Frank Doss III, candidate for City Council Ward 2 in Granite City, IL
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More on the election for Granite City Council Ward 2
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Name: Frank J. Doss III
Political party (if applicable): Independent
Age as of April 6, 2021: 61
Campaign website or social media page: Facebook: Frank Doss Candidate for Ward 2 Alderman Granite City
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankdoss/
Office seeking: Alderman Ward 2, Granite City, IL
Are you an incumbent? No
Previous offices sought: None
Occupation: VP strategy and compliance
Education: Some college plus advanced management classes at The Ohio State University
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: My wife Carol and I have given to various charities including but not limited to Salvation Army, St. Jude, Boy’s Town, Shriner’s Hospital. Have also have contributed significantly to the homeless in Granite City, IL
Why are you running? Simply put, I really care about where I and others live. I have passion. Ward 2 needs somebody that knows how to proactively communicate and be transparent. Ward 2 needs somebody that is there for them regardless of socioeconomic status. I have lived in Granite for 38 years at the same address. The city has experienced what I and many others consider a significant decline for various reasons. Some of the decline is the result of environmental and macroeconomic factors; however, it is of my and the opinion of others that there are several controllable microeconomic factors that have contributed to the city’s decline. I believe that many of the constituents of Ward 2 feel like they are not being listened to and need somebody with the knowledge, expertise and passion that can partner with them to make every effort that their voice is being heard.
What is the top issue in your race, and how would you address it? During the past several years there has been a prolific transfer of owner occupied residential properties being converted to rental properties. Unfortunately, many of of those rental property owners - some of which have several properties - own properties that are in substandard condition. Properties, owner occupied or not, contribute to the decline of the socioeconomics of a city, often creating a downward spiral resulting in higher property tax rates but lower tax revenues/dollars per dwelling vs. other municipalities. If not addressed with full force, history has shown that the downward spiral will widen to the more affluent neighborhoods in the city. I have been communicating my concerns with the city regarding this subject with some success. I have learned that one has to work very hard by writing letters, doing record searches taking photographs, keeping records, etc. I will continue to address this issue by addressing in the manner I have been. I will respond and assist with communicating all concerns that my constituents have. I will proactively communicate publicly at least every four months the ideas, suggestions and issues that have been submitted and what the responses have been. I will support my constituents in holding those if office accountable. I would also make an effort to get the community involved in helping their neighbors who may own their homes but are experiencing some type of disability, loss of income, etc. I also have other ideas that I will share on my Facebook page.
Why should people vote for you? I really care. I am reasonable, forthright and persistent. My being elected will provide a conduit for those in my ward that may not completely understand how to communicate with the city government, feel like they are not being listened to, not receiving feedback and similar. I have been very proactive in communicating with city government seeking remedy for issues in my neighborhood and will continue to do so. I have firsthand experience understanding how time consuming and challenging it can be to get results or even a response. I have been and continue to be a leader at various organizations that I am employed. I have run divisions that are larger than the Granite City’s budget. I have an operations and finance background; one who understands how to get things done while understanding the financial side. I have a blue-collar work ethic with white-collar knowledge and experience. I know how to get my voice heard. I want to help others get their voice heard. To use another’s quote “It Takes a Village is as relevant as ever. We are all in this together.”
This story was originally published March 15, 2021 at 6:15 PM.