Press Release from The Riverside Community Caucus for 2011 Trustee Candidates

The Riverside Community Caucus unanimously selects the following candidates to run for Trustee Village elections in April 2011.  The Caucus contacted over 40 residents for possible consideration.  Several people were interviewed by the nominating committee.  Of those residents presented to the Caucus by the nominating committee, the Caucus  chose the following candidates :   Joseph Ballerine, Jean Sussman and Benjamin Sells.    They display a unique set of government and organizational experience, a belief that residents and their views should be treated with the utmost respect,  vast community involvement and community initiatives,   fiscal responsibility and planning.  Joseph Ballerine, Jean Sussman and Benjamin Sells are independent yet committed to serving responsibly the entire Village of Riverside in an open, respectful way.

The Candidates:


Joe Ballerine, a 21 year resident of Riverside, seeks a Trustee Village Board Position in 2011.  Joe and Donna Ballerine have raised two sons ages 22 and 18 in Riverside.  He is owner of J. Anthony Designs.  Joe holds a Bachelor in Business from Western Illinois University.  Joe has previous government experience serving Riverside Township during a two and one half year term as Village Trustee appointed by then Village President, Paul Stack.  His broad-based community involvement includes being a former Deacon and Elder of Riverside Presbyterian Church, former board member of Riverside Little League, Baseball coach for boy and girl baseball, former Chairman of Riverside Recreation Board, former member of Riverside Recreation Board, and co founder and current member of Friends of the Fourth. Patriots Park is witness to Joe’s planning and advocacy for the importance of Riverside’s beauty. Joe’s advocacy for a thriving Riverside Parks and Recreation presence displays his commitment towards drawing families to Riverside to renew the social fabric of our Village.  One of Joe’s objectives as trustee is to sustain an open, independent, community-wide approach to solving the challenges facing Riverside.

Ben Sells, a 23 year resident of Riverside, feels it is an honor and pleasure to serve his fellow neighbors and residents.  He is seeking reelection as a Riverside Village Trustee in 2011.  Ben holds a Juris Doctorate from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law.  He is owner and operator of Fairwind Sail Charters Inc. for the past 13 years.  Ben’s business and advisory experience, advocacy for Riverside residents, and long record of active support and organization of numerous volunteer efforts have shaped Riverside for the better.  While serving as Trustee, Ben co-founded Riverside Friends of the Fourth, Riverside Springs Ahead Community Work Day, and the Save Riverside’s Parks and Recreation Board petition drive.  It is this kind of passionate involvement, coupled with his experience on the Village Board that will guide Ben to seek the best solutions for Riverside in the challenges that lie ahead.

Jean Sussman, a 16 year resident of Riverside, seeks reelection as a Riverside Village Trustee for 2011.  Jean holds a PHD in Agricultural and Applied Economics from the University of Minnesota.  Currently retired, she worked as a Director at Quaker Oats Company and Pepsi Co.  Jean’s current or past memberships are Trustee, Village of Riverside; Chair, Riverside Arts Fair; former chair, Riverside Zoning Board of Appeals; former member, Riverside Plan Commission; Member and Co-chair of Committee for Riverside Branch of AAUW; member of board of Directors, Raunder/Pilsen Family YMCA; volunteer, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).  Jean will continue to use her government experience, analytical training, and financial training to address the fiscal challenges for Riverside.  Her open minded, independent, and objective approach to problem solving will insure a commitment to finding the best solutions for Riverside and its citizens.

The Caucus has been slating candidates for over 80 years.  Its non partisan approach ensures the integral process of identifying and selecting the most qualified and capable people to lead Riverside.