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Trustee, Village of Berkeley {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

Village Trustees are elected members of the village board who work alongside the Village President/Mayor to make decisions about local policies, budgets, and governance. Trustees help shape the direction of the village by voting on ordinances, approving expenditures, and representing the interests of residents. They focus on issues such as public safety, infrastructure, zoning, and community services. Trustees also work to ensure that resources are used efficiently and that the village remains a vibrant and sustainable place for its residents. This position is key in ensuring effective local governance and enhancing the quality of life for the community.

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    Thomas J. Billups Sr.
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Jason Matthews
    (BBT)

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    Teresa McKelvy
    (BBT)

  • Candidate picture

    Roger Thomas
    (BBT)

Biographical Information

Tell us about yourself and what motivated you to run for the position of Trustee?

What is your understanding of the role of Trustee?

What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the village, and how would you address it?

Teens and young adults make up a significant portion of Berkeley’s population at 21%. Where does youth engagement and opportunity rank among your priorities as a trustee, and what specific actions will you take to ensure it receives the attention and resources needed?

How will you ensure that residents’ voices are heard and considered in key decision-making processes?

As an elected official, how would you rebuild trust in our local government? How would you foster a culture of collaboration with your peers on the board and open the lines of communication between the village government and the residents outside of board meetings?

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I have proudly called Berkeley home since 2000, where my husband and I have raised two remarkable sons.

I am a Doctoral Candidate at Central Michigan University, studying Health Administration with a minor in International Health. I also hold a (MBA) from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Lewis University. I served as both President and Secretary of the Board of Education for Proviso Township High Schools District 209.

I am running for Trustee because I believe in building a stronger, more connected Berkeley—one that continues to prioritize transparency, economic growth, and enhanced services for residents.
A Trustee is entrusted with representing the best interests of Berkeley residents by making informed decisions on policies, budgets, and village services. This role requires fiscal responsibility, transparency, and a commitment to public engagement. Trustees must work collaboratively to ensure that resources are used effectively, infrastructure is maintained, and community programs align with residents' needs. As a Trustee, I will prioritize accountability, strategic planning, and responsive leadership to help Berkeley continue to grow and thrive.

One of the biggest challenges facing Berkeley is economic development. I would address this by:

1.Attracting and supporting businesses to increase revenue without overburdening residents with taxes. 2.Pursuing grants and funding opportunities to support community projects. 3.Enhancing transparency and communication to ensure residents are informed about how their tax dollars are used. 4.Strengthening public safety and community engagement to make Berkeley a place where people want to live and work.
Youth engagement is a top priority because young people are the future of our community. I will advocate for mentorship programs, job training initiatives, and expanded extracurricular activities to keep teens engaged and provide opportunities for success. Specifically, I would: •Partner with local businesses and trade programs to create internship and apprenticeship opportunities. •Work with schools and community organizations to develop leadership programs for youth. •Ensure village events and decision-making include youth perspectives so they feel invested in Berkeley’s future.
I will prioritize transparency, accessibility, and active listening by:

•Hosting regular community forums and town halls to gather input from residents. •Using digital platforms and newsletters to keep residents informed and engaged. •Creating advisory committees to involve residents in shaping policies that impact their neighborhoods. •Encouraging open dialogue during board meetings and being readily available to hear concerns.
Rebuilding trust requires transparency, integrity, and a commitment to working for the people. I will: •Lead by example with honesty, accountability, and clear communication. •Promote open-door policies so residents feel comfortable sharing concerns. •.Enhance community outreach efforts through regular updates, meetings, and initiatives that invite more resident participation. •Increase accessibility by holding town halls, coffee chats, or online forums where residents can voice concerns and provide input. •Implement a citizen advisory committee to engage community members in decision-making processes.
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