Mayoral Election 2013: James Sexton

Candidate Info

Name: James Sexton

Position sought: Mayor/President

Age: 60

Family (name, relationship and age):Karen(59), wife, Jim(36), son, Kelly(33), daughter, Josie, (30)daughter, Nolan(7) grandson, Madison(6), granddaughter, Daniel(4), grandson, Colin(1), Grandson, Olivia(6 mo), granddaughter. All of whom live in and love Evergreen Park.

Education (degree and school): Little Flower K-8, 4 yrs. High School, Loyola (4 yrs),degree Bachelor of Science/Education

Occupation: Mayor of Evergreen Park

Political party affiliation, if any: United Homeowners of Evergreen Park, a group of Democrats, Republicans and independents who work together for the good of the people of Evergreen Park.

Experience

Previous elected offices: Village Trustee, Village Clerk

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position: Experience of 30 years –started out with the Youth commission, Police and Fire commission, and then got elected as Village Trustee then as Village Clerk before elected to Mayor of 12 years.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime? If so, describe: No

Candidate Questions

What is the primary reason you are running for office?

To continue the workwe started 12 years ago to make Evergreen Park prosper and grow and make it a better place to live and raise the families of Evergreen Park.

How long have you lived in Evergreen Park?

We are what our parents were – we arein the same house for 36 years.

How should the village balance large-scale development while still supportinglocally owned businesses?

The small businesses are a great asset to Evergreen Park; I think the small businesses are the essence of Evergreen Park, Karen and I shop in these businesses as much as possible, AJ Meats, Lagans, Ace Hardware, Wolfs, the restaurants, etc. – but I also see the importance in the value of the Menards, Meijer, etc – in poor economic times these developments will help the Village and also help our schools to bring tax dollars to both. We believe in the saying “Keep the Green in Evergreen."

What can the village do to move the Plaza forward?

We have a meeting with Debartolo Group- National Shopping Center Investor. Hoping to re-develop the Plaza into a regional shopping Center that will create a new shopping experience. Also - have Mariano’s Fresh Market coming to the old Webb Ford Property. So there is a lot to look forward to for Evergreen Park.

Should village elected officials have term limits, or is there an advantage to longserving officials?

The people must decide on the term limits - every 2 years throughthe election process. People just don’t get elected to office – they need to be involved with their village and know what’s going on in their village.

What is your favorite thing about living in Evergreen Park?

The people that work and live in Evergreen Park. We are a giving community. Everyone knows if there is a family in need, everyone jumps in to help. This is what makes Evergreen Park Great!! The Services in Evergreen Park are incredible, from the Police to the Fire Dept., everyone feels safe and secure, the Public Works to the seniors, Youth and the Recreation Department – everyone works to make this a great place to live and raise our families. We are a small town with a big heart.