Review the candidates who will be on the ballot in the March Homwood elections.
Review the candidates who will be on the ballot in the March elections for the Village of Homewood.
VILLAGE PRESIDENT (4-year term)
Richard A. Hofeld, age not given
Education: B.S. B.A., major Accounting
Occupation: Business Owner of HouseMaster Home Inspections
Current Employer: HouseMaster Home Inspections
Family: not submitted
Incumbent: Yes
Other elected positions:
Most important issues:
- Construction of a new water supply from Hammond is our largest public works undertaking. This will provide Homewood with a safe, reliable source of Lake Michigan water at an established 25-year rate. This will be done without issuance of debt. Cash reserves previously established will pay for this project.
- Construction of a new METRA station, and AMTRAK platform: the former paid through grants to the Village of Homewood, the latter by AMTRAK.
Goals:
- Complete a storm water relief program for the residents along Ridge Road, east of Riegel Road. Engineering is being finalized and construction grants are being procured
- After completing our water connection to Hammond, continue to build reserves in the water fund, to use for a village-wide program to replace lead service lines.
- Continue our economic development efforts to keep our business areas viable, offering shoppers and diners choices while providing a steady source of sales tax revenue.
- Enhance village-wide tree reforestation. Our urban forest has suffered large losses of late. Increase our spending for tree replacement through grants and other funding options.
- Convert the Village Hall Auditorium into a Performing Arts Center. This would provide an entertainment venue in our downtown for “name acts” as well as local productions. Grants will be sought for this project.
- Continued support for the Homewood Science Center.
VILLAGE CLERK (One 4-year term)
Marilyn Thomas, age 69
Education: B.A., University of Illinois at Chicago; M.A., Governors State University
Occupation: Reporter, full-time for The Times of Northwest Indiana; Reporter, part-time, Chicago Tribune; Public Relations Staff at Governors State University; Public Relations Director, The John Marshall Law School, Chicago
Current employer: Co-owner, Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle
Family: Husband, Donald, and daughter, Brigid
Incumbent? Yes, 6 years
Other elected positions? No
Most important issues: To work with staff to record and report on the village
board’s actions at every public meeting.
Goals: My primary goal is to keep accurate official records of the village. By attending each board meeting and executive session, I am keeping a record of the village board’s proceedings. This is paramount. Not only are the minutes a record for posterity, they also are a record of all actions by the board as they pertain to village government–how trustees’ actions follow the village’s ordinances, how they spend tax dollars and how they direct staff to work for the well-being and safety of the residents.
VILLAGE TRUSTEE
(Three 4-year terms)
Barbara Dawkins, age 49
Education: B.A. Northwestern University, 1994; J.D. Vanderbilt University, 1998
Occupation: Attorney for 22 years
Current employer: Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office
Family: widow, resides with her 7-year-old son, Giles; and her 89-year-old father, Bobby Dawkins
Incumbent? Yes, 12 years
Other elected positions? I previously served on the Fire and Police Commission. That was an appointment.
Most important issues:
- Ensuring the residents have a safe, clean and reliable water supply.
- Continuing to maintain and attract business development to give residents options, and relieve their tax burden.
- Maintaining both public safety and procedural fairness for the accused.
- Working to hold utilities accountable for the service they provide or don’t provide residents (i.e. internet service).
- Maintaining infrastructure.
- Though Cook County government has been tasked with dissemination of the COVID vaccine, the village should play whatever role is necessary or possible in getting the residents vaccinated as soon as possible. This could be lending assistance in administering the vaccine, providing a space for the vaccinations to be administered, educating residents, or anything else that would facilitate these efforts.
- Safeguarding the interests of the Governors Park residents and the greater Homewood community during the redevelopment of Calumet Country Club.
Vivian Harris-Jones, age 62
Education: Associate Degree, Catherine College, 1982
Occupation: Executive Legal Assistant; over 20 years of experience has taught me how to work as part of a team to get the job done.
Current employer: Sunrise Senior Living of Flossmoor
Family: Married to Joe; two adult children.
Incumbent? No
Other elected positions? Since 2016, I have served as a volunteer member for the Village of Homewood Beautification Committee. This volunteer position has enabled me to work with a team of great members to beautify downtown Homewood and the various planters throughout Homewood.
Most important issues: Funding for our schools, property values and property taxes are priorities based on the current unprecedented times. Therefore, I hope to address these issues impacting our community by keeping Homewood a viable and affordable community in which to live.
Goals: I would like to ensure the health, welfare and safety of village residents, guests and businesses by providing the necessary tools to provide excellent public safety services: including EMS, fire, police, public works and emergency management. I want to work with village officials to continue to bring in businesses that enhance long-term stability to our community. I hope to encourage all residents to attend village board meetings (ensuring recommended social distancing) and become involved in our community by volunteering their time and participating in the H-F Park District activities (again, ensuring recommended social distancing).
Lauren Roman
No response.
