Candidate Profile: Tom Weigel For Will County Board D12
NEW LENOX, IL — Election Day is only a few weeks away, and there are plenty of candidates eager to serve in elected office. Eyes are primarily focused on the presidential election, but voters will also decide the outcome of seats in more local races as well.
In Will County, there are two positions up for election for Will County Board Member for District 12. Republican Tom Weigel, Democrat JoAnne Hamilton-Gunkel, Republican Frankie Pretzel and Democrat Erin Moncek are vying for the two positions.
Weigel recently filled out a questionnaire from Patch, and his answers can be found below:
Tom Weigel
Age (as of Election Day): 77
Town/City of Residence: New Lenox
Office Sought: County office
Party Affiliation: Republican
Family: Wife, Nancy
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No
Education: Graduate of Northern Illinois University
Occupation: Retired after 34 years at EJ&E Railway Co. as Environmental Engineer
Campaign website: None
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Current County Board Member, former New Lenox Village Trustee
The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it: Issue of congestion on our roads due to truck traffic. I support the present study of designating truck routes. The routes should be away from residential neighborhoods. Trucks should be required to use Interstate Highways and State Highways where possible, and major arterial roadways. The Illiana Expressway should be built to relieve traffic from I-80 and I-55. Trucks would be encouraged to take the new expressway in southern Will County rather than go north where most residents reside.
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 am sure that Black Lives Matter just as much as everyone else. I support diversity and helping disadvantaged minorities. I think people who shoot others, loot stores and hijack cars should be arrested and locked up.
What are your thoughts on the campaign to "defund" the police? I support the police. They may need additional training on how to handle situations and not be quick to shoot potential offenders. I do not believe reducing the number of police will solve crime problems.
What are your thoughts on the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic? Do you favor such measures as limiting operation of non-essential businesses or restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a nationwide mask mandate? I think eliminating indoor dining is a mistake. Increasing the distance between tables should be sufficient along with a national mask policy.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I have the most experience in local government by having 15 years on the County Board. I was Chairman of the Land Use and Development Committee for several years. During that time we updated zoning ordinances and building codes. We improved our Conservation Design Subdivision Ordinance by adding more open space. We added Green Building design codes. We were publicly recognized for our efforts by the Three Rivers Realtors Association.
If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency): N/A
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: The county should be fiscally responsible and not keep raising taxes. I have supported road improvements at busy intersections with turn lanes and signalization to increase traffic flow.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I was Chairman of the Land Use and Development Committee for several years. This was when the Republicans had a majority on the County Board as was when the Democrats had a majority.
If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success? A improved designated truck routing system in the county would be a great accomplishment.
Why should voters trust you? I have always tried to give straight answers to my constituents when they have questions or concerns.
What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? I do not believe that the County should tax to the max. Last year I tried to reduce the amount of property taxes being levied, but I was overruled by the Democrats. The Democrats also increased the motor fuel tax, which I think is unnecessary as the county has a backlog of funds available.
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: If you want good government you should take the initiative to do it yourself.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I am a member of the Will County Local Emergency Planning Committee. I am a Board Member and Treasurer of the New Century Federal Credit Union which has offices in Joliet and New Lenox. I am a member of St. Jude Church in New Lenox and Knights of Columbus. I am a Veteran of Illinois Army National Guard. I have been endorsed by Mayor Tim Baldermann of New Lenox and Mayor Frank Fliescher of Mokena. I have been supported by Will County Republican Party leaders, individual citizens, businesses and labor Organizations.
Election Day is Nov. 3.
Related: New Lenox Voter Guide 2020
This article originally appeared on the New Lenox Patch
