Bolingbrook Election 2013 Candidate: Sheldon Watts

Campaign information 

• Website: www.facebook.com/dupagetownshipawardwinningslate
• E-mail address: s.watts1@att.net
• Phone: (708) 259-5085
• Address: 747 E. Boughton Rd. Suite 121  Bolingbrook, IL 60440

Personal information 

• Age: 37
• Family (name, relationship and age): Wife, Cherron
• Education (degree and school): Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (1998) and a Master of Business Administration (2001), both from Roosevelt University. Currently a Ph.D. candidate at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology where I am studying Organizational Leadership.
• Occupation:
• Regional Compliance Manager with a global telecommunications solutions provider
• Political party affiliation, If any: Republican
• Previous elected offices:  Current DuPage Township Trustee, Precinct Committeeman

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:

My corporate business operations management background provides me with the ability to analyze the organization’s financial reports, strategically manage the roll-out of critical organizational initiatives, manage resource utilization, and track customer / resident satisfaction.  My work related experiences have also helped me to develop a keen eye for identifying opportunities for cost savings.  My formal education that includes a BA, MBA, and currently a PhD candidate in Organizational Leadership also contributes to my qualifications to serve as a township trustee.  In addition, the fact that I am currently a township trustee and very familiar with the role, provides me the ability to offer the continuity and experience that the board needs during these challenging times.

My overall commitment to serve the youth and community at large has been displayed over the years.  Examples include: Former Zoning Board of Appeals Commissioner, Board member of the Bolingbrook Exchange Club, Member of the DuPage Township Youth Task Force, Valley View School District FANS Mentoring Program Participant, and Valley View School District Safety Committee member.  Also, during my time as township trustee I was honored to be awarded the 2012 Township “Friend of the Youth Award” by the Association of Illinois Township Committees on Youth.  My involvement in the above mentioned activities provide me with applicable experiences that add to my qualifications for the position of township trustee.

Candidate questions

Why are you running for this office? 

I am running for the office of DuPage Township Trustee because of my true passion for community service.  I have a strong desire to champion the type of forward thinking and strategic planning needed to ensure that DuPage Township remains a safe, family friendly community. Being a township trustee provides me with the opportunity to be a voice for continual improvement of services that meet the needs of the community, and are implemented in the most cost-effective manner possible.

What will be your most important priority if you get elected? 

The use of the DuPage Township’s food pantry continues to increase. The food pantry averages over 15,000 visits per year. The Township currently operates with less than 1% of the residents taxes. An important priority will be to continue to establish relationships with various businesses to help support the growing need for food supply donations. The continuation of essential youth programming, and being prepared for the expected growth in the senior population would be important priorities as well.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

My formal education… my diverse corporate background that includes results oriented business operations experience… my organizational skills and innovating thinking ability… my work ethic… my strong community involvement that includes being on the board of the Exchange Club, being a member of the VVSD Safety Committee and past Zoning Board of Appeals Commissioner experience… and my ability to work well with others, set me apart from the other candidates.

How long have you lived in your community and/or been active in local issues?

I’ve lived, and been active in the community for the last 5 ½ years. 

What's your favorite thing about DuPage Township?

My favorite thing about DuPage Township is the interaction with the community residents. The township level of government's focus on social services allows me the opportunity to be involved in developing and delivering social services that directly impact the community. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the youth when they are having fun at a township event, or hearing the words of appreciation from our senior residents, really makes DuPage Township a great place to be.

What are the biggest challenges facing DuPage Township, and how would you address them?

Ensuring that DuPage Township continues to be a place where residents can receive the assistance they need during these economically challenging times. There continues to be an increase in the number of residents that use the food pantry and request General / Emergency Assistance, (which helps with utility bills, mortgage and rent payments). Services offered also include home foreclosure counseling, which has led to over 600 homes being saved from foreclosure. Over the past 4 years, the current township leadership has been able to maintain the level of services without raising the tax levy.

Offering support to the youth in our community is another very important issue. Research shows that it cost over $140,000 to arrest and incarcerate a juvenile for 1 year. It has become critical that as a society, we are proactive in providing counseling, mentorship, tutoring, and other support services that our youth need. DuPage Township’s continued focus on the youth, along with partnerships with other youth organizations, is vital to sustaining a safe / desirable community. 

DuPage Township will need to be prepared for the expected significant growth in the senior population in the years to come. The continued development and expansion of services will need to be examined on-going to ensure that the level of services match the community’s needs.