Daily Herald Key Issues Page: http://www.dailyherald.com/news/politics/elections/2009/race/candidates/?id=488&candidate=742
Key Issue 1 Retain the effective services provided Naperville Township Government. Number one assessor's office in all of Illinois.
Key Issue 2 Continue the efficient method of providing all services at the lowest cost per citizen compared to other townships. Continue to live within our means. Lowering the tax rate. Spending less than the budget each year.
Key Issue 3 Maintain the ethical, open, and innovative examples of good government resulting from the experienced Naperville Township staff and elected officials.
Q&A:
1. Name the three most important goals or objectives this board should tackle in the coming term. Prioritize them, and briefly discuss why you believe each to be critical, and how the board should go about addressing them.
2. In the 21st century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?
Township government is a model of efficiency. Services such as Assessment, General Assistance, Youth and Family, Senior Programs, Transportation, Unincorporated Roads, Mosquito Programs, and more are best serviced at the local level. This is government closest to the people, with less bureaucracy, and with the most attentive service.
If the state government cared more about service and less about power, they would provide more services at the township level.
3. What should be the primary responsibility of township government?
The primary responsibilities of township government are assessment of property, general assistance, unincorporated roads, and looking out for the needs of the citizens of the township.
4. In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?
The Naperville Township Board has already cut salaries and benefits of elected officials. They have also reduced the budget from last year. At the same time of this fiscal responsibility, we have increased services to the needy.
5. What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I have the educational background, training and experience to be the best candidate for the position of township supervisor. I have a long record of serving this community and being a strong voice and vote for ethical and fiscal responsibility. My extensive experience and work in the community allows me to work cooperatively with other leaders in the city, park district, county and state governments. This education, experience and training has helped me contribute and make this and efficient, effective and ethical township.