Dauphinais Running For Mokena Trustee Position

Mokena IL

11 February, 2021

2:26 PM

Description

By Jon DePaolis, the Richard Free Press: MOKENA, Ill. — Rob Dauphinais, a first-time candidate, is seeking to be elected to a Village of Mokena Board of Trustees position this April. "I'm running for Village trustee from a place of gratitude," Dauphinais told Richard Free Press earlier this month. "My wife and I both grew up in Mokena. We're grateful for our friends and experiences growing up here and want to provide that same small-town charm for our kids going forward. I understand things can always be better. That's why the work is important, but let's not forget [that] we live in a great town. I want to take care of it and build from a great foundation that [has] taken decades to build. When we dig into the numbers, I think people will see and understand that. My approach has always been to be a doer and to help our community. Being involved on Village committees these past few years, I've worked hard to earn the trust of fellow homeowners and will continue to do so going forward." Dauphinais, 46, has been a member of the Village's Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals since 2017. He said the experience has helped provide him with experience in how Village government works. He also joined the Site Plan and Architectural Review Committee two years ago. "I have an appreciation for the investment, detail and collaboration taking place between Mokena businesses and local leadership to create welcoming spaces," he said. "The experience has helped me learn how to work on a board, welcome opinions and come to a consensus on decisions that need to be made for the good of all of Mokena — just like the Village Board." Dauphinais is running with the Friends of Mokena slate, which includes incumbents Mayor Frank Fleischer and Trustee George Metanias, as well as fellow first-time candidate for trustee Melissa Fedora. "Look at what they've accomplished: Mokena has the lowest municipal property tax rate of 23 Will County communities," Dauphinais said of the Friends of Mokena team. "We have the highest bond and credit rating of any surrounding community. The police retirement fund is nearly fully-funded without a tax increase, and the property tax rate hasn't been raised in nearly eight years. I know we all pay a lot in property taxes, but it is worth noting that the Village of Mokena only accounts for 4 cents per dollar on our tax bills. In sports terms, a good defense helps position the offense for success. I think decades of responsible financial management has been a solid defense for our town and has us now positioned to go on offense with future development plans. Guiding future infrastructure and safety decisions, and investments in a communication strategy will be important policy goals going forward." Dauphinais said if elected he hopes to focus on the Village's comprehensive plan and downtown expansion. "The village boards over the years have guided the buildout of the Village that has created a diverse base of revenue streams with strong contributions from commercial and light industrial to ease the reliance on residential property tax," he said. "When speaking with other families, I hear the desire for a downtown area where people can gather, and I've heard a wide variety of opinions on what that should like. I, too, want a vibrant downtown, and it all starts with a plan. An update to the Village's comprehensive plan, I believe, is the next step for us to take. It would provide an opportunity for Village residents to provide input, identify themes, and emerge with a shared vision and alignment on a strategy to move us forward in developing not only the downtown area but other areas of opportunity throughout the Village, as well. If done right — and done in a collaborative manner — there are big opportunities ahead of us." Dauphinais said he has worked at nonprofits his entire career and enjoys helping others. He also said he is a regional director for a national coaching nonprofit that is focused on creating positive athletic environments for young people. "I've enjoyed volunteer coaching my kids and their teammates through Mokena Park District programs over the years, and through it have met many wonderful Mokena families who we consider lifelong friends," he said. "I also volunteer as the athletic director at St. Mary's School, working with school leadership and our parent volunteers to conduct an athletic program that carries out the school's educational and faith-based mission. "In coaching, we talk about developing a team culture where everyone feels like they are part of the 'we.' I am grateful for the community I grew up in and grateful to partner with the Friends of Mokena team to build off a solid foundation to lead Mokena forward on behalf of all residents and the business community." Richard Free Press is a one-stop destination for the news that most affects you, the southwest suburban resident. Be an informed citizen of the town you live in and love.