Election 2013: Michael Clausen

Michael Clausen is one of five candidates running for the Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A Board of Education in the 2013 election. Clausen is an ironworker superintendent for Clausen Structures. He lives in Lemont.

He is running on a slate with fellow candidates Brian Bushnell and Susan Petrarca.

Name: Michael Clausen

Position sought: Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A Board of Education

Campaign website: www.lemontschools.net

Family (name, relationship and age): N/A

Education (degree and school): High school degree

Occupation: Ironworker superintendent for Clausen Structures

Previous elected offices: None

Why are you seeking office?

• To put our children of the Lemont community first.

• To bring transparency to the school board.

• To create a school board environment where financial and moral accountability is the mortar that holds us together.

• To help the faculty of District 113A create a better work environment

What sets you apart from other candidates?

I am running in a slate with Susan Petrarca and Brian Bushnell. We have many of the same views and goals. We will be good stewards of our future at District 113A, and will make good moral decisions. The school district is heading in a good financial direction, we intend to keep it that way.

The other candidates have teamed up with the old board members. These members decisions are the same people that have put District 113A on state watch. These decisions also brought us into deficit spending two years ago.

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

To put our children of the Lemont community first. Reduce the current class size and hire more teachers.

What experience do you have, working as an individual or member of a team, which resulted in a successful outcome? As a member of the board of education, how will you apply your past experience to help build upon the school district’s successes and achievements – and work effectively with other members of the board?

I have been a member of the Ironworkers Union for 18 years. Five years ago my wife, Christina, and I started our own specialized steel erection company specializing in bridge work under state and tollway contracts. We also belong to the Associated Steel Erectors, an organization that is responsible for contract negotiations with the Union Body.

I have been on both sides of union negotiations and welcome the callenge. I enjoy finding common ground on difficult issues and have done so in the past. Last year, Clausen Structures employed 30 ironworkers—pretty big team. Leadership and being a team player is what I like to do and be a part of. When you treat people with dignity and respect there is nothing your team can't accomplish.

What do you think should be the top three goals for the board of education in the next couple of years? What will you do to help achieve those goals?

Trusting my moral compass when voting, and using my leadership skills to help the district move forward.

According to the Illinois Association of School Boards, “Good school boards make every effort to operate openly by encouraging public attendance at their meetings and keeping constituents informed of the district’s progress.” What will you do to help engage and inform members of the community?

Continue to be available and engage in conversation with locals about the state of the district. Also share my thoughts and positions on all matters.

Related Pages:

• Election 2013: District 113A Board of Education
• Election 2013: David Deitemyer
• Election 2013: Brian Bushnell
• Election 2013: Susan Petrarca
• Election 2013: Patrick M. Kerrigan II

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