Meet 4th Ward Ald. Candidate: John E. Harris

OAK FOREST, IL — John E. Harris is one of two candidates running for the 4th Ward Ald. seat in Oak Forest. Harris 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 yasmeen.sheikah@patch.com.

John E. Harris

Age (as of Election Day)

40

Town/City of Residence

Oak Forest

Office Sought

Village board or city council

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Some college, but I have not completed a degree as of yet.

Occupation

Logistics Manager for 5 years

Campaign website

None at this time

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Government offices: Oak Forest Park District Commissioner. Oak Forest Advisory Committee. Personal Offices: Oak Fest Commissioner. Executive board member for Illinois lacrosse officials organization GLLOA. Elected union representative within the UAW.

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

I feel that communication from our elected officials is one of the most pressing issues we face in the 4th ward. And I find it lacking substantially at this point. Over the past year our community has seen events that are extremely rare but of the utmost importance to address and the leader in the 4th ward failed us by doing nothing. From storms ripping through the area causing loss of power and damage everywhere, a pandemic that touched every aspect of all our lives, and social justice protests our Alderman in the 4th ward sat idly by and said nothing to us. Going forward I will personally build an email list to communicate to my constituents when needed and utilize social media where appropriate to inform the citizens of the 4th ward. I will also be the type of Alderman that walks the ward and speaks to people in the area directly.

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?

[Not answered]

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

[Not answered]

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?

[Not answered]

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?

[Not answered]

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

I feel that my drive to be involved and communicate with my neighbors is head and shoulders above the incumbent who has been a virtual unknown to most of the people he represents in the 4th ward. I refuse to take the stance of hiding from communication with other citizens and I actively seek interactions.

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

I believe that the current Alderman in the 4th ward has not done enough to become known to the people he signed up to represent. He is in the position to present the ideas and opinions to the citizens of the 4th ward and yet has never asked most of us what we want. From chickens in our yards to zoning changes to allow new business types in our area. His decision on issues is made without any of our input and no communication on his vote and why.

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

I believe that the leadership roles in my work life as a logistics manager and Union representative, personal life as an executive board member in Illinois lacrosse referee association GLLOA and an Oak Fest commissioner, and most importantly my government positions as Oak Forest Park District Commissioner and Citizens Advisory Committee member show that I am capable to handle the responsibilities and possess knowledge of leadership roles to be a member of the Oak Forest city council.

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

I believe that communicating to the citizens of the 4th ward in timely manners when necessary and allowing them to be more involved in the process of decision-making for the ward would make my time in office a success.

Why should voters trust you?

[Not answered]

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

Fiscal responsibility is absolutely necessary in our city as tax increases hurt people even when just small increments. We should not ever spend more than what we have. Elected officials are responsible to curtail wastes and eliminate unnecessary expenses. I oppose any tax increase that is not necessary to maintain what the city provides or ones that do not improve services from the city.

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

I see absolutely no reason why I would not complete my full term in office, if elected. If anything, I feel that taking the office without the intention to fully complete all requirements including attending all meetings or other civic functions to represent both the 4th ward and the city of Oak Forest would serve as a reason for a person to not run for any elected position. I have always been adverse to other officials that I have worked with in the past that failed to make scheduled meetings or civic events for reasons outside of health or family. An elected official, as a leader, must set aside some personal life in order to serve the constituents that elected them to the position. It is a commitment made to serve the community in every way and I hope to serve the complete term and more.

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

I have lived in Oak Forest with my wife Jamie
(who is a lifelong resident of Oak Forest) and 2 children, Nathan 7 and Ashlynn 9, for almost 10 years. Some of my past positions include Oak Forest Park District commissioner, coaching Varsity Lacrosse for District 228 for 3 years. I am an active referee in IHSA high school football and lacrosse, where I also am serving on the states lacrosse referee association executive board, GLLOA, as a mentor coordinator. I was involved in functions in the city of Oak Forest on the Citizens Advisory committee and as an Oak Fest Commissioner. I also served 3 terms(9 years) as an elected union representative in the UAW. Each one of these positions in life has given me knowledge and insight into how different governing bodies work, which is valuable information and experience to carry into an Alderman position.

Related:

Oak Forest Consolidated Elections: See Who's Running This April | Oak Forest, IL Patch