Why it’s important to elect trustees who work together.
Relationship between the Mayor, Trustees, and Clerk is important
Village trustees play a critical role in local government, serving as part of the village board that makes decisions on policies, budgets, and projects that directly impact the community. Their responsibilities include:
- Representing Residents: Trustees act as representatives of the community, ensuring residents’ concerns and needs are heard and addressed. They help connect the government to the people it serves.
- Setting Policies: Trustees work with the mayor to establish local laws, ordinances, and long-term plans that shape the growth and safety of the village.
- Overseeing Budgets: Trustees review and approve budgets, ensuring tax dollars are spent responsibly and in ways that benefit the community.
- Supporting Projects: Trustees help drive important initiatives, such as infrastructure improvements, public safety programs, and economic development, which are vital to the village’s success.
It’s important for trustees to support the mayor because teamwork between the mayor and the board ensures a unified vision for the community. When trustees and the mayor collaborate, they can efficiently tackle challenges, secure funding (like grants), and advance projects that improve residents’ quality of life. While diverse perspectives are valuable, a supportive relationship builds trust, reduces delays, and allows for meaningful progress on shared goals.
Mike Adrieansen For Mayor
Mike Adrieansen is completing his first term as Mayor of Manhattan, where he has lived with his wife, Laura, for 20 years. Their family includes two children, Addison, a Lincoln-Way West student, and Carson, who attends Manhattan Intermediate School, along with their dog Oakley. A 1999 graduate of Carl Sandburg High School, Mike furthered his education at Joliet Junior College while working in his family’s auto shop. Since 2015, he has been an equipment mechanic at ComEd, Mike’s dedication to community service includes serving as President of his condo association, a Manhattan Chamber of Commerce board member, and a Manhattan village trustee before becoming mayor.
Becky Bouck for Clerk
Becky Bouck is a lifelong resident of the Lincoln-Way community and a proud graduate of Lincoln-Way Central. Becky and her husband, Jon, moved to Manhattan in 2014, drawn by the charming “small town” atmosphere, and quickly fell in love with the community. They have three daughters, all proud graduates of Lincoln-Way West. Becky is the Managing Broker of a real estate brokerage based in Manhattan. She is entering her sixth year on the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, having served as Director, Secretary, Vice President, and currently as President. In her free time, Becky enjoys volunteering alongside her daughters at a local nonprofit ranch and is honored to represent Manhattan as part of the Manhattan Counting Stars St. Jude Run team.
Justin Young for Trustee
Justin Young is a lifelong resident of Manhattan with four years of valuable experience serving as a village trustee. He and his wife, Ashley, met in high school, and their children, Lincoln and Tesa, attend Manhattan grade schools. A proud product of Manhattan grade schools, Justin graduated from Lincoln-Way Central in 2003 and earned a BA in Finance from St. Xavier University. With a decade of experience at Dualite Sales & Service, he currently serves as Vice President of Sales.
An active member of the community, Justin is involved in local park district sports programs, serving on the board of Manhattan Patriots Football & Cheer and as the head coach of the Celtic’s Travel baseball team.
For his second term, Justin’s goals include fostering economic growth, revitalizing downtown, addressing infrastructure and traffic challenges, and protecting Manhattan from irresponsible development on our borders.
Jennifer Bahena For Trustee
Jennifer Bahena and her husband Jorge have lived in Manhattan for 12 years. Their children Madison, Mason and Bradley attend Lincoln-Way West, Manhattan Junior High and Manhattan Intermediate. A Queen of Peace High School alumni ’98, Jennifer earned a BS in Pre-Med Biology from St Xavier University in ’02. She has worked in Manhattan School District 114 as a paraprofessional, currently employed at Union School District 81, and volunteers her time to our community as a Manhattan PTO Board Member, Manhattan Patriots Football & Cheer Board Member and Substitute Religious Education Teacher at St. Joes.
Jennifer has chosen to run for the position of trustee to ensure the village grows and prospers and at the same time, maintains its charm and stability.
Clint Boone For Trustee
Clint Boone, a physical therapist at Athletico Physical Therapy in Manhattan, first moved to Manhattan in 1997. He is a proud alumnus of St. Joseph’s Grade School (’05) and Providence Catholic High School (’09). He earned a Bachelor’s in Health Science from Bradley University (‘13) and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of New England (‘16). Clint and his wife, Mary, are raising their son, Benjamin, who attends St. Joseph’s. As an active parishioner, Clint volunteers with the Men of St. Joseph. Clint will work with Mayor Mike Adrieansen to sustain progress, attract new businesses, uphold fiscal responsibility, and preserve Manhattan’s small-town values while keeping taxes in check.