DuPage Democratic candidates say they'll work for less if elected
By Paige Winfield staff writer. October 4, 2006
The seven Democrats running for DuPage County Board hope this is the year they break into what for years has been an all-Republican governing body.
In a news conference Tuesday, the candidates focused on how to reduce the county's operating budget and improve transportation.
Board members have predicted that with expenditure increases - such as rising gas and insurance prices - and the loss in 2007 of $15 million annually from the DuPage Water Commission, the county's nearly $500 million budget may face a cumulative $45 million to $50 million strain over the next two years.
All seven of the candidates agree that, if elected, they would cut costs by reducing their salaries from the $48,620 that board members receive. A few months ago, board members voted to increase their salaries to $53,645 in 2010.
Richard Dunn, a candidate in District 4, signed a pledge that he would donate to the county any money exceeding $30,000 from the salary he would receive as a board member. He also opposed putting money into anything that is not related to upkeep or health and safety services.
Elizabeth Chaplin, a candidate in District 2, said she wants to reduce costs by eliminating what she feels are unnecessary layers of government, such as the Election Commission.
“I hate to talk about reducing county services, … but I'd like to cut the redundancy,” she said.
She along with Dan Bailey - who also is running in District 4 - suggested money could be saved by reducing the board's 18 members to 12.
But County Board member James Healy, a Naperville resident, said the board's size could not be reduced until 2012.
“They're just stealing our ideas because we've already talked about it,” Healy said, also noting that reducing board members' salaries to $30,000 would save only about $400,000 annually.
Many of the Democratic candidates named transportation as one of their top concerns. Bailey said the county needs a more holistic and environmentally conscious transportation system.
“It's not just the right thing to do (for the environment) - it's an economic necessity for the well-being of our county,” he said.
Source: http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/82130,6_1_NA04_DEMS_S1.article