Meet Mokena Village Trustee Candidate: Edward Donnelly

MOKENA, IL — Edward Donnelly is one of six candidates running for three open positions on the Village of Mokena Board of Trustees. Donnelly works as a regional account manager and is a life-long Mokena resident.

Donnelly 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: Edward C Donnelly

Age (as of Election Day):

32

Town/City of Residence:

MOKENA

Office Sought:

Village board

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

Independent

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

Bachelors of Science From Lewis University

Occupation:

Regional Account Manager (Sales) - NOW HEALTH GROUP 5 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.

Public Safety is the single most pressuring issue. I intend to help the board create a plan on building a new police station. Increase our police officers, and make sure they have the right tools to do their job. Mokena is lacking on technology for our officers. The recently purchased license plate readers need to be properly installed and working in order to combine with Frankfort and New Lenox. As of right now, only six are working properly.

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?

Being a resident for 32 years I've seen what Mokena has gone through. I want to provide transparency to our residents and make sure our residents feel safe.

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

The current board is lacking transparency to the Mokena residents. Mokena residents need to know what is going on.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Bringing in fresh ideas to today's culture and world. Insuring state of the art public safety and welcoming the Mokena community to be more involved with what is going on.

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?

I will work hard for the Mokena community. I've been here for 32 years and I plan on being here for many more.

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

Mokena needs to engage in proper fiscal managements. Four cents of every tax dollar our village receives helps the town. I will make sure Mokena will maintain this.

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

No, I plan on serving my full term.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

N/A

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

I'll be going on 33 years of living in Mokena. I've been married two years to my amazing wife Meghan and we enjoy taking our dog Murphy on long walks throughout Mokena.