It’s no secret that, despite some signs of an economic rebound, times are still tough in Will County.

One candidate said he’s planning to do his part to give back to the community if voters choose him in the November election.

Plainfield resident Reed Bible wants to represent the newly redrawn District 5 on the Will County board. He’s facing Republican incumbents Lee Ann Goodson and John Argoudelis on the Nov. 6 ballot — and only two will win seats on the board.

Bible, who has lived in Plainfield for the past decade, said this is his first run for polticial office.

“I’ve always been politically oriented,” he said. “I always was interested in social justice issues and had an eye on local politics.”

But as a federal employee — Bible served as a criminal investigator with the Department of Homeland Security — he was barred from running for office.

“I spent time in Washington, D.C., and I would always think, ‘I wish I had a hand in these policies.’”

Now retired, Bible said it was time to get involved.

“I thought, ‘Here’s my chance to make policy instead of just carrying it out,’” he said.

Last month, Bible, who is active with the Plainfield Township Democratic Organization, was appointed to fill a spot on the ballot vacated when Mike Costello withdrew from the race.

Bible said he plans to donate 10 percent of his $23,000 salary if he’s elected in November.

“I’m not doing this for the money,” he said, adding he plans to funnel the money directly back into Will County operations.

“We need to make this budget stretch,” Bible said. “Let’s give back to our county and get through these tough times.”

“ … This is a really vibrant county,” he said, adding the population is anticipated to double over the next 20 years. “We’ve got to be ready. I’m not so secure in the idea that we’re really prepared for that.”

So why not just donate the entire salary?

Bible said he chose to donate 10 percent in the hopes that he will inspire a movement among local officials. He said he plans to encourage his fellow board members to do just that if he’s elected.

“I quite frankly don’t know how it’s going to be received by my fellow candidates and officials,” Bible said.

Plans for growth

If he’s elected, Bible said he plans to focus on improving the county’s infrastructure to help boost local commerce.

“I think infrastructure translates to jobs,” he said. “[Will County] is basically a hub for intermodal.”

Bible added he would like to see an expansion of the Will County Courthouse, along with satellite campuses for county offices and health services.

“The better government is the government that’s closer to the people,” he said.

Bible said he would also focus on improving technology for the Will County Sheriff’s Department and Emergency Management Agency.

Expanding resources for the unemployed would also be a priority, Bible noted, saying he’d like to see more resources dedicated to providing services such as training and resume building.

“I think we could expedite this recovery,” he said.

Drop me a line

Bible said he wants to be accessible to voters, urging residents to reach out to him via his campaign Facebook page or email, rbible4willcounty@yahoo.com.

“I do welcome people to write me questions and I will get back to them,” he said.

“I’m not a politician. This is my first time doing this,” he said. “If you call my office and leave me a message, I’m going to call you back.” 

View full post on Plainfield Patch