Lisa Kammes, DeKalb’s 7th Ward alderwoman, finds it easy to balance her life between family and her duties to the city.

After being appointed to 7th ward this March when former DeKalb Alderman Brent Keller stepped down, Kammes manages to effectively represent her constituents and finds some free time for herself.

Previously, Kammes worked for Edward Jones Investments as an office administrator.

After she had kids, Kammes began volunteering her time at her children’s school through the PTA.

“I’m just a normal stay-at-home mom who happens to be the 7th Ward Alderwoman,” Kammes said. “I really enjoy doing both.”

Although Kammes doesn’t have any previous political experience, she is very passionate about various issues in the community and said she ultimately wants to see DeKalb thrive and prosper.

“Her biggest concern is public safety for the students and apartment complexes,” said DeKalb Mayor Kris Povlsen. “She wants to make sure relations between NIU and the community continues and thrives. I think she really is concerned about municipal government, in terms of regulatory issues. She is conservative fiscally with municipal government and she truly looks deeply at the issues and whether it is the role of government to step in.”

While raising three children and working on the DeKalb City Council, Kammes said that she deals with day-to-day stresses by taking short weekend trips to Chicago with her family, going to NIU football games and occasionally going out with friends.

Although at times all the various responsibilities can be challenging, Kammes said that other women who are interested in running for local offices in the future should be willing to put in the work.

“You have to get out there and be active in the community, knock on doors, make connections, and just make yourself available,” Kammes said. “This is a great town that we live in. It’s got many opportunities.”

For those who have any concerns or comments about issues in the community, especially students, they can contact Kammes at 815-748-7034.

“It’s been a privilege for me to serve as the DeKalb 7th Ward Alderwoman,” she said. “Students can contact me with any concerns of comments they might have.”