Election 2021: Village of Mokena Mayor
Pictured (left to right) are Mokena mayoral candidates: incumbent Mayor Frank A. Fleischer; Harley M. Schinker; and write-in candidate Nick Sunzere. PHOTOS SUBMITTED
By Jon DePaolis
MOKENA, Ill. — Election Day is Tuesday, April 6. To help voters learn a little more about the candidates running for the Village of Mokena mayoral position, Richard Free Press sent out candidate profiles to those running. The profiles have been edited slightly for spelling and grammar.
The candidates are incumbent Mayor Frank A. Fleischer, Harley M. Schinker and write-in candidate Nick Sunzere.
Biographies
Frank A. Fleischer
Age: 71
Previous Political Experience: Village president (2014-present); Village trustee (1987-2003); Plan Commission member (1985-1987)
Occupation: Retired, formerly Illinois Bell
Endorsements: Frankfort Mayor Jim Holland; New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann; Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau; former Illinois State Rep. Margo McDermed; former Will County Board Member Ray Tuminello
Harley M. Schinker
Age: 73
Previous Political Experience: None
Occupation: Retired
Endorsements: Metropolitan Alliance of Police Mokena Chapter 732
Nick Sunzere (write-in)
Age: 38
Previous Political Experience: Local president of Frankfort Firefighters Local 4338
Occupation: Firefighter/paramedic with Frankfort Fire Protection District
Endorsements: Frankfort Firefighters Local 4338, Manhattan Professional Firefighters Local 4991, Orland Professional Fire Fighters Local No. 2754, New Lenox Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 5097, Sheet Metal Workers Local Union 265, and the Will & Grundy Counties Building Trades Council
Question 1: Where do you stand on the need for a new police facility in the Village? How do you plan to pay for it, and where do you think it would be best located?
Fleischer: I believe the Village of Mokena needs a new police station/public safety building, and I have formed a committee to complete that project. During my entire time of service with the Village — as a Plan Commission member, trustee and now mayor — the Village has always been fiscally responsible. The Village budgeted properly over time and now we can pay for the wastewater treatment plant renovations to the tune of $11.2 million without impacting taxpayers. This now allows us to employ a similar process for the new police station. In 2007, the Village Board did a comprehensive assessment of where the new police station should be located, and I support that conclusion, which is at 104th Street and 191st Street.
Schinker: I strongly support the building of a new police facility. The need for a new police facility was identified by the Village Board and their professional consultants as far back as 2007, and the current facility can no longer support the mission of the Mokena Police Department. The current Village president has done nothing in his nearly eight years in office to address this significant deficiency in one of the most important services provided to the residents. It was only after candidate filings were announced, and he would for the first time face an opponent, that he announced moving forward on the building of a new police station. If elected, I would work to make sure a new police facility is constructed. The Village has identified $7 million that will be available for the building of a new facility. This is a start. Cost and funding cannot be completely explored until the final plans for the facility and engineering studies have been completed. My goal would be to pay for the facility using available cash on hand and without a property tax increase. With some budgetary belt-tightening, I would hope that we could get near the amount needed. One area that comes to mind is the recently passed increases to the Village president, liquor commissioner and trustee salaries (for those elected this year). With historically low interest rates, and our high bond rating, I am not opposed to borrowing a limited amount to build a facility that would serve us now and into the future. I personally do not feel this is the absolute best location, due to the proximity of residential areas, however changing the location at this time may be too costly and would result in extensive delays in completing this much need facility. Therefore, I would try to mitigate any concerns that nearby residents may have.
Sunzere: The new police station is definitely needed. The current facility is outdated, not big enough for the current workforce, and lacks modern technology. Paying for it will be easy as the current administration has already saved enough to pay cash for it. While I think it was unwise for the current Village Board to save such a large amount of cash while Village departments — including the police department — were forced to work out of antiquated and obsolete facilities [and] work with old, outdated equipment, it will be a plus not to have to borrow to get a new up-to-date facility. Since the financing is done, according to the current Village Board, my focus will be on designing a building that will be adaptable to modernization and capable of fulfilling the needs of the Village for years to come. I feel a good location would be off 191st, as proposed. This location, while not as centralized as the current police department facility, will allow easy access to most of the Village. It will also free up space in the downtown Mokena area for future redevelopment of Front street, something I know is important to the residents.
Question 2: What do you feel is the best process to find a new police chief for the Village, and if elected or re-elected as mayor, how do you propose to implement that process?
Fleischer: I believe the best process is the one we have already started: We have a committee, including Interim Police Chief Tim McCarthy, formed to interview both internal and external candidates, and then that committee will bring the best candidates forward to the full Board to review. Once that process is completed, the appointment will be made.
Schinker: I believe the process of selecting the new chief is already in progress and that the new chief may be selected before the election is held. The next chief will have his or her work cut out for them because of the many personnel issues the department has experienced in the past several months and the resulting low morale of the officers. History has shown that the successful chiefs have come from within the department. The process to select a new police chief must begin by first determining if there are any internal members of the department interested in becoming the chief, and if they possess the traits and skills required of a chief. The selection process should be multifaceted and consist of the submission of a resume, training, work history, background investigation, written questions, and an oral board. This should be conducted by a police professional and members of the Board of Trustees. The top applicants would be referred to the entire Board of Trustees and the Village president who will make the decision on the new chief.
Sunzere: I feel the best process for filling the position of police chief is first starting with a candidate profile to determine the qualities and qualifications the selection committee should look for in a new chief. That means we need a diverse focus group not only made up of Village Board members and Village administration but also members from the community and the police department to determine these qualities and qualifications. They can then relay these wants to the selection committee to guide them to an appropriate candidate. From there, we need to openly advertise the position and seek out and encourage candidates known to the area to apply for the position. We can employ the use of a firm to promote the position nationally as well as local police organizations to capture local candidates that understand policing in the area and the dynamics a police chief will face in a Village like Mokena. I’m a big proponent of promoting from within if a candidate is available and up to the challenge. It’s good for morale, and candidates from within tend to be more passionate and invested in the community they have served for years. For that to be possible, though, members need to be mentored and identified earlier on. It’s imperative the new police chief sees this and works to build a department with a professional depth so deep they can leave at any time, and the department doesn’t skip a beat.
Question 3: Public safety has been a concern on the top of residents’ minds the past two years as a string of car burglaries and thefts led to changes In policing and efforts by the Village Board to fund more strategies to deter crime. How do you plan to address public safety issues as mayor?
Fleischer: The police officers of the Village of Mokena have done an excellent job. As mayor, my job is to listen to our professional law enforcement officers and put them in the best place to succeed. When car burglaries occurred, the police department developed strategies to address the problem and the entire Village Board supported them. We coordinated efforts with surrounding communities. As a result, we implemented license plate cameras to aid our police. Recently, the Village approved the purchase of two drones to assist in policing the Village. As always, the Board will maintain a professionally trained and staffed police force. That is what we must do: Identify the issue, develop a course of action, and then support our officers.
Schinker: I would provide the technology needed to combat these types of crimes, such as the latest computer technology in crime reporting and predicting trends. The license plate recognition system was a good start, and once functioning, it will be part of a network with our neighboring villages. As Village president, I would work with Board of Trustees to ensure that our police department has proper staffing to ensure manpower can be devoted to combat crime on all shifts. Proper staffing would also allow the police department to develop crime fighting missions without neglecting basic police functions.
Sunzere: To address the public safety issues that have plagued the south suburbs over the last few years, the first step is hiring a strong leader for the position of police chief. Without a strong communicator, visionary and leader, we can employ all the technology and hire as many police officers as we want, but nothing will change. Leadership, communication and vision are what will make Mokena successful in this arena. Other important things are working to build stronger and more fluid working relationships with surrounding towns and villages. That means planning and training together. This will promote more asset-sharing, both technologically and workforce-wise, to address these issues in a concerted effort as a community, not as single municipalities. Also, the installation of technology in places used by criminals to get in and out of our area, coupled with real-time information sharing between agencies, will significantly diminish the perpetrators’ ease of movement and will push them to go elsewhere. Lastly, we have to insist on strong and swift prosecution of offenders to deter them even more. We must keep pressure on the states attorneys’ office to provide fair and warranted justice for these crimes. Criminals take lack of prosecution as an invitation. We have to send the right message. That message is crime is not tolerated here in Mokena.
Question 4: There has long been talk to make improvements to the downtown district to create a more vibrant area of town. Is this an important issue to you? If so, what do you plan to do to build up that area of Mokena? If not, where else do you see room for improvement or growth in the Village?
Fleischer: Yes, anybody that knows me knows the downtown district of Mokena is important to me. The Village has invested in that project by cleaning up an old, dangerous industrial site and by implementing a tax incentive district to help stimulate new growth. Presently, our traditional downtown area has over 30 businesses not including the many new businesses in the Mokena Video building. We have added to the curb appeal of our downtown by improving the landscaping, adding brick pavers and placing flowerpots. We will continue to support that goal while balancing the strategic growth of our industrial and commercial areas along I-80. We have purposefully created a diverse tax base which promotes the success of both our downtown and I-80/191st Street corridor.
Schinker: The current Village president and Board of Trustees have turned away businesses (such as the Belle Tire location near 191st Street) that potentially would have generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales tax revenue a year. This additional revenue could have been used to pay for downtown improvements. I would welcome and encourage new sales tax-producing development. The downtown area is a TIF District. There is money available for redevelopment, but it would require private action. I would research innovative ways to use the TIF funding to benefit the downtown area. The key to the successful redevelopment on Front Street lies with the park district. They would need to develop Yunker Farm with attractions that will draw people to downtown. They proposed such a development when seeking the first referendum (20-plus years ago) but then altered the plans and built the Oaks instead. The original Yunker Farm proposal had a fishing lake, sled hill, walking paths, concert venue, gardens — all things that would bring people near Front Street. I feel we could do something similar today, and I would engage and encourage the park district to prioritize and incrementally, as funds become available, complete the Yunker Farm development.
Sunzere: Improving Front Street and downtown Mokena is very important to me, because it’s very important to the residents of Mokena. For as long as I’ve lived here, it’s been the ire of many peoples’ frustrations. There’s no reason we can’t have a similar downtown to Frankfort and other prosperous villages. I’d love a thriving farmers market or a unique food truck festival in the short-term. To address the long-term, my first step will be revisiting why the many prior proposals failed. Also, we will have to investigate what infrastructure improvements will be needed to revitalize the area and what approach we will take to accomplish it. This will entail scrapping the old and antiquated strategic plan the Village claims it is working off of now and writing a new and feasible one. This will not be a quick fix, but it’s doable if the Village Board and administration honestly confront the issue and commit to investing in the Village where the residents want them to — not where they feel the residents should want to. In the end, I envision a nice place to do some shopping, listen to some great music, and enjoy an affordable and unique meal — all within a couple of minutes from the home of our residents. With our train line and its proximity to Interstate 80, it’s also a prime location for mixed-use retail/residential developments aimed at professionals that work in downtown Chicago that commute daily. I see so much potential and missed opportunities in downtown Mokena. I’ll make it a priority to show the other board members my vision and will guide us to success on this project.
Question 5: COVID-19 has changed how businesses operate in the short-term and possibly the long-term. How do you plan to help businesses as vaccinations eventually lead to the state returning to a new normal?
Fleischer: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone in the Village. The Village has closely monitored federal and state guidelines and programs that support both commercial and noncommercial relief. When the governor issued his executive order, basically closing down restaurants, I listened to the concerns of our restaurant owners and worked with local and state officials, including Rep. Anthony DeLuca, to expand carryout service to assist our restaurants. As a proactive measure, the Village waived certain licensing and registration fees for local businesses to mitigate the financial impact of the pandemic. The Village will continue to be an advocate for our local businesses and a resource for information and support.
Schinker: In dealing with the “new normal,” I would begin by speaking to the businesses in our Village to see what our diverse business community may need and how the Village can provide any needed assistance. I would establish open lines of communication for businesses to contact the Village as needs may develop.
Sunzere: I plan on helping the business community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic in a few different ways. First, we need to reach out to them to ask what support they need from us. We can then evaluate what we already have in place and what further resources we will need to give the assistance they are requesting. Second, over time and after additional planning, I’d like to rebrand Mokena as a destination for high-end shopping and entertainment in the south suburbs. We already have a lot to offer that people are unaware of. With the proper planning and targeted advertising, we can and will rival New Lenox and Frankfort. Additionally, I’d like to work with the Chamber of Commerce to showcase and advertise the many businesses in town to get the word out about what we already do have to offer to our residents, as well as those living in surrounding communities. This investment will pay off as more sales and traffic for the business owner translates to more revenue for us as a Village. We can also assist and add programs for advertising, search engine optimization, and marketing to help the business community gain the exposure needed to draw new customers. All this will help prop up the business community and ultimately will put them and the Village on a road to success we haven’t seen before.
Question 6: Along with that, COVID-19 has created more demand for online consumerism and less for traditional office space or retail. How do you plan to address the changing commercial landscape post-COVID to continue to attract new businesses to Mokena while also keeping the businesses that currently reside in Mokena?
Fleischer: Fortunately, the Village created and has implemented a plan that has allowed for flexible development. For example, in an area that was designed for industrial uses, we now have a regional entertainment venue — Accelerate Raceway. Recently, two new medical clinics have been approved, which is a trend in health care allowing for more immediate and local access. I have also worked with our immediate municipal neighbors to create the I-80 Commission to help create a corridor that’s attractive to new businesses. As a result of our hard work, Altorfer Caterpillar will be opening this spring. The revenue brought in by this type of clean industry allows us to boast about our low Village tax rate. As mayor, I will continue to support the type of vision and planning that can respond to a changing economy.
Schinker: I would form active committees with our businesses and be open to provide the assistance needed to ensure their continued success. I would engage with utility providers to upgrade and ensure reliable service for electric, cellular service and high-speed internet — tools necessary for work-at-home residents. Also, I would talk about reviewing ordinances and processes to make it easier for businesses in Mokena. There is some thinking that the demand for suburban office space will now increase because employees will no longer commute downtown. I would research this and engage real estate professionals and developers so the Village will be prepared to move forward quickly should such demand occur. I would also continue to talk about the development of the I-80 corridor. The Village Board and president must always promote Mokena as a great location for businesses to locate and succeed.
Sunzere: The best way to attract new commercial and retail to Mokena is to show the prospective business owners and tenants Mokena has quality workers to hire and the consumers needed to grow a thriving business. Brick and mortar storefronts will always be in demand, especially if the area has a consumer base that patronizes them. That’s why the advertisement and marketing of Mokena is so important. This global approach of marketing ourselves to business owners and simultaneously advertising to end consumers is so crucial to our success and one I feel the current mayor and board has missed the mark on. It’s great they have doubled our revenue, but when Frankfort and New Lenox are still outpacing us, it’s inappropriate to pat yourself on the back. This approach is proven and will ensure we are an attractive option to businesses and consumers alike for years to come. The one thing we can’t afford, which is a real possibility after this pandemic, is to let our current businesses/offices close and allow new business to look elsewhere.
Question 7: If elected or re-elected as mayor, what will be your top priorities to get accomplished during the next term?
Fleischer: My vision and my priorities for the Village of Mokena remain constant: Focus on our residents — their safety, their needs, and their families; keep Mokena a place we are all proud to call home; to enhance our downtown, so it is a destination people enjoy; to create jobs for people to work where they live; maintain the strong financial position of the Village; keep our Village services at the high standards our residents have come to expect and deserve; to create walking and bike trails to downtown and Yunker Farm; and to work with other agencies like the Will County Forest Preserve to enhance our outdoor recreation.
Schinker: Ensure the safety of our residents, by providing a properly housed, trained, equipped, and staffed police department. Open government to all residents — solicit opinions and suggestions from residents on all major projects. Treat all residents with respect. Maintain the excellent bond rating currently held by the Village. Maintain the lowest tax rate in the county. Look for opportunities to reduce overall spending. Be a sound fiscal manager. I will encourage our partners to bring back some sorely missed events, such as the Farmers/French Market. Partnering with the Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, park district, and churches will go a long way to ensure to the continued success of these events. Properly maintain all our infrastructure and ensure preventive maintenance is completed to prevent costly repairs down the road. Increase and repair walking paths and sidewalks, so that more residents can enjoy walking in more parts of the Village. Through all the above, I hope to instill in our residents a greater sense of pride in our Village.
Sunzere: My top priorities will be: Communication; transparency; business development/retention; public safety; the appointment of a new proven leader for our amazing police officers; outreach to the senior citizens, children and special needs community; and bringing the Village and its facilities up to date and able to adapt to the future needs of the Village.
Question 8: What is your vision for Mokena, and how do you plan to work toward getting Mokena to match that vision by the end of your term if elected or re-elected as mayor?
Fleischer: My vision for Mokena can be seen in my priorities. Through years of service, I have gained experience as a plan commissioner, Village trustee and now as mayor. That service has taught me that some projects — smaller projects — can be done more quickly. However, I have learned to be patient when it comes to big projects. You must have all the right people at the table, and you need to hear from the community. This includes working and having strong relationships with our state legislators, county board members and neighboring Village mayors and boards. Mokena has succeeded because it has resisted outside influences contrary to our goals and our values. My plan is simple and straightforward: Take the action necessary to keep the Village of Mokena a premier place to live; stay focused on our residents; and continue to provide core services at the high standard to which we have all enjoyed. This can only be accomplished by working with the Village Board of Trustees to create and implement a shared vision.
Schinker: My vision is to ensure that Mokena is safe and secure for our residents, businesses, and visitors. That it remains affordable to our residents, both old and new. That our residents are kept informed. That our residents can easily communicate with elected officials and the Village staff. That the Village provides core services in an efficient and effective manner. That our residents are proud to call Mokena home. I will do so by: Building a new police facility and providing for adequate police training, staffing and equipment; being fiscally responsible in all aspects of the Village by reviewing current practices and making changes where needed; opening additional lines of communication with our residents and providing additional ways for them to interact with the Village; treating all residents with respect and valuing their opinions in the decision-making process; by strongly encouraging the trustees and staff to do the same; reviewing the way Village services are provided, with an eye toward “business-best practices” and strong fiscal responsibility.
Sunzere: My vision for Mokena is the same one many residents have: A place where people come to build a life, raise a family, and retire happy; a place where strong ties to the community and volunteerism come naturally; a place where residents feel welcomed, heard and understood by their Village Board, and communication and information sharing becomes as common as a water bill going out to the residents. My vision has Mokena as a place where businesses can thrive, and people come to work. But above all else, my vision is a Mokena that is a snapshot of its residents’ wants and needs, not of its elected officials’. It’s one where the elected officials know and celebrate the fact they work for the people, and their power is derived from the people. I’ll make this vision a reality through open communication, hard work, and honest leadership. This is all possible, and I plan on winning on April 6 and proving this to Mokena. All it will take from the residents is to write my name, Nick Sunzere, in and fill in the oval next to the words “write-in” on the ballot.
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