Mary F. Thon: 2023 candidate for Streamwood Village Board
Bio
Town: Streamwood
Age on Election Day: 63
Occupation: Education - Director of Religious Education and Adjunct Professor
Employer: St. John the Evangelist and College of DuPage
Previous offices held: Village Trustee
Q&A
Q: What is the most serious issue your community will face in the coming years and how should the city council or village board respond to it?
A: We have been addressing issues head on in Streamwood and will continue to do so. During COVID, the Village worked with our residents to ensure that the Village services were met and that mechanisms were in place to deal with any stressors associated with the lock down.
Q: How would you describe the state of your community's finances?
A: We have a balanced budget and healthy reserves. During my time serving on the Village Board, we have not had to raise property taxes.
Q: What should be the three top priorities for spending in your community during the next four years?
A: Continue to ensure that our budget remains balanced and work towards implementing the Village's Comprehensive Plan. Continue to work to bring new business into Streamwood.
Q: Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed? If so, what are they?
A: We have been very careful in regards to how we spend taxpayer money. The Village President, Board, and Staff works on goals and objectives before the budget is presented to ensure that we meet our residents' needs. As stated, our budget is balanced.
Q: What do you see as the most important infrastructure project the community must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?
A: We are proceeding very thoughtfully towards implementing our Comprehensive plan. We work within our budgetary needs as well as finding Federal and State Grants to help provide for programs.
Q: Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach agreement and manage local government? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.
A: Our Village Board, President, and Staff work very well together. We all are part of a team that works for Streamwood. There are times when we disagree; however, I can confidently state that when we disagree, we do so respectfully. Respectfully acknowledging other members of your team helps bring people together to work towards a common goal.
Q: What makes you the best candidate for the job?
A: I have lived in Streamwood for over 25 years. I am actively involved in doing what I can for my community. I volunteer with various organizations and charities doing what I can to help. I have served three terms as a Trustee and during that entire time, we have not had to raise taxes. I work very hard with our Village President, Board, and Staff to ensure that our goals and objectives are met and that our budget is balanced.
Q: What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?
A: I was actually talking to two members of our Community Relations Commission last week. We were all brainstorming regarding educational opportunities to help bring people together and understand one another. I was a member of the Commission before I became Trustee. I joined the Commission because I want everyone to feel welcome in Streamwood. I want to help the Commission and work on events that will help bring us together.