Willie Davismckennie: 2021 candidate for Mundelein trustee
7 candidates running for 3, 4-year seats
Bio
City: Mundelein
Age: 58
Occupation: Cabinet maker for 22 Wood Works
Civic involvement: Knights of Columbus; usher for Santa Maria church; Board of Regents, Luther College
Q&A
Q: How do you view your role in confronting the pandemic: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents - even ones with whom you disagree - or defer to state and federal authorities?
A: Well, until we can get C-19 under control. We need to keep enforcing the need to wear a mask and also keeping some social distance. Hey, everyone will not be on your side with some of the decisions that are being made, but we need to do our best to keep the public safe based off of the information the medical experts recommend.
Q: Did your town continue to adequately serve its constituents during the disruptions caused by the pandemic? If so, please cite an example of how it successfully adjusted to providing services. If not, please cite a specific example of what could have been done better.
A: Yes, I did see that the town did try to help out the restaurants with tents and heaters.
Q: In light of our experiences with COVID-19, what safeguards/guidelines should you put in place to address any future public health crises?
A: First make sure the public safety workers have PPE, because they are the first one that the community will call on for help. Also, keep the community informed of any great changes.
Q: What cuts can local government make to reduce the burden of the pandemic on taxpayers?
A: Cut off capital building projects for a moment. We still need to do road and infrastructure repairs, but we can put off other projects.
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the stance your board/council has taken on permitting recreational marijuana sales in the community? What would you change about that stance, if you could?
A: I agree with the decision on the sale of marijuana. This is great base for good tax dollars. Just like in the 1920s liquor was out lawed. Now look at the tax dollars it has generated. I'm not a user of marijuana, but when people use it they are chilling out not, harming anyone. Liquor on the other hand, people get more worked up and loud, causing stress on the police force, doctors, their family, fights and so on. So people were not happy about this being in our town. I can go on and on about this but, I just want to say it's not a bad thing.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: I would like to see the train and Museum at the Fort Hill Heritage museum move to the downtown area. I believe it will give the town a fantastic focal point and would bring more people and commerce to Mundelein.
Q: What is the primary reason you're running for office? What is the most important issue?
A: I want to see the downtown area develop more, more transparency from Village Hall, term limits on officials, fiscal responsibility. Most important is to listen to the voice of the community and help to get Mundelein moving forward.
Q: What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what infrastructure project can be put on the back burner?
A: Roads will be the number one choice. I would like to see Corporate funding and Sales tax from recreational Cannabis being a part of that solution.