“Dedicated to creating change “
Sheldon Watts is running for a seat on the Will County Board in hopes of representing Bolingbrook’s District 11 with one clear objective in mind: “to bring government closer to the people.”
As a former Trustee of the Village of Bolingbrook, the 50-year-old says he is uniquely qualified to bring a sense of efficiency and accountability to public service.
“I grew up in a household where the efforts of the working man and woman were appreciated.”
A product of Chicago’s Morgan Park High School, Watts went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology and went back to receive a master’s in business administration.
Coincidentally, that is the same school that Chicago’s first Black Mayor, Harold Washington, attended.
“It’s ironic, because I was inspired by him. I believe that he is why I am currently involved in community service and public service.”
Watts has completed all course work towards a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Married to his wife Cherron, and the father of 11-year-old twins, a boy and a girl, Watts says he got the bug for political involvement as early as the 6th grade. ” I think I was in 6th or 7th grade when Harold Washington was Mayor of Chicago and I was inspired by his journey and his leadership. I was impressed by how articulate he was in expressing his goals.
“He was ‘the People’s Mayor and really wanted to ensure that funds and jobs were assessable to everyone.”
“Even at that young age, I asked my mom how I could get involved in politics.”
As I grew older, my parents pointed me toward the local Alderman’s office, where I got involved as a volunteer. That was my first exposure to public service.”
As an adult, Watts has established himself as a seasoned professional. With over 28 years of experience in the Telecommunications sector, he has excelled in roles ranging from technical documentation to senior-level business operations, global compliance, and data privacy security management.
Watts believes that he is best equipped to handle the position he is running for because of his vast experience in public service.
As a former Trustee for the Village of Bolingbrook, he served on the Finance Committee and chaired the Public Services and Public Safety Committee. He has also served as a Zoning Board of Appeals Commissioner for Bolingbrook and as a Trustee for DuPage Township. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the Will County Center for Community Concerns Board of Directors.
In spite of his heavy political involvement, he is never far away from the members of his community.
“I always understood that there was a ‘Grassroots’ aspect to life.” In that vein, he founded the Bolingbrook STEM Association, a comprehensive program for teens that seamlessly combines science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“I want to prepare our young people for the world they will be facing when they leave their community and venture out into the world. I want to prepare them for what’s ahead.”
Watts also formed the Alliance for Civic Engagement (ACE) to promote community involvement. He also launched the “Brunch in the Brook” Minority Business Networking Forum to foster growth for small businesses and underrepresented entrepreneurs.
“Along my journey, I understood that it’s important to have people in office that represent Good Government. That is the ideal that inspires me. I want to be that person that is the embodiment of good government in the eyes of the people I serve.
“I’m dedicated to creating lasting change and believe in empowering residents and sharing the resources necessary for community success.”
The current representatives for District 11 are Jacqueline Traynere and Elnalyn Costa. Candidates who have filed to run for the March 17, 2026, Primary are Democrats, Sheldon Watts, Traynere, Barbara Ann Parker, Tyler Giacalone and Republican Steven Smith.
dwight@thetimesweekly.com
