Michael A. Smith (Riverdale Village Trustee Board At-large, Illinois, candidate 2025)
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Michael A. Smith (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Riverdale Village Trustee Board At-large in Illinois. He was on the ballot in the Democratic primary on February 25, 2025.[source]
Smith completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Michael A. Smith provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on February 5, 2025:
- Birth date: April 15, 1990
- Birth place: Harvey Illinois, Illinois
- High school: Thornton High School Harvey Illinois
- Gender: Male
- Religion: Pentecostal
- Profession: Educator
- Prior offices held:
- Village Trustee of Dixmoor Illinois (2009-2017)
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign slogan: Elect Michael Smith February 25
- Campaign Facebook
- Campaign Instagram
Elections
General election
General election for Riverdale Village Trustee Board At-large (3 seats)
Erik LeVere, Gregory Lewis, Bradley A. Smith, and Rodrick L. Jefferson ran in the general election for Riverdale Village Trustee Board At-large on April 1, 2025.
Candidate | ||
| Erik LeVere (D) | ||
| Gregory Lewis (D) | ||
| Bradley A. Smith (D) | ||
| Rodrick L. Jefferson (Independent) | ||
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 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Riverdale Village Trustee Board At-large (3 seats)
The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for Riverdale Village Trustee Board At-large on February 25, 2025.
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Election results
Endorsements
Smith received the following endorsements.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Michael A. Smith completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Smith's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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My journey began in Harvey, Illinois, as a proud graduate of Thornton Township High School. At the age of 18, I was elected as a Trustee of the Village of Dixmoor, gaining over 8 years of municipal government experience and demonstrating a commitment to public service.
Today, I reside in the Village of Riverdale, Illinois, where I am a proud homeowner and taxpayer. Faith plays a central role in my life; I am a devoted Christian and an active member of New Beginning Prayer Outreach Ministries in Olympia Fields, Illinois, under the leadership of Apostle Andre Taylor.
I feel called by God to fulfill my work, embracing every challenge with passion, dedication, and hard work.- “My experience as an elected Trustee at the age of 18 has given me a unique perspective on leadership, governance, and community advocacy. Serving in this role for over 8 years taught me the importance of listening to residents, making informed decisions, and fostering collaboration to achieve meaningful change. This experience has not only shaped my ability to lead but also deepened my commitment to serving others with integrity and accountability.”
- “Transparency is the cornerstone of public service. As a candidate for Village Trustee, I am committed to open communication, accountability, and ensuring that every resident feels informed and heard. My goal is to foster trust by making decisions in the best interest of the community and by providing clear, honest updates about our progress and challenges. Together, we can build a stronger, more transparent future for our village.”
- “Accessibility is essential for effective leadership. As an elected Village Trustee, I am committed to being available to listen, engage, and address the concerns of every resident. My priority is to ensure that community members have a voice in decision-making and feel confident that their needs are being heard and acted upon. Together, we can create a connected and inclusive village where everyone feels represented.”
One defining quality of the office is its localized focus on community-specific needs. Unlike officials at the state or federal level, Village Trustees concentrate on addressing issues that directly impact their municipality, such as public safety, infrastructure maintenance, economic development, and housing. This hyper-local perspective allows Trustees to enact policies and ordinances tailored to their village’s unique challenges, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Another key aspect of the role is its responsibility for financial oversight and resource allocation. Trustees are tasked with approving budgets, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are used effectively. This requires balancing immediate community needs with long-term planning to promote fiscal stability and sustainable growth. The financial decisions Trustees make significantly impact the village’s operations and the well-being of its residents.
Additionally, Village Trustees play a pivotal role in collaboration and intergovernmental relations. They work closely with the Mayor, Village Clerk, and administrative staff to implement policies and oversee public services. Trustees also engage with state agencies, regional organizations, and neighboring municipalities, facilitating partnerships that address shared challenges and opportunities.
“Profiles in Courage” by John F. Kennedy is another powerful resource. This book shares the stories of U.S. senators who demonstrated extraordinary courage by making principled decisions, often at great personal or political risk. It highlights the significance of integrity, accountability, and putting the greater good above political pressures, values that are central to your philosophy.
For those interested in the role of community in politics, “Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community” by Robert D. Putnam is an insightful read. This book examines the decline of civic engagement and offers strategies for revitalizing community connections, resonating with your emphasis on accessibility and fostering strong relationships with constituents.
In the realm of film, “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (1939) is a timeless classic that reflects the struggles of a principled individual navigating a political system fraught with challenges. The film’s themes of transparency, courage, and perseverance in the face of adversity are deeply relevant to your leadership style.
For a contemporary lens on justice and governance, the documentary “13th” by Ava DuVernay examines systemic inequalities and the importance of equity in policymaking. While its focus is national, it inspires reflection on how local leaders can address issues of fairness and community responsibility.
Integrity is at the core of public service. Acting with honesty and maintaining strong moral principles builds trust and credibility. A Trustee must prioritize ethical decision-making, demonstrating accountability and responsibility in every action.
Transparency is equally vital. Open communication about decisions, policies, and challenges fosters trust between officials and residents. A Trustee should ensure that government processes are clear, accessible, and inclusive, making it easy for residents to stay informed and engaged.
Accessibility is a hallmark of effective leadership. Trustees must remain available and approachable, actively listening to residents’ concerns and ideas. By creating open lines of communication, they can better represent the voices and needs of the community.
Accountability ensures that a Trustee takes ownership of their actions and decisions. This principle reflects a commitment to serving the public interest, addressing community concerns, and correcting mistakes when necessary.
Strong leadership is crucial for providing vision and direction. Trustees should inspire collaboration among officials, staff, and residents to achieve common goals. A good leader is not only decisive but also inclusive, ensuring all voices are valued.
Empathy allows Trustees to connect with the diverse experiences of their constituents. Understanding and valuing different perspectives helps create policies that reflect fairness, compassion, and the community’s best interests.
Fiscal responsibility is another critical principle. Trustees must manage taxpayer resources wisely, prioritizing initiatives that bring long-term benefits and economic growth to the village.
One of the primary responsibilities is policy-making and governance. Trustees create, review, and approve ordinances, resolutions, and policies that guide the village’s operations. They must ensure these policies align with the best interests of residents while promoting transparency, fairness, and equity.
Financial oversight is another critical duty. Trustees are responsible for approving budgets, allocating resources, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. This includes reviewing expenditures, approving contracts, and supporting initiatives that bring long-term benefits to the community. Fiscal responsibility ensures financial stability and builds trust with residents.
Public safety and infrastructure are essential focus areas. Trustees oversee public works projects, road improvements, and the maintenance of public buildings, parks, and utilities. They also support police, fire, and emergency services to ensure the safety and security of all residents.
A Trustee must also focus on economic development. They play a key role in attracting businesses, creating jobs, and fostering local economic growth. This includes working to revitalize vacant properties, supporting small businesses, and ensuring the village is an attractive place to live and work.
Community engagement is central to the role. Trustees must be accessible, listening to residents’ concerns and ideas and keeping them informed about village affairs. Regularly attending public meetings, town halls, and community events allows Trustees to maintain strong relationships with their constituents.
One such responsibility is strategic planning. Trustees often contribute to long-term planning for the village, working on priorities such as infrastructure improvements, economic development, and future community growth. Their role in shaping these strategies allows them to influence the direction of the village for years to come, even beyond their term in office.
Another important yet overlooked power is their influence over zoning and land use decisions. Trustees play a key role in determining how land within the municipality is allocated—residential, commercial, or industrial—which directly impacts economic growth, housing availability, and the overall character of the village. These decisions are critical to balancing development with the needs and values of the community.
Trustees also participate in appointments to boards and commissions. These include planning commissions, park boards, and ethics committees, among others. By selecting qualified individuals for these roles, Trustees help shape policies and programs that reflect the community’s priorities.
Additionally, Trustees have oversight of public services. Beyond approving budgets, they ensure that services such as waste management, public utilities, and recreational programs are delivered efficiently and effectively. This oversight helps maintain a high quality of life for residents.
One major advantage is a strong understanding of procedures and processes. Those familiar with legislative practices, budgeting, and administrative functions can navigate the complexities of municipal governance more efficiently. They are better equipped to draft ordinances, evaluate budgets, and implement policies that address local needs.
Government experience also fosters communication and negotiation skills. Trustees must work with diverse stakeholders, including residents, fellow officials, and state agencies. Experienced individuals are often more effective at building consensus, resolving conflicts, and advocating for their community at higher levels of government.
Another benefit is a greater understanding of intergovernmental relationships and resources. Those with prior experience know how local, state, and federal governments interact and how to secure grants or funding. This knowledge can help bring resources to the village, addressing issues like infrastructure, housing, or economic development.
Additionally, prior political experience provides familiarity with public service ethics and accountability. Experienced officials are more likely to recognize the importance of transparency, integrity, and responsiveness, ensuring they maintain trust with constituents while prioritizing the community’s needs.
A critical skill is financial literacy. Trustees oversee budgets, manage taxpayer funds, and allocate resources. Understanding financial principles ensures they can evaluate budgets, prioritize spending, and make decisions promoting fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
Another essential skill is strategic thinking. Trustees must balance short-term needs with long-term goals. The ability to plan, anticipate challenges, and develop solutions is crucial for community growth and addressing issues like infrastructure, economic development, and public safety.
Communication and interpersonal skills are also vital. Trustees engage with residents, officials, and stakeholders. Strong communication builds consensus, resolves conflicts, and ensures decisions are conveyed transparently. Active listening and the ability to relate to diverse perspectives are equally important.
Knowledge of municipal law and governance is valuable. Familiarity with ordinances, zoning laws, and procedures helps Trustees make informed decisions and ensure legal compliance, protecting the village from legal issues.
Collaboration and teamwork are critical as Trustees work with board members, the Mayor, and staff to implement policies. Respecting different viewpoints strengthens decision-making and fosters a productive environment.
Lastly, problem-solving and adaptability are crucial. Trustees face diverse issues, from resident concerns to emergencies. Analyzing situations, thinking creatively, and adapting to circumstances ensure they effectively navigate challenges.
A key quality that sets the office apart is its direct representation of residents. Trustees are elected to serve the interests of their community, providing a voice in decision-making processes. This connection fosters trust, accountability, and responsiveness, ensuring residents’ concerns and priorities are addressed at the local level.
Another unique aspect is the office’s role in legislative functions. Trustees propose, debate, and vote on ordinances and policies that shape the village’s future. From zoning laws to public safety regulations, these decisions have an immediate and lasting impact on residents’ quality of life.
The office is also vital for its financial oversight. Trustees approve budgets, manage taxpayer funds, and allocate resources for projects and services. Their stewardship ensures public funds are used efficiently, balancing immediate needs with long-term growth and sustainability.
Collaboration is another defining characteristic. Trustees work closely with the Mayor, Village Clerk, and staff to implement policies and oversee operations. This teamwork ensures the village functions smoothly and policies align with community goals.
Additionally, Village Trustees influence local development and infrastructure. By addressing issues such as economic growth, housing, and public services, they shape the physical and social landscape of the community.
Finally, the office stands out for its emphasis on community engagement. Trustees are accessible to residents, hosting meetings and encouraging participation in local government. This approach strengthens democracy by empowering citizens to help shape their community.
Financial transparency involves making information about government revenues, expenditures, budgets, and financial decisions openly available to the public. Citizens have the right to know how their tax dollars are being spent and how financial priorities are determined. Key tools for promoting transparency include clear, accessible financial reports, regular audits, and public budget hearings. When financial processes are open and easy to understand, they empower citizens to hold officials accountable while fostering meaningful civic engagement.
Government accountability means that public officials are answerable for their decisions and actions. This requires robust systems of oversight to ensure that laws, policies, and programs are implemented ethically, efficiently, and in alignment with community needs. Mechanisms like performance evaluations, independent oversight bodies, and accessible feedback channels provide critical checks and balances to prevent abuse of power.
Transparency and accountability are interconnected. Transparent financial practices reduce corruption, mismanagement, and fraud, while accountability ensures that any mistakes or unethical behaviors are addressed swiftly. Together, they create a culture of trust where residents feel confident that their government is operating in their best interest.
Modern tools enhance transparency and accountability. Open data portals allow residents to monitor spending, track public projects, and provide feedback. Social media and community meetings enable officials to communicate financial decisions directly and openly.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
