Candidate questionnaire: John 'Jake' Mahalik, JJC trustee

Name: John (Jake) Mahalik

Age: 38

Office sought: Joliet Junior College trustee

Political party:

Town where you currently reside: Joliet

Occupation (employer): VP of business PDM Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling

Spouse/Children: Serina (Spouse) and expecting our first child in May

Education: Attended JJC, completed BS in Business Administration from Lewis University, MS Chief School Business Official from Northern Illinois University

Website: None

Email:

Phone (for possible constituents to call:

Facebook: facebook.com/VoteJakeMahalikforJJCBoardofTrusteeApril4th

Twitter:

Why are you running for the elected office you're seeking?

Joliet Junior College is a great school, which is a valuable resource to the residents of our district. It provides a low-cost way for people to become employed as skilled professionals without a four-year degree. For those that want to pursue a four-year degree, it provides a low-cost way to complete the first two years of study.

I would like to continue to use my education and business experience to help guide the college in being the best it can be in a fiscally responsible manner.

Also, I attended JJC and am grateful for the education I received. Most of my family has attended JJC before they went onto a four-year university. In fact, my mother is still going to classes (mostly cooking). JJC provides a great learning opportunity for all ages.

What skills, qualities or experience do you have that separate you from your opponents?

I have two years of experience on the board. As a degreed Chief School Business Official, I have experience in school business affairs including budgeting, tax levies, etc. I previously served as finance director of Lincoln Regional Safe School. I am a senior manager at my family’s business. I’m a good listener and have good communication skills

What are the greatest challenges JJC is facing in the coming years?

Finances – In Illinois we cannot depend on state funding to always be there. We need to make sure we are capturing all the revenue sources we can. This includes grants, donations, investments from community business, etc.

Enrollment – This is usually tied to the economy, which makes it a little harder to control. Our administration does a super job talking to community leaders and businesses to determine their employment needs. We need to determine ways to keep enrollment stable even in good economic times (when unemployment levels are low).

If elected, what will be your top three priorities?

Fiscal responsibility

Student success

Increase enrollment