Who's on your ballot? Meet Jacqueline Holmes

In this series, we introduce you to the candidates running for election April 6 who share our democratic values. Please make your plan to VOTE in this election... by mail, early, in-person... it all counts.

Jacqueline Holmes currently serves as a Zion Township Trustee and as Commissioner for the city of Zion. Read her bio here. Check out her campaign here.

1) Why are you running for this office?

As a current Trustee for Zion Township, I’m running to offer a fresh perspective. The current Township Supervisor has held the office for 20 years; however, Zion Township has not kept pace with the needs of Zion’s changing demographics. As Township Supervisor I will have the opportunity to be better connected to the community I currently serve by sharing my knowledge and experiences as a hometown girl. I want people to be better today than they were yesterday.

2) What do you believe is the most important issue facing the organization you’d be serving, and what should be considered when addressing it?

The most important issue facing Zion Township is budget constraints. Zion Township reports up to the City of Zion but has a budget of $1M. Due to the pandemic, the budget has been stretched in various ways.

3) Historically, voter turnout in local elections is very low. What would you say to community members to encourage them to get out to vote April 6?

I would say that municipal elections are very important because they impact our daily lives. The elections are non-partisan and voters are asked to decide who will govern their city (i.e., Mayor, City Council members, schools board members, library trustees, etc.) Below are some examples of how municipals elections impact our lives:

1. City government can levy certain types of taxes in order to pay for services that are provided in the city.

2. Cities can enforce criminal ordinances in the police jurisdiction.

3. Construction and development can be regulated through the application of municipal building codes and subdivision regulations.

4) What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or watched recently and why?

I’m always interested in how people’s experiences are portrayed. Good Morning America’s “First Look – Soul of a Nation, The Black Experience in America” peaked my interest. The news series explores the Black experience in America touching on such topics as the racial reckoning, policing, reparations and the evolving world of arts and entertainment. It can be found at (https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/news/video/1st-soul-nation-76198014 )

Zion’s racially diverse community reveals that many people need the resources that Zion Township offers. I want to empower people and transform the way some think about the resources. I’d like to change the philosophy from getting a hand out to getting a hand up.

5) Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?

I believe in my community and I’m proud to serve. Government should keep pace with the demands of its stakeholders and be transparent, and stakeholders should hold government accountable for what it does. As a good steward of the Township’s public funds, I intend to:

1. Ensure that the checks and balances are effective and meet current demands of our community.

2. Transform the way residents view Zion Township through transparency.

3. Seek alternative solutions for Zion Township’s current trends and empower residents to evolve and thrive.