Meet New Lenox Township Collector Candidate: Sheila Corrigan

NEW LENOX, IL — Sheila Corrigan is one of two candidates running for New Lenox Township Collector. Corrigan has worked as a nurse and an attorney, and has previously served as a precinct committeeperson.

Corrigan 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:

Sheila Corrigan

Age (as of Election Day):

69

Town/City of Residence:

Joliet

Office Sought:

Township board

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

Democrat

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

Registered Nurse, Bachelor of Arts, Health Science, Juris Doctorate

Occupation:

44 years RN, 9 years practicing Attorney, currently retired

Campaign website: Can be found here.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Precinct Committee

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

Communication with the residents. Listen to what the Board has done and help get the information out especially to the Seniors. Help any board member with planning and working to improve our Township.

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 support Black Lives Matter. The true protests against violence against Mr. Floyd and Mr. Blake were amazing. But the protests that were infiltrated by and then taken over by criminal thugs to profit only themselves were VILE.

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

I don't know the answer to that question

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 think the response has been slow due to multiple reasons, failure on previous administrations to secure a national stockpile, difficulty with transportation and ability to distribute. Weather emergencies compounded the problems. I am in favor of a mask mandate. I am also in favor of opening businesses safely.

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?

Everyone needs to have patience, stop blaming others and realize not everyone can be first. Cooperation between medical facilities, health department, local government, schools, National Guard, fire protection districts, businesses and the community.

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

I have lived in the Township for 30 years, experience as a Nurse and an Attorney that required critical thinking and problem-solving.

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

The Collector position has specific duties many of which no longer require any action. The current Collector has not failed to do his job but also did not take an active role in the Board.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

N/A

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

44 years as a nurse and 9 years as an attorney taught me to see what the problems are, set priorities, and initiate and follow through with problem-solving.

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

N/A

Why should voters trust you?

I have no financial interest in this position. I am retired and only want to help our Township not only provide services to the community but help the information get out.

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?

No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.

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

N/A