Joel Kurzman: Candidate For Wilmette Village President

WILMETTE, IL — Ahead of Wilmette's upcoming municipal elections, Wilmette-Kenilworth Patch provided candidate questionnaires to all candidates on the ballot.

The April 6 ballot will contain two candidates for village president and five candidates for village trustee seeing three seats on the village board.

Candidate responses are published verbatim and in the order they are received. Early voting began Monday ahead of the April 6 consolidated election.

Joel Kurzman

Age (as of Election Day)
49

Town of Residence
Wilmette

Office Sought
Village board

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

Education
A.M., Social Service Administration, University of Chicago. B.A., History, University of California at San Diego

Occupation
20+ years in health care public policy and government relations

Campaign website
www.joelforwilmette.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office
I have served the past four years as Village Trustee.

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

I answer the question in this YouTube video:

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?

I answer this question (and the question below) in this YouTube video:

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 answer this question (and the question above) in this YouTube video.

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?

Please see my Facebook Live video response to a similar question from the League of Women Voters: https://www.facebook.com/300723090297879/videos/3405144109737780

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?

Please see my Facebook Live video response to a similar question from the League of Women Voters: https://www.facebook.com/300723090297879/videos/3405144109737780

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

I am running a clean and transparent campaign that focuses on my leadership and track record of success. I do not speak about my opponent. I am pleased to share my more-than-successful track record with you via my written and video answers.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I also answer this question in the same YouTube video as above re: pressing issues

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

I answer this question (and the question below) in a YouTube video:

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

I answer this question in a YouTube video:

Why should voters trust you?

I answer this question (and the question above) in a YouTube video

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

Please see my answer to a similar question from the League of Women Voters in this Facebook Live video:
https://www.facebook.com/300723090297879/videos/475077830523805

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

Man plans, God laughs.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Man plans, God laughs.

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

To the Patch, thank you for the opportunity. To the readers, thank you for reading and/or watching my answers. Please visit www.joelforwilmette.com to learn more about me and to join my campaign. I'd also love to connect with you Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.