Election 2013: James Mathieson

James Mathieson is one of nine candidates running for the Community Unit School District 200 Board of Education in the 2013 election. Mathieson, 64, is the managing partner of CPA firm Mathieson, Moyski, Celer & Co, LLP, and has a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Northern Illinois University. He lives in Warrenville with his spouse, Gail, and has a daughter, Christie, 37, and two sons, Scott, 34, and Brett, 30.

Name: James Mathieson

Position sought: District 200 Board of Education

Campaign contact information:

• E-mail address: jmcampaign2013@comcast.com
• Phone: 630-890-5755
• Address PO Box 62, Wheaton, IL 60187

Age: 64

Family (name, relationship and age): Spouse, Gail; daughter, Christie, 37; and sons, Scott, 34 and Brett, 30

Education (degree and school):

• BS Accounting Northern Illinois University

Occupation: Managing Partner of CPA firm of Mathieson, Moyski, Celer & Co, LLP

Political party affiliation, if any: Not applicable 

Previous elected offices: None

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:

In addition to being a financial consultant to commercial businesses, I have been an auditor and financial consultant to over fifty Illinois school districts during the last 30 years. I have been a board member of numerous for-profit and community organizations. I have been the co-chairman on two committees for the Illinois CPA Society associated with financial matters of local governments.

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

Because of my extensive background in dealing with the financial matters of school districts, my being an independent observer and decision maker through my profession, and the active role in working in different board environments, I believe I am uniquely qualified to help our community and school district in meeting the financial and operating challenges that will be confronting all governmental bodies in the State of Illinois. 

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

The ability to proactively confront the education and training of technology based, well prepared students within the constraints of the economic conditions facing the State and local educational system without significant property tax increases to the local property owners.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I am very active in the community. I am the vice-president of the Downtown Wheaton Association, a 30 year member of the Wheaton Lions Club, the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce, and a director of the Wheaton Cemetery Association. I have served on our church council, member of the Friends of the Park, Friends of the Theatre; and the New 200 Foundation.

As an independent candidate I can bring a new perspective to the Board.

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

I currently live in Warrenville but have been a 30 year resident and involved member of the Wheaton/Warrenville community.

What's your favorite thing about Wheaton? The opportunity work and be involved in the community.

What is the biggest problem in Wheaton?

I recently was involved in hiring the new executive director of the Downtown Wheaton Association. During that process we had to sell the merits of this community. It was quite easy. There is new development and expansion in Wheaton that exceeds most of the surrounding areas. It tells me that others wish to be here and accordingly our problems, whatever they may be, are not insurmountable.

What is your stance on the Jefferson Early Childhood Referendum?

At this point, the voters will decide on whether the referendum will pass.

The challenge of the near term future will be to develop a building maintenance plan, not only on the conditions of Jefferson, but to other buildings in deteriorating status. The current budget merely addresses the operating status quo without planning for these types of building conditions and/or deficiencies in technology.

The board’s responsibility is to plan to future.

Related:

• Election Central: District 200
• Election 2013: Joann Coghill
• Election 2013: Bruce Fogerty
• Election 2013: Barbara Intihar
• Election 2013: Ken Knicker
• Election 2013: Harold Lonks
• Election 2013: Kyle Nenninger
• Election 2013: Brad Paulsen
• Election 2013: Jan Shaw
• Election Central Wheaton: 2013 Elections