Meet New Lenox Township Highway Commissioner Candidate: Ron Sly

NEW LENOX, IL — Ronald Sly is one of two candidates running for New Lenox Township Highway Commissioner. Sly is the current highway commissioner for the township, and was previously the director of operations for the public works department at the Village of New Lenox before his retirement.

Sly 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: Ron Sly

Age (as of Election Day):

61

Town/City of Residence:

NEW LENOX

Office Sought:

Township board Highway Commissioner

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

Republican

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My son works for the City of Joliet in water reclamation

Education:

I attended New Lenox grade schools, Lincoln-way High School then Joliet Junior College where I studied environmental control technology.

Occupation:

For the past 4 years I have served as New Lenox Township Highway Commissioner. Prior to being elected I spent 3 years as an estimator for a local construction company preceded by 35 years with the Village of New Lenox Public Works Department. During my career with the Village I worked my way up from a laborer to Superintendent and finally to Director of Operations before retiring in 2014. Concurrently, I also worked for Joliet Junior College as an Adjunct instructor for 25 years, training water treatment personnel to pass their IEPA state certification exams.

Campaign website: Can be found here.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Currently New Lenox Township Highway Commissioner

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

I wouldn't label any single issue as the most pressing since those priorities change with the seasons. Typically the biggest "hot button" issue is snow removal. As I believe our residents will attest, New Lenox does an exceptional job with snow and ice control both at the Township and Village levels. In the spring and summer months our focus turns to drainage issues and pavement maintenance. Unfortunately this past year we experienced a devastating wind storm (Derecho) which consumed the better part of six weeks to clean up. As your Highway Commissioner I will continue to address these issues in the manner which the citizens of New Lenox have come to expect.

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?

I am a lifelong resident of New Lenox and a lifelong public servant. Through my decades of experience I have developed numerous contacts in both the public and private sectors, and at all levels of government. At the Village of New Lenox I oversaw many projects including the development of the Commons, construction of the Village Hall and bringing Lake Michigan water from Tinley Park, through Mokena to New Lenox. This experience coupled with my private sector work as an estimator gives me a unique ability to get the work done in the most cost-effective manner, which ultimately benefits the taxpayers.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Being responsive to all our residents is very important. We strive to answer all complaints and inquiries in a timely manner, including those which don't fall under the jurisdiction of the Township Highway Department. Knowing the runaround that callers often experience, my department makes that extra effort to forward any concerns to the appropriate agency. Having decades of experience and numerous personal connections greatly simplifies this additional effort.

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

Aside from my decades of experience with the Village of New Lenox managing numerous projects and scores of employees, I would cite the past 4 years as Highway Commissioner. Overall we continue to receive high marks from the residents living in the unincorporated areas of New Lenox Township; those which we serve directly. I would like to have another 4 years to continue with that level of service.

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

Knowing the citizens of our community feel satisfied with the services we provide.

Why should voters trust you?

I always try to give residents a realistic answer to their concerns. It may not always be what they want to hear, but we always make every effort within the constraints of our time, manpower and budget to address their issues.

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

As the level of government closest to the people, local government needs to be as fiscally responsible as possible. New Lenox Township has a long record of low tax rates. Through my years of government experience ,often dealing with budget cutbacks and competing interests I have learned to stretch my available funds while still getting the job done.

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:

Do your best to respond to every complaint in a timely manner. No one like to feel as if their concerns are being ignored.

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

I have been married to my wife Lisa for 39 years. I have two successful children, both with wonderful spouses, and 4 incredible grandsons. All living in our community.