Joseph Sheehan: 2025 candidate for West Chicago mayor

Bio

Office sought: West Chicago mayor

City: West Chicago

Age: 40

Occupation: Entrepreneur/doctor

Previous offices held: None

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? Also, what makes you the best candidate for the position?

The most pressing concern I hear from residents is the mismanagement of water billing, which I am committed to resolving once and for all. Additionally, the current administration has allowed West Chicago to become a dumping ground, bringing in more trash haulers without addressing community concerns — this must stop.

Beyond these issues, I want to drive economic development — particularly in our downtown area, which underperforms for several reasons. One solution is to build an underpass to alleviate train-related congestion and boost traffic flow to local businesses.

It is my understanding that West Chicago once had funding for this project but turned it down. I will actively seek grant funding from the Department of Transportation to finance this critical project. Over the past two years, I have personally secured $3 million in grant funding for my own company, demonstrating my proven ability to deliver tangible results.

Furthermore, I will bring 10 years of free energy to the residents of West Chicago, valued at $250 million. I believe securing the start of this 10-year contract is achievable within my four-year term, and it would have a transformational impact on our city. By eliminating electricity costs, homeowners could see their property values double or even triple, making West Chicago a highly desirable place to live and invest.

As a testament to my commitment, I pledge to serve only one term if I fail to deliver free energy to residents within my first term.

What is the most serious issue your community will face in coming years and how should leaders respond to it?

One of the greatest challenges facing West Chicago is economic stagnation. Other communities in DuPage County are thriving by attracting new businesses and revitalizing their downtowns, yet West Chicago is falling behind. We need leadership that will prioritize smart economic development, improve infrastructure, and make West Chicago a destination rather than an afterthought.

Additionally, we must address financial mismanagement, such as the purchase of properties without clear development plans. Instead of spending taxpayer dollars aimlessly, we must adopt a business-minded approach — cutting wasteful expenditures and investing in projects that directly benefit residents.

Providing 10 years of free energy to families and small businesses, valued at $250 million, is a major step toward alleviating financial strain and reinvesting savings back into our local economy, ultimately boosting property values and community growth.

How would you describe the state of your community's finances? What should be the top priorities for spending during the next few years? Are there areas of spending that need to be curtailed?

West Chicago’s finances have been undermined by poor spending decisions and a lack of fiscal discipline. The top priorities should be:

• Fixing the mismanagement of water billing to provide fair, affordable rates for residents.

• Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as an underpass to revitalize the downtown area and increase accessibility.

• Cutting wasteful spending, particularly the purchase of properties that remain idle and offer no benefit to residents.

• Implementing the 10-year free energy program, providing significant financial relief and boosting property values.

• Spending must be curtailed on inefficient property acquisitions and any projects that fail to directly benefit taxpayers. We should concentrate on tangible improvements that enhance quality of life and stimulate economic growth.

What do you see as the most important infrastructure project you must address? Why and how should it be paid for? Conversely, during these uncertain economic times, what project(s) can be put on the back burner?

The most critical infrastructure project in West Chicago is securing 10 years of free energy for residents. This initiative offers immediate, lasting financial relief and positions our city as a leader in sustainability.

A second key priority is constructing an underpass to ease traffic congestion and encourage more visitors to our downtown businesses. Although the city previously had access to grant funding for this project, it was turned down.

I will work diligently to regain that funding from the Department of Transportation and complete this project within my term, thereby bolstering local commerce and improving transportation.

Conversely, nonessential spending — such as purchasing properties without a clear plan — should be put on hold. Our focus must remain on projects that drive economic development and benefit the entire community.

Describe your leadership style and explain how you think it will be effective in producing actions and decisions with your village board or city council.

My leadership style is business-minded, centered on efficiency, accountability, and tangible results. With a Master’s in Business Administration, I have the expertise to run the city as a responsible enterprise — eliminating wasteful spending, making prudent investments, and ensuring that every tax dollar is used to enhance the lives of residents.

I plan to work collaboratively with the village board and city council while maintaining strict accountability to the public. My leadership approach is grounded in actionable solutions, not political posturing, ensuring that West Chicago moves forward rather than falls further behind.

I also intend to reinstate the city treasurer position to serve as both treasurer and a government efficiency officer, responsible for monitoring taxpayer money and guaranteeing it is spent responsibly on community priorities rather than wasted.

Describe your leadership style and explain how you think it will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions with your village board or city council.

I believe I answered this.

What’s one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?

A game-changing idea for West Chicago is providing 10 years of free energy to residents. With my background in clean and renewable energy, I am confident in delivering on this $250 million initiative. To demonstrate my commitment, I will pledge to serve only one term if I fail to secure free energy for West Chicago residents during my first term.

This bold plan will offer significant financial relief, entice new businesses, and position West Chicago as a national leader in sustainability. It is achievable within a four-year term and could dramatically increase property values, potentially doubling or tripling them for local homeowners. By ensuring residents benefit from stable, cost-free energy, West Chicago can become one of the most attractive communities to live and invest in throughout Illinois.