Election 2013: Ted Rodgers

Ted Rodgers is a candidate for Wheaton City Council in the city's North District. Rodgers, 61, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Wheaton College and a Master of Arts in educational administration from Ball State University. He lives in Wheaton with his wife, Debbie, and is the father of Katy, a small business owner in Wheaton, and Ted, a newly-sworn Marine. Rodgers is one of four candidates in the North District race. 

Name:  Ted Rodgers 

Position sought: Wheaton City Councilman, North District

Campaign contact information:

• Website: ted4council.com
• E-mail address: ted@ted4council.com
• Phone: 630.890.8228
• Address: 408 West Cole Avenue, Wheaton, 60187

Age: 61

Family (name, relationship and age): Married to Debbie Rodgers for 39 years. Father of Katy, a Wheaton small business owner and son Ted a newly sworn Marine.

Education (degree and school):

• B.A. Economics, Wheaton College
• M.A. Educational Administration, Ball State University

Occupation: Director, Estate & Gift Planning, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship

Political party affiliation, If any: None

Previous elected offices: None

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:

• Wheaton College Artist Series Board of Advisors
• Wheaton Grand Theater Fund Raising Task Force
• First Baptist Church, Member and Trustee
• Northern Seminary, Board of Trustees

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? 

I will be a Champion for the North District. Residents feel that for too long the needs of the north side neighborhoods and businesses have not been a priority for the City. The North District needs a Councilman who will actively advocate for this District. Someone who is interested in and willing to listen to their issues and concerns, plus actively get resident input on issues facing the City of Wheaton. The North District represents the City’s distinctive heritage and history and it will be at the heart of its future.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

In addition to the commitment above I believe we need a bold vision for all of Wheaton. The recent Downtown Strategic Study is unimaginative and timid about suggestions for the City’s future development. Their “polishing the apple” mantra suggests status quo and a lack of creativity.

What sets you apart from the other candidates? 

I have lived in the North District for over 25 years. I am a strategic thinker and visionary. I am a citizen candidate, not a politician seeking higher office. My “ear to the ground” campaign and research tells me that North side residents and businesses feel that their issues and concerns are not heard at the Council level. I have the experience and ability to effectively represent them.

I have extensive leadership and governance experience bringing people together to work to achieve common goals. My economics, fiscal management and leadership background give me the financial expertise needed to lead the City.

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How long have you lived in Wheaton? If applicable, how long have you been involved with Wheaton? 

25 years.  First came to Wheaton College as a student in 1969.

What's your favorite thing about Wheaton?

That it is a quality community in which to live and raise a family

What is the biggest problem in Wheaton?

The lack of a bold, creative and innovative vision for the future

Related: 

• Election Central: City Council
• Election 2013: Alberta Adamson
• Election 2013: JT del Alcazar
• Election 2013: Philip Suess
• Wheaton Election Central: 2013 Elections