Public safety is one of my top priorities as mayor. I voted this past year to hire additional police and firefighters, which will help ensure we are safer and reduce overtime pay for the village.

We’ll do more when I’m mayor to tear down vacant and abandoned homes, and reduce the number of squatters and drug dealers that pose a threat.

And when it comes to seniors, we’ll work hard to give them peace of mind by:

• Creating a senior citizen police academy and community police station to help residents participate in protecting their town
• Initiating a “senior ride” program for transportation throughout Rich Township
• Creating a “home alone” senior registry to check periodically on seniors and help them remove snow in the winter
• Partnering with Franciscan Health St. James Hospital for an annual Senior Health Care Symposium

We will work together to provide the protection and sense of security Matteson needs.

Sheila