Village Free Press Candidate Questionnaire

Candidates for Village Clerk

Please submit answers (attached in an MS Word file or in the body of

the email) to thevillagefreepress@gmail.com by no later than March
7).

Name: Steven R. Smiley

Age: 49

Preferred contact: smiley_steve@hotmail.com

Previous political experience: None

Previous community experience: Maywood Liquor Commission /

Maywood Family Fest

Occupation: Project Manager, Inventory Control Cycle Counter

Education: HS Diploma and Studied 2 West Virginia State University

Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability. Full
disclosure: parts, or all, of your answers are likely be published:

What is your understanding of the role and functions of the

position of village clerk?

My understanding of the roles and functions of village is to provide

accurate, efficient, and professional services to all residents. I believe that
the village clerk should for the identity of the Village of Maywood. Also,
provide services in a timely manner when it pertains to license, FOIA, and
inquiries from other municipal governments and residents.
 What is your understanding of the Freedom of Information
Act? Do you think that it is, overall, an adequate law for
promoting transparency in state government?

My understanding of the Freedom of Information Act is that it is a vital tool

in our democracy. Yes, it does promote transparency but should not be
used for political weapon.

Does the village clerk have a role to play in promoting voter

turnout in elections?

Yes, the village clerk has a role to play in promoting voter turnout in
elections. As a deputy registrar, we should inform residents that they are
able to register to vote at the village clerk office.

What are your thoughts on the ability of Maywood to keep

past records and historical documents? Where does the
village currently keep archival documents/material? Do you
believe that this material should be easily accessible to the
public?

There should be a secured locked file that holds past records and historical
documents. Documents should be accessible to the clerks office and staff.
The clerk is the gatekeeper of documents.

Should the village clerk be conversant with technologies such

as social media? What are your thoughts on Maywood having
a Facebook page to promote weekly board and commission
meetings, for instance?

Yes, the village clerk should be conversant and aware of comments and
inquiries of services through our village webpage.
I agree that Facebook should b used to promote weekly board and
commission meetings. In addition, I think that there should be digital
signage messenger boards at the village building (40 Madison). This will
provide information for upcoming meetings and events in the village.

Should the village clerk be in communication with his/her

counterparts at other levels of governments, such as the
Cook County Clerk or the Circuit Court Clerk of Cook County?
Is there space for cooperation?

Yes, the village clerk should be in communication with Cook County

officials to keep the village abreast of new laws and ordinances that affect
the village.

Do you believe that the clerk's office has any weakness(es)?

And if so, how can it/they be improved?

I believe that the village clerks office can be improved by adding the
following services:

1) Provide accurate and efficient services to our residents

2) Posting of new ordinances and public records for our residents
through digital signage messenger boards AND (do we send out
newletters)
3) Provide transportation and medical information to seniors
 Why are you best suited for this position?

I am best suited for this position because my 30 plus years of customer

service has given me the ability to recognize and give tangible solutions.
Also, my experience will help me find new and innovative ways to enhance
the services of the village clerks office. I will make sure that your visit to
the clerks office will be a stress free experience.

Please feel free to include any information you feel these

questions did not address