What qualities and experience does Mica Freeman bring to her role as a Will County Board Member?
My entire life has been about helping people in whatever way I can. As a teacher, I worked hard to shape the education and lives of my students and their families. As a Will County Board member, I make it my mission every day to listen, learn, and ultimately cast my vote in such a way that I can make a positive influence in the lives of Will County residents. That is my motivation and my passion, and I believe I am best qualified for re-election because I have demonstrated my willingness to cross aisles and divides. Bipartisanship is so important in these divisive times, and it is the only way to truly represent the diverse residents of my district.
How can we make Will County’s economy work for everyone?
As a Will County Board member, I understand that our economy largely benefits major corporations and economic players—leaving an unfair playing field for the “little guys,” farmers, and small businesses. As a rule, I make it a point to seek out opportunities to elevate these important economic contributors. Moreover, I believe we need to dedicate more time, research, and resources into initiatives that benefit the senior citizens of our community. With an aging population, it is of utmost importance that we care and look out for their safety and wellbeing with programs like the Sunny Hill Nursing Home. Finally, I work to ensure that funds designated for road construction and improvements go toward projects that create new job opportunities and give workers funds to reinject back into their local economy.
How do we make today’s Will County budget work for tomorrow's future needs?
Less than ten cents of every tax dollar goes toward the county budget, which makes it especially important that we use those dollars wisely. As families continue to feel the pressure of rising costs, I believe Will County must prioritize essential services while remaining mindful of the burden on taxpayers. I will always prioritize a balanced budget—we cannot spend more than we bring in, but we also have to recognize that every dollar we levy comes from families who are already struggling with the cost of groceries, housing, utilities, and other everyday necessities. That means responsibly staffing and funding the services residents rely on, investing in infrastructure and construction projects that create good-paying jobs, and planning for long-term needs that will keep Will County strong, affordable, and sustainable for generations to come. It also means maintaining a strong "rainy day fund" so that Will County is prepared for unexpected emergencies, economic downturns, or budget shortfalls so that we don't have to turn to taxpayers to make up the difference.
How can we make Will County the destination for working families?
My first priority is helping create and grow good-paying jobs that allow people to build their lives, raise their families, and stay right here in Will County. That means attracting responsible employers, supporting small businesses, and pursuing economic development that creates lasting careers and strengthens our local economy. It also means listening to the people creating those opportunities. By working with groups like the Will County Center for Economic Development, I can hear directly from small business owners about what they need to grow, create jobs, and continue investing in Will County.
As a long-time union teacher, I am also a strong supporter of unions and the workers they represent. I support the right to organize and collectively bargain, and I believe union members deserve a fair and equitable negotiation process. As an elected official, my role is not to interfere with that process, but I will use my voice and my office to stand with union workers, support fair contracts and good wages, and protect the quality jobs that help Will County families thrive.
