Maxine L. Ward

Age: 69

Occupation: Semi-retired, piano teacher, tutor, seamstress.

Years lived in village: +49 years

Incumbent? Yes.

Have you been on the village board or held any other public office before? If so please describe: I have been on the Village of Belleville as a trustee for 4 years. I also have served as Vice President and President of the Belleville Music Boosters in past years.

Why are you running for village board? I enjoy people, love our village and encompass the challenge of making Belleville a better place for all people to live while on a very limited and strict village budget. Serving on the board and various committees requires a significant amount of commitment and time. Being semi-retired, I feel that I can contribute time and represent the residents of Belleville by listening and working with the entire village and community while expressing the wants, needs and diverse perspectives of the residents.

What issues do you find most important to the village board? List your top three priorities: 1) Revitalize, improve and repair infrastructure projects – will be building a new police station and library, plus repairing/preserving Depot roof. 2) Attracting sustainable businesses to Belleville, plus promoting west side development and growth. 3) Property taxes and sewer bills are too high – we need to look for additional funding to help offset costs so that taxes and sewer bills are more affordable to the residents. Raising rates and increasing property taxes should NOT be a major part of this additional funding needed to complete the 3 listed priorities.

Any additional comments? Thank you for allowing me to express my views and concerns. Please remember to get out and VOTE...it is a right, a privilege and a responsibility.