Willie M. Mayes Sr.: Candidate profile
Bio
Name: Willie M. Mayes Sr,
City: Aurora
Office sought: Waubonsee Community College trustee
Age: 57
Family: Husband, Father Uncle
Occupation: Retired Lieutenant Deputy Sheriff
Education: East Aurora Graduate, Transfer Degree Waubonsee Community College, Bachelor Aurora University and Master's Degree Aurora University
Civic involvement: Chairman of Aurora African America Heritage Advisory Board, Rasmussen College Criminal Justice Advisory Board
Previous elected offices held: Elected Precinct Committeeman
Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected?
Website: N/A
Facebook: N/A
Twitter: N/A
Issue questions
Describe your vision for the primary role of a community college.
While access and affordability are my vision, it is my additional personal goal to assist in providing student's workforce education and training services in District 516's portions of Kane, Kendall, DeKalb, LaSalle and Will counties. It is my belief that education is one of the primary essential ingredients for our children future success. The community college experience allows for faster and less expensive access to education. Those intending to attend a four-year university can establish great study habits and ensure their readiness by starting at the community college level of their personal journey.
How well is your community college fulfilling that role? What changes, if any, need to be made?
Waubonsee Community College is fulfilling the role because it has not become stagnant. It continues to ask how to better serve the student body and community. S.T.E.M. and S.T.E.A.M. programs are the future employment opportunities. The door to knowledge stirs up an individual's creativity and causes people to think outside the box and welcome a diverse audience while pursuing goals, dreams, and aspirations.
Are you currently employed by or retired from a school district, if so, which one? Is any member of your direct family - spouse, child or child-in-law - employed by the school district where you are seeking a school board seat?
I am not employed or retired from a school district. I also have no direct family member employed by the school district. I have done some adjunct work at Waubonsee Community College and followed the community college path during my personal educational growth. I recently resigned from Waubonsee as an Adjunct due to work commitments. I recognize the value of the community college as it pertains to my life personally and would recommend the community college experience to others in their chosen career development journey.
Is a tax rate increase needed and, if so, how do you justify it?
Waubonsee Community College is committed to transparency and being good stewards of tax dollars, student tuition, and grant/state funding. It provides a comprehensive annual financial report and an independent audit. Waubonsee Community College has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. Waubonsee Community College also participates in the Government Fiancé Offices Association (GFOA'S) best practices in community college budgeting program.
Community colleges provide many services to a diverse population. Is there a service your college should be providing that it is not, or reaching a segment of the population that it is not?
I believe it is important to continue educating the community about community college capabilities and proficiencies. The following are priorities: Ensure access, Affordability, Identify Growth Initiatives, Maintain a continuing commitment to Diversity in Recruiting and Retention. In closing, I ask for your support of my candidacy and efforts to continue to provide the opportunity to achieve one dream, the ability to assist/guide in designing one future and the pleasure of experiencing the legacy created by their pursuit.