ZUPON, CARTER AND COLEMAN MEET AND GREET SAUK VILLAGE VOTERS

ZUPON, CARTER AND COLEMAN

by Steve LaRock

SAUK VILLAGE |  The People United for Progress party candidates hosted a very successful Meet and Greet Sunday afternoon at American Family Restaurant for about 30 or so residents and voters.  Village Trustees Beth Zupon and Ronald Carter were joined by newcomer Arnold Coleman each seeking a seat on the Village Board of Trustees on April 2nd.  

Trustee Beth Zupon spoke about her credentials and experience and the need to “continue the progress that we have started”.  Zupon listed the accomplishments that the current administration has made in less than two years and is proud to have been part of that progress.  Zupon said there is much more work to be done and she asked for the residents support.  Zupon has been a resident of Sauk Village for some 19 years, is employed as Vice President of a major investment bank, and served as Village Clerk for Sauk Village has volunteered for numerous community events and most recently the last two years as Village Trustee.

Trustee Ronald P. Carter, III spoke about his credentials and experience and the need to stay focused and continue economic development.  Carter believes that new business will spur more revenues for the Village.  Carter has over 30 years in law enforcement having served in the Cook County Department of Corrections and a former Chief of Police.   Carter was appointed in 2018 to the Village Board of Trustees by Mayor Derrick Burgess.

Trustee candidate Arnold Coleman speaks with a resident

Trustee candidate Arnold Coleman spoke about his work experience in the legal field and how he transitioned from a “volunteer” to a candidate for Trustee.  Coleman said he supports the Strategic Plan for Progress and applauds the progress that has been made thus far.  Coleman currently serves on the Village’s Senior Citizen Advisory Council and also on the Advisory Committee for the Village’s Comprehensive Plan.  Coleman has also volunteered for many community events.

Zupon, Carter and Coleman are keeping their campaign positive and focusing on progress and how they will help with moving the Village forward.  “There has been too much negativity in Sauk Village and these three are the best hope we have for our future” a long-time resident said.  Zupon responded that there is too much misinformation on social media perpetuated by a few individuals and that she avoids that when possible.  Carter agreed there is far too much negativity from the other campaigns including racial references to “golden ghetto” and candidates who live in certain areas of the Village.  “Does it matter where one lives?  We still are subject to the same rules, regulations, policies and procedures; we still have potholes, the same crime, and the same problems.  It is nothing but a way to divide our community” Carter later said. 

Trustee Ronald Carter speaking to the residents

Zupon spoke about the Strategic Plan for Progress that she voted for and supports and how that has become a roadmap to the success this administration has had.  Zupon spoke about the progress the Village has made with maintaining vacant homes and working with the South Suburban Land Bank and other entities.  “There is a lot of work still needing to be done, but we cannot stop the progress we have made thus far” Zupon said. 

Zupon introduced School Board candidates for School District 168 which included current School Board President Tammy Jones and Sharon Archie-Davenport who both spoke about their achievements for the district.  RaDonna Brown also spoke about what she hopes to bring to the School Board if elected.  Brandie Jackson-Williams was also invited to attend, however, was unable to due to personal commitment she had. 

Dr. Octavia Altheimer who is a candidate for Prairie State College Board spoke about what she hopes to bring to the College Board.  Altheimer, a Veteran spoke about her service “in the trenches” and said she is not afraid to get in the trenches again for the taxpayers.   

Also in attendance were Mayor Derrick Burgess, Village Trustees Cecial Tates, who did not seek re-election, Rodrick Grant and Village Clerk Marva Campbell Pruitt.

American Family Restaurant

School Board President Tammy Jones

School Board Candidate RaDonna Brown

School Board Member Sharon Archie-Davenport