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Name: Joe VanDuyne
Age: 45
Political party: Democrat
Town where you currently reside: Wilmington
Marital status: Married
Significant other: Billie VanDuyne
Children: Natalie 16, Joey 11
Office sought: Will County Board District 6
Occupation (employer): Union electrician
Education: Illinois State University
Elected offices held: Alderman for the City of Wilmington
Website: joevanduyne.com
Facebook: Joe VanDuyne for Will County Board District 6
Email: joevanduyne33@gmail.com
Phone (for possible constituents to call): (815)530-4388
1) Why are you running for the elected office you’re seeking?
Plain and simple — to represent the people of our district, what they want, what is in their best interest, without asserting personal agendas.
2) What skills, qualities or experience do you have that separate you from your opponents?
Both my wife and I have been union electricians for more than than 20 years. I can relate to men and women who get up early every morning, and work out in the elements to provide for their families. Also, I strongly support creating long-term, quality jobs, yet I am not afraid to step away from special interests when developments that create those jobs would destroy the communities I represent. When asked my opinion about NorthPoint, I did not hide behind “maybe” or “I don’t know.” I attended all the meetings, got educated and took the tough position of joining residents in my district (including many union members) in their opposition to NorthPoint. That position cost me a union endorsement, but it was the right thing to do.
3) What are the greatest challenges facing Will County and/or your specific district in the coming years?
Infrastructure is a critical issue in District 6, with truck traffic on inadequate roads and bridges. And, like the rest of the nation, we are fighting a heroin epidemic.
4) If elected, what will be your top three priorities?
Will County has already done extensive research, hired experienced consultants and surveyed residents about their opinions in order to develop a solid freight mobility plan. I would work to support that plan by creating smart infrastructure that reduces unnecessary truck traffic and increases safety.
As development occurs, jobs have to be quality, long-term, sustaining employment, and I would make it a priority to support skilled labor, not just cheap workers. That includes not only job training, but also education that starts in elementary classrooms.
As for the heroin epidemic, my priority is to provide as many resources as we can to help these desperate individuals that are already addicted, as well as educate people not to start in the first place.