Voter Guide: April 6, 2021 – Village Trustee elections

• Work closely with Lansing businesses schools, churches, organizations and Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce to define areas where we can work together for a common goal.
• Fiscal responsibility
• I am appreciative of the enormous confidence you, as voters, have placed in me as I represent you in my current role as Village Trustee. I will continue to work with the various stakeholders to improve communication regarding issues impacting the Village. I will continue to support cost effective plans to improve our Village’s infrastructure and services needed by our residents, businesses, and visitors. Continue to use position as Trustee to represent you by actively listening to your concerns and addressing them in the appropriate forum.

Education: MBA & MPH, Saint Xavier University; Bachelor of Science, University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign

Occupation: Community Relations & External Affairs Coordinator, Thornton Township

Resumé highlights:

Here are three bullet points that indicate my qualifications:

• Chief of Staff for a State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr., 2012-2019
• Assistant Director of Government Affairs & Community Relations for Chicago State University, 2019-2020
• Lan-Oak Park District Commissioner, 2017-present

Most important issues:

• COVID Recovery- The COVID-19 pandemic has created a crisis for all and it’s critical to revitalize our Village so that our businesses, families, seniors and students can thrive again.
• Public Safety- The recent spike in carjacking, other robberies and theft has made our communities apprehensive. It is extremely important to enhance public safety measures to protect the well-being of citizens.
• Interact with Businesses- Maintain a neutrally beneficial relationship between the Village of Lansing and its business community through programs such as the Lansing Facade Improvement program.

Goals and promises:

• Constituent Services – Provide assistance for programs and resources that are necessary to sustain improved quality of life.
• Accessibility – Encourage open communication, feedback and discussions about any issues, concerns and questions.
• Partnerships & Collaboration – Working together can help achieve goals for long-term cost-savings and service improvements to strengthen the community.

Lionel Valencia (Village Voice Party)

Town of residence: Lansing

Education: Attended Hyles Anderson College and received a continuous improvement certificate from the University of Wisconsin

Occupation: Director of Operations at Staffing, Inc. in Willowbrook, IL

Resumé highlights: 

• Appointed as a Village Trustee in 2020
• Chairman, Lansing Human Relations Commission, 2018 to 2020
• Past President, Lansing Association for Community Events (L.A.C.E.), 2018 and 2019

Most important issues: Together with my fellow candidates, we will continue to work on making a difference in the quality of life for diverse groups of Lansing residents. As the former president of L.A.C.E., I see the Fox Pointe venue as an ideal location to bring groups together and help create a shared sense of community.

Goals and promises: I am proud to be a voice for our growing Hispanic community. As a representative, I bring different perspectives to the table. As a Spanish speaker, I can help bridge communication gaps that may exist. I have spoken to many of our Hispanic business owners and want to continue to seek ways to incorporate their existing needs as well as potential new business owners into village economic planning. I will work hard to facilitate communication not only for our Hispanic residents and business owners but also for the entire Village, our businesses, and all our residents.