Joshua McClain, candidate for Ward 2 in Fairview Heights, IL
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More on the election for Fairview Heights Ward 2
Fairview Heights Ward 2 race. Candidates are listed alphabetically.
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Name: Joshua McClain
Political party: Not applicable
Age: 32
Website: facebook.com/electmcclainward2
Office seeking: Alderman Ward 2
Are you an incumbent? No
Previous offices sought: No, this is the first time seeking political office. As a resident, homeowner, husband and father of two I believe it is important to be involved in the community and promote solutions and positive change in the City of Fairview Heights.
Occupation: I am an Operations Manager for Addus Home Health. I’m also a business owner and own KGM Essentials LLC, and I provide Mobile Notary Services for local residents. I formerly served in the United State Air Force.
Education: I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Health care Administration from Park University and a Master’s Degree in Public Health at Benedictine University.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement.
I previously served in the United States Air Force. It was a great honor to serve our nation and protect our Country. I also serve as a volunteer as an assistant coach for the Dashers Track Club, which assist children ages 6-18 who are interested in improving their physical fitness, mental stamina, and team-building skills through organized training, community involvement, and competition. I enjoy coaching, because I share the common belief and value of this organization in building strong communities through developing our youth.
Why are you running?
During my time serving in the military, there was always a mindset of “service before self”. The reason why I’m running is simply, I want to serve and enhance my community. Fairview Heights as a whole is a great town to live as it has the small town feel, while being a great location for shopping, the foodie culture, and unique entrepreneurial opportunities. Fairview Heights has so much more to offer including great City Parks, outstanding Police Department, programs for youth and seniors and the great new REC center, I believe that by working together there is so much to expand on. There is so much opportunity for growth but I understand that it will take a significant investment and personal commitment, as the Aldermen, to uplift and provide for the residents of Ward 2, and the overall community.
It is important to engage with local businesses, schools, churches and organizations in our ward including the Urban League, Grant School, Elks Club, Churches and local businesses like the Chuck Wagon and so many more to ensure their stability and growth, which is important to ensure that our community and ward 2 are healthy and growing. Investments such as the Rec Complex of Fairview Heights that not only helps financially support the community but in conjunction supports overall the health and wellness of Fairview Heights. My work history, experience, military background and education has prepared me for this position and I am excited for the opportunity to serve.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it?
I believe that working together brings positive change and solutions, I will engage with the members of the City Council, the Mayor, City Clerk and Department heads, as well as, with the Police Chief, local religious leaders and the residents of Ward 2 to address their issue and to ensure that Ward 2 residents gets their “fair share” of projects and infrastructure improvements.
I will listen to the residents, follow up and provide feedback directly, and will always make myself available to meet with residents. Several of the top issues I will address in Ward 2 include sidewalk expansion, including the replacement of older sidewalks. I will work with the Public Works department to drive increased improvement of our neighborhood streets and with Caseyville Township for expansion of sanitary sewer systems to those residents that do not currently have sewers. Maintaining our neighborhoods is a priority in order to protect our great investment, our homes. I also believe that supporting our police and fire departments are a top priority in order to protect our families and our community.
Why should people vote for you?
The people should vote for me because I have a genuine passion for serving others, whether it be through the military, church, or just volunteering in the community. Along with my passion for service, one of my qualities is connecting others together to find solutions, that create a positive impact. Connecting is very important to me because through collaboration, you can create a culture of change by achieving common goals. I will be working with a diverse group of nine other aldermen who represent the City and who uniquely identify with their residents. The role of Alderman requires me, through a legislative process, to be a decision maker for and by my community. To achieve the goals for the citizens, I will work with others, be a catalyst, a fact finder, and a researcher of the findings, before making any decisions as your Alderman. I will come prepared and I will represent the residents of Ward 2, equally, fairly and openly to the best of my abilities.
This story was originally published February 25, 2021 at 9:32 AM.