By Madhu Mayer
While national races get the most attention, local elections have the most power to make changes on policies that directly affect the people who live in the communities.
There are municipal elections in Will County towns like Joliet, Plainfield, Romeoville, and Bolingbrook on April 4, along with referendum requests with the goal of improving educational opportunities for students.
Vote by mail has already begun for the April 4 consolidated election, according to the Will County Clerk’s Office. Vote by mail will end on Feb. 23 and early voting begins that day. Will County is hopeful that more people will be voting this cycle as the voter turnout during the November mid-term election was just 49.23 percent.
The Joliet Public Schools District 86 has placed a referendum question on the ballot asking voters to support a $99.5 million bond issue. If approved by the voters, funds from the bond issue will be used to replace two junior High schools, along with adding four classrooms and a multi-purpose room to Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. The bond would also allow the third largest elementary school district in Illinois to upgrade security, renovate restrooms and provide additional technology infrastructure.
While she supports the school district, Magdalena Sanchez of Joliet said her family cannot afford a higher property tax bill during uncertain economic times.
“Our interest rate on our mortgage has gone up, our energy costs are through the roof, and it is getting harder and harder to put food on the table,” said Sanchez, a single mother of three. “I cannot have my property tax bill keep increasing and I know it will go up if the referendum is approved. “I know many of my friends are voting against the referendum.”
But Brian Watson of Joliet said he will be voting yes, as he does not want to gamble on the education of his children.
“This money is needed,” he said. “This school district is trying its best to do the best they can, but many of the building are old and need to be replaced.”
In 2009, almost 63 percent of students in District 86 were classified as low income, compared to 23.4 percent of Will County students overall.
Not only does she want to see changes on Plainfield Village Board as three trustees are up for re-election, but resident Angel Santiago also wants to offer her input on whether the community should allow the sale of cannabis products in the April referendum.
“I am against Plainfield allowing cannabis dispensaries,” said Santiago of Plainfield. “If people want to buy marijuana, they can go to Joliet or Bolingbrook. I don’t think it is a good look for any community.”
Bernie Sanders of Joliet said he is looking forward to casting his vote as the mayoral and five Joliet City council district seats are up for election on April 4.
“I do not like the direction the city has taken lately,” said Sanders. “The city council seems to want to focus on the nice parts of town while ignoring the south and east sides that are getting neglected.” mm@thetimesweekly.com