THE CANDIDATES' VOICES: Susie Corbitt – ‘Be more proactive with development’

Sauk Valley Media presents a series of guest columns by candidates in key contested races in the April 4 election. Candidates were invited to write up to 400 words about why voters should support them.

After being elected six times as the city clerk, with 24 years of experience, I am running for mayor of Polo. This has been a long-term goal of mine for the past 10 years; I am so excited and proud to do so.

Our citizens must be our utmost responsibility! We also need to have a vision for the future with a need to develop a capital improvement plan for the water, sewer and streets infrastructure.

Our infrastructure is old, and we must continue to repair and replace when possible, while working with many fiscal challenges. Continued fiscal responsibility must be monitored, paying special attention to our pension funds, especially if there is a property tax freeze put in place.

The city needs to be more proactive with economic development within our community, along with working with Ogle County. We need to bring new business and services to town, which will generate more sources of revenues, but also retain the businesses we have.

I will continue to work with the Polo Economic Development Corp. in attempting to bring senior housing and a grocery store to Polo. I have experience in writing grants and administering them, and would have the time to research those, even in this time of economic challenges that all small communities experience.

I firmly believe we need to stay in a forward-thinking state of mind with a willingness to examine all issues and listen closely to the public’s questions and concerns.

After having the honor to work with five mayors and 35 councilmen, I am excited about the possibilities for the future of Polo. I look forward to working with the Polo City Council in a different capacity and know we will improve our community together.

I was honored to receive the 2003 Polo Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award, along with the 2003 Ilion Crabel Illinois Municipal Clerk of the Year, 2010 Rosemary Coughlin Clerk of the Year, recognized by the Illinois 96th General Assembly, House of Representatives for being the first recipient of the Rosemary Coughlin Clerk of the Year Award, and was appointed by Gov. Ryan to be seated on the Training Committee with the U of I and Municipal Clerks of Illinois.

I am currently the treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce and secretary-treasurer of the Polo Economic Development Corp.

DETAILS

Age: 66

Occupation: Polo city clerk

Education: Attended Sauk Valley Community College

Experience: City clerk for 24 years; treasurer, Polo Chamber of Commerce; secretary-treasurer, Polo Economic Development Corp.

Douglas E. Knapp