Name: Suzanne Ness
Position for which you are a candidate:
Illinois Representative District 66
Why are you seeking this position?
I am running for State Representative for 2 main reasons. The first reason is that as a County Board official, I have learned that many of the solutions to the problems we face can only be solved at the State level. The second reason is that for too long the 66th has been underrepresented. The 66th needs a regional leader who has the ability to bring people together to solve issues and provide services that meet the diverse needs of the 66th.
What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?
I was a County employee for 5 years when I first started my professional career and I know that governments run best when officials and employees have a service mindset: always asking ourselves how can we make people’s lives better? I have a degree in Communications Studies and I am a certified coach. I am skilled at facilitating conversations, asking good questions, and bringing people together to work on issues and solve problems. I am a working mom who understands the challenges that families face in trying to make ends meet and balance family demands with work demands, and I have a passion for helping others. I bring a leader mindset to everything I do.
What will be your highest priorities if elected?
My first priority will be to bring stakeholders together and identify strengths and opportunities that the 66th has, as well as the gaps that exist. Bringing together stakeholders, combining what I’ve learned knocking on doors, and identifying a list of priorities of what we can get done will be my first priority. Second, I will meet with the area’s largest employers to see how we can meet the skills gaps that exists in finding employees to fill jobs. I’d also like to see the area community colleges create satellite programs within the 66th (currently there are no community colleges within the border of the 66th district). Third, I want to review public transportation options and identify ways to improve access to transportation for under-served populations.
Will you attend the February 4th Dundee Candidate Forum? Yes, I will attend the forum
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