Meet Mokena Village President Candidate: Harley Schinker

MOKENA, IL — Harley Schinker is one of three candidates running for President of the Village of Mokena. Schinker is retired, but previously served as a police chief and as a commander with the Chicago Police Department.

Schinker 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:

Harley Schinker

Age (as of Election Day):

73

Town/City of Residence:

MOKENA

Office Sought:

Village board (Mayor/Village president)

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

Independent

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

Master of Public Administration

Occupation:

Retired Police Executive 40+ years.

Campaign website: Can be found here.

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.

Transparency, and public safety.

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 believe that all lives matter.

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

Nothing

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?

Now as the state number continue to decline, I agree with the reopening of businesses. Also, I would be active to opening more locations for residents to be able to obtain the vaccine in Will County especially in Mokena.

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?

State and local governments are improving the delivery of vaccine daily, and more to come as the vaccine becomes more available.

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

My history in serving in a variety of public safety positions. Also my desire for open government, and a commitment to diversity.

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

To deliver on promises they made in a timely fashion. Being open and welcoming all to participate and present their views.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Open government, timely decisions, increased public safety, more diversity in government.

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

Having been an interim village manager, police chief in two cities, and being a commander with the Chicago Police Department.

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

The keeping of promises, no flip-flopping on issues, and diversity.

Why should voters trust you?

Because I offer open government and diversity not currently in place in Mokena.

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

I am a fiscal conservative, who believes in living within a budget, and strictly control unnecessary spending.

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

None

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be devoted to your occupation, and not to a person.

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

If elected I would serve my community with honesty, seeking the input from residents and open government.