April 25, 2024
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Joliet candidates under 40 get together

By Bob Okon
A voters casts their ballot Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at Judson Church during Illinois' Primary Election in Joliet, Ill.

A voters casts their ballot Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at Judson Church during Illinois' Primary Election in Joliet, Ill.

The younger set in the April local elections will hold an “Under 40 Forum” on Saturday.

Fourteen candidates under 40 are running in various elections in which Joliet voters will choose new members for city council, park board, school boards and township offices, according to a news release announcing the event.

“We organized the Under Forty Forum to help younger candidates get an extra boost to get noticed by the voters,” Elvis Madison, candidate for Joliet Park District board and a co-host for the event, said in the release.

This forum is being webcast rather than being open to the general public due to social distancing restrictions in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hudson Hollister, candidate for Joliet City Council and also a co-host for the forum, said people have asked about the age limit set for the event.

“It’s for the same reason there are Young Republicans and Young Democrats,” Hollister said. “It’s not anything against the candidates over 40. But younger candidates usually don’t have established networks.”

Hollister noted there will be people over 40 at the event, including Will County Auditor Duffy Blackburn who will give a keynote address.

Panel discussions include topics like “Envisioning Joliet’s Next 50 Years.”

“Some of the people (on the panel) will still be here in 50 years,” Hollister said.

The event starts at 9 a.m. People can get access to the event through Hollister’s Facebook page, HollisterWithJoliet and are asked to reserve access in advance.

Other candidates attending as of Wednesday afternoon and the offices they are seeking are: Vincent Alessio, Joliet Township highway commissioner;Jeremy Brzycki, Joliet City Council; Angel Contreras, Joliet Township supervisor; Drew Duzinskas, Joliet Junior College board; Cesar Escutia, Joliet Township trustee; Karl Ferrell, Joliet Township trustee; Cesar Guerrero, Joliet City Council; Tim Hendricks, Joliet Township trustee; and Michelle Lee, Joliet Junior College board.