I have sent out 4 questions for our current Winfield Trustees. A few trustees our up for re election this year in April. Early voting has begun. Please spread the word to local residents. Share the petition and follow our facebook page for updates. “Backyard Chickens of Winfield” it will take all of us to push for change in our community.

Here is the response to my questions from trustee Emily Jacobs.

1. After hearing from residents both for and against allowing back yard chickens in Winfield, are you in support of residents owning backyard chickens? Please explain why or why not.

I have not currently made a final decision because I would like to see the results from the non-binding referendum question that we asked about this issue on the April municipal ballot. 

2. Do you feel that the interests of all Winfield residents are currently being represented on the Village Board of Trustees? If not, how will you work to represent marginalized residents?

 Currently, I do feel that the board members work hard at representing the views of all Winfield residents and not just a select few. Though I am not up for re-election this spring, I hope that the voters re-elect Deb Piscola, Dan Janowick and Carl Sorgatz because they truly impress me as public servants. I very sincerely say that they are some of the most thoughtful, informed, open-minded and communicative people that I know and as a resident, I have full faith in their service to our Village. I have true concerns over the other candidates running for the Village Board because I believe they have personal biases, misinformed viewpoints and malicious intent. 

3. How do you plan to balance your personal feelings about any given issue, the impact of the issue on the Village, and public opinion on an issue?

Something that is the utmost importance to me is being open to different perspectives. Any topic we discuss, I try to consider it from all points of view and understand how it affects the many aspects of the village. I think it is important to take into account the long-term consequences and overall resident sentiment on the issue at hand.  One of the main reasons I wanted to join the board is because I felt that the trustees were representing solely their own point of view; I believe my position is a representative of the residents and that how I vote needs to take into account all of the feedback I receive, not just my own personal biases or experiences. 

4. How do you plan to or how have you informed yourself or researched the topic of backyard chickens to make an informed decision? If you have any concerns or reservations what are they? 

I feel that I have received ample information on the topic from both sides. I thoroughly read and consider every piece of information that is shared with me and I will continue to do so.