Monet S. Wilson (Calumet City City Council Ward 2, Illinois, candidate 2025)
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Monet S. Wilson (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Calumet City City Council Ward 2 in Illinois. She was on the ballot in the general election on April 1, 2025.[source]
Wilson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Monet S. Wilson provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on January 27, 2025:
- Birth date: July 20, 1976
- Birth place: Chicago, Illinois
- High school: Queen of Peace
- Gender: Female
- Religion: Catholic
- Profession: Alderman
- Prior offices held:
- Alderwoman 2nd Ward (2021-Prsnt)
- Incumbent officeholder: Yes
- Campaign slogan: Our Voice! Our Ward! Vision of WE!
- Campaign Facebook
Elections
General election
General election for Calumet City City Council Ward 2
Monet S. Wilson ran in the general election for Calumet City City Council Ward 2 on April 1, 2025.
Candidate | ||
 | Monet S. Wilson (D)  | |
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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 Calumet City City Council Ward 2
Erica Jenkins and Monet S. Wilson ran in the Democratic primary for Calumet City City Council Ward 2 on February 25, 2025.
Candidate | ||
| Erica Jenkins | ||
| Monet S. Wilson | |
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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
Wilson received the following endorsements.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Monet S. Wilson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Wilson's responses.
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Having lived in Calumet City for over 30 years, my journey began in high school with my first job at Dominick’s, now known as Pete’s. This community is dear to my heart, and I truly value my neighbors and our shared experiences. I tirelessly advocate for our collective concerns, working to legislate for lower property taxes and passing supportive legislation for our first responders while speaking truth to power.
The sustainability of families in our city has always been my top priority. I lead with consistency, care, and compassion, believing in a Vision of WE. It is a privilege to serve this community, and I am committed to making Calumet City a better place for everyone.🧡- Representation and Accountability: As the first African American Alderwoman in the history of Calumet City, I carry the responsibility of ensuring that every voice in our community is heard and represented. My commitment to transparency and accountability is unwavering; I believe that these qualities are essential for building trust between elected officials and constituents. I actively seek to engage with residents, listen to their concerns, and involve them in the decision-making process. Additionally, I recognize that access to quality education is a fundamental right that empowers our youth and families, and I will advocate for initiatives that strengthen our local schools, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.
- Advocacy for Families and Lower Taxes: I am dedicated to advocating for the needs of families in Calumet City, understanding that the economic well-being of our residents directly impacts our community’s quality of life. I tirelessly work to identify and implement solutions to lower property taxes, which can be a significant burden for many families. My goal is to create a sustainable future for all residents by promoting policies that enhance economic stability and foster growth. I believe that when families thrive, our entire community benefits.
- Economic Development: I am passionate about economic development in Calumet City, as it is crucial for creating job opportunities and enhancing the overall prosperity of our community. My approach involves supporting local businesses and encouraging new investments that can invigorate our economy. I believe that by creating a vibrant business environment, we can attract diverse industries that provide quality jobs for our residents. Additionally, I focus on developing initiatives that promote entrepreneurship and small business growth, recognizing their vital role in our economy. A thriving economy not only benefits individual families but also strengthens our community as a whole, creating a better future for everyone in Calumet City.
1. Affordable Housing
Access to safe and affordable housing and solutions for lower property taxes.
2. Economic Development
Supporting local businesses and attracting new investments while creating policies that promote entrepreneurship and job creation are crucial for enhancing the quality of life for residents and ensuring a vibrant, sustainable economy.
3. Public Safety
Pass legislation that provides first responders with the resources they need to serve effectively. Equip residents with tools to keep them safe.
4. Education
In addition to representation, I participate in the legislative process, crafting and approving ordinances that significantly impact daily life in our district. This role empowers me to tackle issues such as public safety, housing, and economic development, shaping policies that directly benefit our community.
Engaging with residents is another critical aspect of my position. I prioritize outreach efforts, holding town hall meetings and forums to discuss pressing community issues. This engagement encourages civic participation and motivates my constituents to take an active role in local governance, fostering a sense of ownership.
I also play a vital role in overseeing the budgetary process, reviewing and approving allocations for essential services. It is my duty to ensure that taxpayer funds are managed responsibly and directed toward community priorities, which is crucial for maintaining trust.
My admiration for her is rooted in a family legacy of activism. I come from a lineage that includes remarkable figures like Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, who played a crucial role in the civil rights movement, and leaders who are my family, such as Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Rev. Al Sharpton, and Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. Their commitment to social justice and their ability to inspire others have left a profound mark on my life and the community.
I suggest watching the documentary “13th,” directed by Ava DuVernay. This film examines the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States, highlighting systemic issues that often go unaddressed. It offers a crucial perspective on the importance of equity and justice, which are central to my political philosophy.
2. Accountability: An effective elected official takes responsibility for their actions and decisions. We should be transparent about our goals, policies, and the outcomes of our initiatives, allowing constituents to hold us accountable for our performance.
3. Empathy: Understanding and relating to the concerns and experiences of constituents is crucial. An empathetic leader listens to the needs of the community and advocates for policies that address those needs, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered.
4. Vision: A clear and compelling vision for the future is essential for effective leadership. Elected officials should articulate their goals and aspirations for the community, inspiring residents to work together toward a shared purpose.
5. Collaboration: The ability to work with others, including fellow officials, community leaders, and constituents, is vital for achieving common goals. Collaboration creates a sense of community and encourages diverse perspectives in the decision-making process.
6. Resilience: Public service can be challenging, and elected officials must be able to navigate obstacles and setbacks with perseverance. Resilience allows leaders to remain focused on our goals and continue to advocate for our constituents even in difficult times.
7. Communication Skills: Effective communication is key to engaging with constituents and conveying important information. An elected official should be able to articulate their ideas clearly and listen actively to the concerns of the community.
Additionally, I have a strong sense of integrity and ethical responsibility. I believe in transparency and accountability, striving to uphold these principles in all of my actions. This commitment fosters trust between me and my constituents, which is essential for effective governance. My collaborative spirit also plays a crucial role; I enjoy working with others to develop comprehensive solutions to complex problems. I value teamwork and understand that collective efforts often lead to the most effective outcomes.
First and foremost, I serve as a representative of the constituents in my district. This means actively engaging with residents, listening to their concerns, and advocating for their needs. I maintain open lines of communication to ensure that the voices of my community are heard in local government decisions. I prioritize town hall meetings, and outreach initiatives to build a strong connection with my constituents.
Another critical responsibility is legislative action. I participate in crafting, debating, and voting on policies and ordinances that impact our community. This requires a thorough understanding of local issues, as well as the ability to analyze proposed legislation and its potential effects on residents. By prioritizing initiatives that enhance public safety, education, economic development, and infrastructure, I aim to contribute to the overall well-being of our community.
Additionally, I play a key role in budgetary oversight. This includes reviewing and approving the city budget, ensuring that funds are allocated effectively to meet the needs of our residents. I advocate for responsible fiscal policies that support essential services, such as public safety, education, and social programs. By maintaining transparency in budgetary matters, I strive to build trust and accountability with my constituents.
Moreover, I focus on collaboration with other elected officials, community organizations, and stakeholders. Building partnerships is essential for addressing complex issues and leveraging resources to benefit our community. By working together with diverse groups, I can help develop comprehensive solutions that reflect the interests of all residents.
I envision a community that thrives, where everyone has access to opportunities and resources necessary for growth and success. By advocating for policies that promote equity, education, and social justice, I aim to lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and supportive environment. I want my sons to witness firsthand the power of community engagement and the profound changes that can result from collective action.
My first high school job was as a Cart Girl at Dominick’s Grocery Store in Calumet City. I started by pushing carts, but after the adults in our community advocated for my safety while working at night, I was promoted to cashier. Their support made a significant difference in my experience and helped me transition to a role where I could work and be safe.
In addition to this personal struggle, I have faced significant challenges as a woman in a field often dominated by men. Navigating an environment where my presence is frequently undervalued and my intellect is questioned has been disheartening. There have been countless instances where I felt dismissed or overlooked, simply because of my gender. This reality can be exhausting, as I constantly find myself striving to prove my worth and competence. Yet, I refuse to let these obstacles define me.
Additionally, I play a vital role in allocating federal and state funds, such as Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). These funds are crucial for revitalizing neighborhoods, enhancing infrastructure, and supporting local programs. When residents are aware of this responsibility, they can advocate for projects that will benefit our community.
Public safety oversight is another important aspect of my role. I have a say in public safety policies, including how resources are allocated to police and fire departments. This allows me to influence initiatives related to community policing and crime prevention, and I encourage residents to engage in conversations about public safety strategies.
While having a background in politics can help navigate the complexities of local government, I believe that true effectiveness comes from a deep understanding of the community and its residents. Those who have lived and worked in the community bring unique perspectives that can shape policies in meaningful ways. This connection fosters accountability and a commitment to the people we serve.
I also recognize that an influx of new voices and ideas is essential for healthy governance. Fresh perspectives can challenge the status quo and encourage innovative solutions to pressing issues. Therefore, while experience is valuable, it should not come at the cost of perpetuating a political class that prioritizes self-interest over public service.
Additionally, a solid understanding of local governance and legislative processes is crucial. Familiarity with how laws are created and how local government operates enables effective advocacy for community needs. Financial literacy is also important; being able to analyze budgets and funding allocations ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and directed toward priority projects.
Collaboration and negotiation skills are essential, as working with various stakeholders, including other officials, community organizations, and residents, is a daily part of the role. Lastly, a commitment to community engagement and the ability to build relationships with diverse groups can enhance trust and facilitate meaningful dialogue.
Additionally, the ability to influence local legislation and policy is a significant aspect of this role. I can craft and approve ordinances that directly impact the daily lives of residents, from public safety to housing initiatives. This power allows me to enact meaningful change and advocate for the community's best interests.
An impasta!
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See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
