Letter to the Editor: Richards

Dear Editor:

I am very excited to announce that I have submitted my petition packet and have decided to run for a two-year term for Peotone Trustee. As for my background, I have been a resident of Peotone for 15 years and graduated Peotone High School in 1991. After high school,  I graduated from Eastern Illinois University, with a Bachelor’s degree, in Communications.

Professionally, I am a Client Engagement Manager, for West Corporation and have been with this amazing company for 24 years. I feel it’s important to fill the Trustee position with people who have a willingness to make a positive change with the collaborative decisions, of the Village Board.  I feel that my strong communications skills will be a benefit for the Peotone Trustee position.  I am very excited about this opportunity and to give back to my community.

Personally, I am married to my husband, Shawn of 23 years, and he is the Deputy Fire Chief for University Park. I have two daughters who have been in the Peotone School District since kindergarten and have been involved in a multitude of sports, such as cheerleading, volleyball, track and field, as well as cross country.  I am extremely grateful for my family and loving every minute of raising my two amazing daughters, in Peotone.  I have coached cheerleading for five years and sat on the Peotone Blue Demons board for three years. This role has allowed me to learn more about the community and gives me the ability to assist and help families find an organization to love! I love this community and being an open and active participant.

Peotone is a priority for me. Over the years, just like my family has grown, so has the number of residents and our overall community. I feel it’s important for our residents to see change, be part of change, and know their voices are going to be heard.

What’s great about me running for this position is that I’m new to politics and so I am not a career politician. While the task at times may feel daunting, know this, I’m not afraid of it. Just like in my career, when faced with what appears to be insurmountable tasks, I have the ability to look at situations with an open mind and an understanding of people’s needs. I face the challenge head on with integrity and courage. I will do the same for the residents of Peotone.

My goal as a Trustee is to understand the needs of the entire community, to respect their opinions, and represent them in a successful way. I hope to gain the votes needed to win in April 2023.

I’m asking for your support and to please vote on April 4, 2023. 

 Most sincerely,

Jackie Richards