Name: Monica M. Juarez

Age (as of Election Day): 44

Town/City of Residence: Alsip

Office Sought: Alsip village trustee

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race): Alsip Community Alliance

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No.

Education:

I attended Richard J. Daley College and DeVry University.

Occupation: Public School System, Administration Assistant/Office Manager 20 years

Campaign website: Alsip Community Alliance and Alsip Community Alliance Facebook page.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: I am currently an Alsip Village Trustee

The single most pressing issue facing Alsip, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our community is our police and fire pensions are underfunded. Additionally, is our need to continue to push fiscal responsibility in regards to the Village budget, especially as we start to see the impact the pandemic has had on our tax base.

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?

I support equal justice under the law and equality for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or religion, and I welcome peaceful demonstrations. When any government employee violates those rights, I believe those individuals who hijack peaceful demonstrations to riot and loot should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

The Board of Trustees creates the local ordinances to make sure everyone is treated equally under the law and provides oversight on reports of employees or officials who do not.
Therefore, if we were made aware of any unethical treatment, I would vote to correct it, but that has not been a problem prevalent among our Alsip employees. Complaints of disrespectful treatment of residents at the Heritage Senior Apartments need to be evaluated whether it is just bad service or if there is something more going on.

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?

I support wearing a mask. If everyone had worn a mask from day one we would have never been forced to shut down anything. We would have needed to be more careful with medium capacity restrictions plus social distancing and better sanitizing.

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 state and federal government should lead on vaccine distribution and local governments should cooperate when appropriate. I think everyone is now doing the best they can with what resources they have and people should stop complaining and try and be part of the solution and not continuing being part of the problem.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have my own mind, thoughts and opinions, and I am not afraid to voice them. I am not a puppet who allows the Mayor to control my decision-making and/or vote.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

I feel the board has failed the community by raising taxes and giving the mayor a pay raise in this pandemic where people are struggling just to put food on the table. I am a current trustee, but I voted no to both.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Implementing increased transparency, accountability and honest government management. I also intend to keep Mayor Ryan’s chosen red light camera vendor, SafeSpeed, as far away from Alsip as possible due to the ongoing Federal criminal bribery investigation.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Trustees are policymakers, not administrators, so our accomplishments are generally making sure the village operates in a fiscally responsible manner. I have voted to do that every year.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success

Balanced budgets, better services for our residents, and elimination of monthly rent increases at the Heritage Senior Apartments, work with other members of the board who are not rubber stamps, and eliminate legal bills incurred to defend the Village in any scandals causing Federal investigations.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters should trust me because I treat people how I want to be treated, with respect and honesty. I always speak the truth and deliver on my promises, I will not lie to anyone or for anyone. I have extended and overextended myself to family, friends and even strangers in time of need. I have never turned my back on anyone who has ever needed help.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

Taxpayers dollars are being mishandled. For example, before becoming mayor, Mayor Ryan voted to lower Mayors’ annual salary. After becoming Mayor, he then wanted a pay raise. He did this during a hardship within our community.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No, I have already proven I am here to serve the community.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Do not promise anything you cannot deliver and know you are not always going to make everyone happy.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

All I can continue to do is the best that I can. I always seek the thoughts, concerns and voice of my community.

If you are a candidate running for local office and would like to participate in a candidate profile, please email lorraine.swanson@patch.com.