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Name
Michael Wankel
website for my campaign:
www.facebook.com/MichaelWankel2017
Address
417 Hubbard Circle, Plano
Age
36
Current occupation/employer
Information Technology Network Administrator\Lovejoy, a Timken company.
Educational background
I graduated from College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Then studied at the University of Illinois Springfield, with a focus in Business Administration.
Immediate family
My Wife, Shealyn Wankel. And three Daughters, Alexis age 17, Mackenzie age 11 and Jordyn age 10.
Previous city/civic involvement
United States Air Force, Illinois Air National Guard, 182nd Airlift Wing, Peoria, IL. Here I served our country as an Intelligence Analyst from 2003 to 2009. During that time, I trained throughout the U.S. and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. I was honored to have served in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
Previous elected public offices held
This is my first time running for public office.
Why are you seeking a seat on the Plano City Council?
I would like to give back to my community and help shape the future of Plano for generations to come.
What differentiates you from the other candidates running for alderman?
I believe my military experience gives me the focus, discipline, drive and integrity that is required to move Plano forward. My family has loved Plano since we moved here in 2007. I have three daughters in our public-school system and I am an invested homeowner in Plano. I will always put the interests of Plano first, not just for now, but for future generations.
If elected, what would be your top priority as an alderman?
I will focus on growing our business community, supporting local businesses and working hard to bring in businesses that will allow us to stay local for shopping, dining, and entertainment. This business growth will help offset our high property taxes.
What project or projects would you like to see the city accomplish over the next four years?
I would like to see façade improvements to local businesses. We need a major push towards bringing in new businesses to the City. And last I would like to see more focus on community development, expanding current events and adding new events that bring us together and raise extra revenue for the city.
What can and should the city do to foster local development?
Bringing in new businesses takes combined efforts. I will it make it my focus and work with our Economic Development committee, City Council, our Mayor and Chamber of Commerce. I will make sure we have the tools needed to compete with other cities that offer tax incentives to businesses. I will do everything possible to clean up Plano and provide an attractive city that investors will be happy to invest in. To bring in new business takes a lot of moving parts, but I am willing to do everything possible to make sure the gears are turning forward.