Bobby McNeily​ For Wheaton City Council, West District: Patch Candidate Profile

Name: Robert "Bobby" McNeily

Age: 28

Position Sought: Wheaton City Councilman, West District

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Education:

-University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.A. (Music/Vocal Performance)

-Glenbard South High School, Glen Ellyn, IL

Occupation:

-Non-Profit Professional, Turning Point USA

-Active Singer and Member of the Performing Arts Industry

Why are you running?

I am driven by a passion and vision for the future of the City of Wheaton. My commitment to public service is rooted in a deep sense of gratitude and love for our community and its outstanding residents. My civic engagement and experience is vast and well-rounded. I have unique qualifications for this office, because of my community involvement and professional background.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

-Commissioner, Wheaton Community Relations Commission

-Trustee, Wheaton Mosquito Abatement District

-Milton Township Republican Precinct Committeeman

Campaign Website: www.mcneily4wheaton.com

What do you hope to accomplish in office?

I am the pro-growth candidate in this race who is committed to historical preservation.

1) We must build trust and clarity between property owners, small business owners, and government over the next several years to ensure that the concerns of our downtown small businesses are not ignored.

2) I will seek insight from the Downtown Wheaton Association and Wheaton Chamber of Commerce to address their concerns as the proposed projects (StreetScape) moves forward. Our goal should be to attract new and dynamic competitors (especially retail development) to Wheaton while ensuring those already here that they have a partner in the City of Wheaton.

3) I would like to see the Wheaton City Council adopt a Historical Preservation Ordinance in light of the decision made to remove the House of Seven Gables.

How would you hold local government employees accountable?

I pledge to promote term limits at all levels of government. I will also not accept the health insurance coverage offered to the council members, like my opponent does, because I see this role as an extension of my public service.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

We must freeze and lower property taxes in order to provide homeowner relief. The State of Illinois lost nearly 38,000 residents last year because big government policies are making it hard to work and/or retire here. As a Wheaton City Councilman, I intend to work with all units of government in order to provide tax relief while maintaining high quality city services. We can expand our tax base in a healthy manner by attracting new and dynamic businesses and retailers. Let us also strive to keep our senior citizens and young families in Wheaton by reaching these goals. It CAN be done.

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

The Wheaton City Council needs members focused on strategic planning and forward thinking to achieve the goals and challenges facing our great city. I bring community experience, leadership, and fresh ideas to the council. My career has made me a strong negotiator and I pledge to use the skills I have to work with our residents, businesses, and the city to offer the taxpayer the best community possible for those who live, work, and socialize here.

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

It would be an honor to serve the good citizens of Wheaton on the City Council. I deeply respect those currently serving on the council and will always seek to have robust discussion and approach our challenges with teamwork.

Photo provided by Bobby McNeily