Jeremy Boynton

Age (as of Election Day)

49

Town/City of Residence

GLEN ELLYN

Office Sought

Village board or city council

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)

Independent

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration with a Major in Accounting

Occupation

Investment Advisor / 21 years. Real Estate Developer.

Campaign website

jeremyforgetrustee.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

none

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Commercial Real Estate Development in/around our CBD: #GrowForwardGlenEllyn: We need to carefully/thoughtfully expand/diversify housing options in/around our CBD. This is economically important to sustain/grow our community. It is also socially important to foster a community of socio-economic and racial diversity. This CAN be done while also being respectful of our architectural heritage. And the cool Glen Ellyn vibe we all know and love.

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?

The question seems divisive to me. Lazerick (Laz) is black. I love him like my own son. (He is not my son. And he does have a father who loves him. And is in his life.) The question of racial sensitivity does matter. And it is something that we can ALL do better at.
My only hesitation here is that BLM has been co-opted by some many diverse agendas — it is not possible to make sweeping statements of support for or against it.

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

Again, a divisive question… The problem is not with a “Village Board”. It is within each human heart. Government can’t solve this problem. Culture changes when people’s attitudes change. Individually. Whether that is about race, sexual orientation, religion… the way to encourage diversity and tolerance is for each of us love people we don’t know how to love.

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?

In the past, most of these measures were prudent/necessary. In the future, it is clear that they are becoming less necessary as COVID wanes. We are in a grey area now… as things change.

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?

Nothing to say here. Other than this: to go from “patient 0″… to usable vaccine… to ubiquitously available world-wide. THAT is stunning. In the normal course of business, biotech solutions like this take a minimum of 5 years. Truly awesome.

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

I am the only candidate running as an independent. The Civic Betterment Party has dominated GE politics for decades. It is time for us to change that. To diversify this power/control.
I have expanded my business affairs into the area of real estate development. Thus, I understand the nuances of how hard it is to build something from nothing. I am the only candidate for Village Trustee that has this experience. Which I believe can be very valuable when balancing the need to foster/encourage responsible development against the need to preserve GE’s architectural heritage and vibe.

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

No failures to point out. Not running “against” anybody. Running “for” the silent majority… that does not feel appropriately represented by either of the loud minorities on the “right” or the “left”.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

#SociallyCompassionate, because the best version of our society and culture would have us respect the dignity of human life regardless of political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender, or race.
#FiscallyResponsible, because sometimes the most responsible thing to do in life is to “tighten our belt” or “do without”. But sometimes the most responsible thing to do is actually spend more money. We need Independent voices. Seeking Wisdom. To chart our fiscal course forward.
#GrowForwardGlenEllyn. I am passionate for what we all appreciate about the Village of Glen Ellyn – our safe way of life, eclectic restaurants and small businesses, award-winning school systems, village pride and charming traditions. We have a special community! And we can build on this pride and these traditions. With discernment we can take bold actions to Grow Forward with fresh thinking. We can attract new businesses and residents to champion a positive future for our beloved Village.

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

I am a serial entrepreneur. See weblinks to three businesses I currently run/own:
1) www.laureate-wealth.com
2) www.laureate-capital.com
3) www.pure-crypto.com
Almost 6 years ago, I started a community event here in GE on the second Thursday of each month called Boathouse Party. We cook prime grade NY strip steaks. Serve a full meal (free). It is a place/time for guys to gather and share life. As guys we do better in a band of brothers. But we mostly suck at actually making that happen. Hundreds of guys have joined us over the past 6 years. The core group is typically around 20 guys… In fact, we are looking forward to re-starting Boathouse Party this month (as Covid winds down).
Most importantly, I am happily married. For almost 26 years. (All to the same woman. All in a row. lol.) We get to share life with our 3 children: Mike (21), Ian (19), Keira (11). And we also get to share life with Laz (19) who is just like family. (See picture here: https://www.jeremyforgetrustee.com/bio.) By far, my family is my BIGGEST accomplishment. Not that it is all “my” doing. I am on both the giving and receiving end of grace and mercy in all of these relationships. Something our political process could stand more of these days.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be Truthful, Teachable, Transparent, Courageous.
Do Justice, Love Mercy