Committeeman recalls time in local politics
Calvin Jordan has been part of local government for more than 20 years. The Olympia Fields resident ran for Rich Township Supervisor because he wanted residents to be informed about services and resources available to them through the Township. Photo provided by Sean Howard
When Jordan moved to Chicago, he was introduced to Stroger. Back then, he said he watched Stroger’s passion. In watching Stroger, that was when Jordan said his own passion for politics “took off”.
A resident of Olympia Fields since 1993, Jordan grew up in Arkansas and was part of Bill Clinton’s campaign before Clinton became Governor of Arkansas. Jordan said he wanted to see good things take place in government.
“When you can help people and make a difference, it makes a difference,” Jordan said, who’s been involved in Rich Township government since 1994.
By working in county government and with local municipalities, Jordan was able to see how much more could be done when delivering services to residents, especially for seniors. It was the reason he said he wanted to run for Rich Township Supervisor.
Jordan said there are some things that need to be set up in the township for the seniors who live there, adding the 12 municipalities that make up Rich Township could benefit from partnerships between each other. During his listening tour, Jordan said people had a lot of questions about Rich Township, what kinds of services are offered, what is going on with the township.
“What I really felt was after listening, we have to educate people to let them know the services we actually provide. We just can’t be a sleeper,” he said.
Electors have to go into the municipalities in the township to work hand in hand with supervisors and clerks in the township, Jordan maintains, and suggested getting ambassadors from each municipality to disseminate information.
He said he interacts with a lot of different people adding, it’s essential to listen to residents and educate them about the services offered. “Every municipality knows what they do in their area. You just can’t be an island. You’ve got to expand and talk to people about services,” he said.
Jordan said seniors have expressed wanting to be involved and he wants to create a senior board. He said although the township doesn’t have an economic development director, he wants to find out how to help residents in the township. One of the things he wants to do is sit down with leaders of the municipalities and businesses to discuss collaborations between the municipalities and the township.
Jordan has tried to recruit people who are passionate about giving back to their community. He also works with students at Governors State University who are majoring in political science. “People run for office, but I am very passionate about this,” he said. “I think right now is a good time to do a lot of things because our people really need help now.”
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