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

Education: Master's Degree in Aviation and Transportation from Lewis University

Occupation: Project Manager- 4 years

Campaign website: www.jeremyforjoliet.com

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.

The single most pressing issue facing our board is that patronage and corruption are running rampant in the city of Joliet. Too many members of the council are putting politics over people, making decisions that favor their friends rather than the good of the city. I intend to break this cycle forever by hiring only the most qualified people and making sure important decisions favor the citizens of Joliet over special interests.

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. I attended a peaceful demonstration last year with my kids and I was impressed with how the well the speakers described their experiences and feelings. We need to keep these kinds of discussions going to progress as a society.

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

We cannot have racial equality until all areas of the city receive the funding and infrastructure they need for their residents to be healthy and safe. Council members also need to be more accessible to community groups and listen when their constituents voice concerns.

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 favor restricting capacity and masks within businesses, but I do not favor any more shutdowns of businesses without sufficient relief for the business owners and workers. The constant rolling back and reinstatement of restrictions is frustrating for everyone.

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 lack of communication from the Will County health department has been frustrating. Joliet seems to have been making decent progress setting up vaccination sites, but we can't work well without proper coordination from the county and state. This is a matter of life and death for many people, so if I was on the Council I would be paying a daily visit to the Health department until we get the vaccines we need to begin distribution.

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

I'm a political outsider in Joliet. I have no connections to any government entity, and I don't own any businesses here that can cause a conflict of interest. I am only running to improve the city of Joliet. Most other candidates have vested interests here or are politically connected. I am also a middle class grassroots candidate with limited resources, just like most of other people in our city.

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

The Council is not prepared for the challenges that face our city. We are at a crossroads in the city of Joliet (literally), and the decisions made today will affect residents for generations. However, the Mayor, Jan Quillman, the rest of his coalition are more interested in winning the council "war" than doing the research and properly planning our course ahead. They are also non-responsive when residents voice their concerns.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

1. We need to drive more cooperation between the police and the community. Police should be encouraged to attend community events and communicate regularly with community groups. Body cameras are a necessity to protect the community and the good police officers.

2. Any future large projects in Joliet will commit to paying a living wage for all employees and utilize local union labor for construction. No more project approvals without a completed environmental and neighborhood impact study.

3. Protect our green spaces and heritage sites by eliminating encroachment upon them by developments. Prioritize utilization of our existing buildings over new construction whenever possible.

4. Ensure that the underserved communities in Joliet have sufficient resources. Many areas in Joliet lack sidewalks, streetlights, and other necessities.

5. Reduce crime in Joliet in all areas

6. Create more high-paying jobs in the Joliet area

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

Most of my career has been focused on transportation, so I understand challenges in that field better than most. As a part of my occupation, I travel around the country to work with multi-million dollar truck dealerships and freight customers on minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency using lean concepts. I will use this experience to ensure the city of Joliet is spending taxpayer dollars in an efficient and responsible manner.

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

Ending patronage and corruption in the city would be my biggest accomplishment.

Why should voters trust you?

I'm an honest man who wants to raise my family in a safe and prosperous Joliet. I have no interest in gaining power or influence, I am only running for office to restore the government to the people.

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

Earlier in my career, I was working with a representative of the Commonwealth of Virginia on some issues they were having with their road maintenance trucks. Whenever he had to spend money on repairs, he would frequently ask "Why do the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia have to pay for this?" I will take a similar view regarding our tax dollars; "Why should the citizens of Joliet pay for this?" The money the City Council spends is ALL of our money, so it needs to be used responsibly.

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:

Don't think that you know everything, there is always more you can learn to become the best you can be.

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

I intend to be a voice for the people and build trust in our institutions. Government needs to represent the people and not its own interests. As a Joliet City Councilman, listening is my top priority regardless of whether or not the person agrees with me. I will never be condescending to one of my constituents, instead I will give everyone's perspective and opinion my full attention and respect.

Also, as a City Councilman I will ensure that human rights are a top priority and that all people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and religion feel that they are valued and welcomed in our community.