DEERFIELD, IL — Ahead of the April 6 consolidated municipal elections, Deerfield Patch provided questionnaires to all candidates on the ballot. Four candidates are vying for three four-year seats on the Deerfield Village Board on Election Day. They include two incumbents (Robert Benton and Mary Oppenheim) and two challengers (Christopher M. Goodsnyder and Rebekah Metts-Childers).
DEERFIELD, IL — Ahead of the April 6 consolidated municipal elections, Deerfield Patch provided questionnaires to all candidates on the ballot.
Four candidates are vying for three four-year seats on the Deerfield Village Board on Election Day. They include two incumbents (Robert Benton and Mary Oppenheim) and two challengers (Christopher M. Goodsnyder and Rebekah Metts-Childers).
Deerfield Patch is publishing all responses submitted by candidates verbatim.
Rebekah Metts-Childers
Age (as of Election Day)
43
Town/City of Residence
DEERFIELD
Office Sought
Village board or city council
Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)
NA
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No
Education
Bachelor’s degree of journalism, E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, Ohio University
Occupation
Corporate Communications, 20 years
Campaign website
https://www.facebook.com/2021D…
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office
Community Relations Commission Member
The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
I think it is important to focus on how to bring more diversity to the village. I believe we need to define what that means, set aspirations and then be intentional about planning to make change. I believe we have to think creatively in how we work with our current residents, our corporate partners, our neighboring towns and our businesses. And we have to cultivate and support what we have and what we build, so that we ensure an inclusive village for everyone.
Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?
Yes. I support Black Lives Matter. I believe we have to be intentional and focused on how we can ensure that people have a voice, different viewpoints are heard and understood and that progress is made to bring those views to bear.
Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?
I think it is important to focus on how to bring more diversity to the village. I believe we need to define what that means, set aspirations and then be intentional about planning to make change. I believe we have to think creatively in how we work with our current residents, our corporate partners, our neighboring towns and our businesses. And we have to cultivate and support what we have and what we build, so that we ensure an inclusive village for everyone.
What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?
Ensuring the safety and security of our residents is paramount. I think we need to remain focused on the science, on dialogue to understand how residents and business are impacted and on programming and funding to help those that are impacted from the measures needed.
What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?
The speed of the vaccine development has been impressive, and now we need to do all we can to support its distribution and ensure access to it. We have ways to partner with our staff, our local businesses and our village programs to help accelerate that access – and I’d like to see those partnerships continue.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
As a critical issues communications consultant, I spend my days talking about challenges, identifying barriers and opportunities, ensuring dots are connected and ensuring strong plans are in place to execute the solution for my clients. I can bring those insights and perspectives to the work we have to do for the village.
I am also a mom of school-aged children and want to bring forward the perspectives of other parents in the village, and from neighboring towns.
And finally, I went to college to be a journalist, and I often take the approach of gathering information, checking sources and asking questions like I was taught back then. I am the person that asks why, why not and often times, does it have to be that way?
If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)
I love being part of a team that thinks together, discusses together, challenges each other and makes decisions for the larger community. I look forward to building on what the board, village staff and volunteers have done over the past years.
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform
I am running, because I care about Deerfield and all of its residents. I am running because I want to do all that I can to support Deerfield businesses, ensure affordable housing options, increase our village diversity and promote green initiatives. And I am committed to doing those things in a way that is transparent and accountable. i want to be part of making this the best village possible to live in and raise children in.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I’m a partner at a critical issues communications firm headquartered in London, with my office in the city – but I’m of course working from home these days. What that means is that I spend my days working with corporate clients about issues they are facing in the world, their industry and their companies. I specifically focus on what it to connect stakeholders with the information they need, and to get them to take action to help companies succeed.
If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?
I would like us to build a plan around providing a more inclusive community to increase its diversity, adopt an affordable housing ordinance, and establish a program to help small businesses succeed in Deerfield.
Why should voters trust you?
I am here to listen and to help lead the progress our residents want to see in their own back yards. I will be an advocate and I will work collaboratively with the many facets of local government, the local staff and our neighboring towns to always consider new and creative ways to approach the work.
What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?
We need to maintain a strong foundation for the village and maintain a responsible budget. I would like to ensure we keep our taxes as low as possible.
Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?
No
The best advice ever shared with me was:
Do more than you’re asked. When I was in journalism school, I had some incredible professors that didn’t grade only on the assignment, but on how you thought bigger than the assignment. That has carried through in all that I do. I always try to consider what more I could be doing, how things connect, whether there are more creative approaches and whether I’ve thought about every angle.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I am really enthusiastic about taking a leadership position for the village so I can represent a new viewpoint in the discussions.
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