About Bob Schillerstrom
Bob Schillerstrom has lived and practiced law in DuPage County throughout his adulthood.
He graduated from Naperville Community High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Religion and History from Illinois College in Jacksonville, Ill., graduating with honors and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Schillerstrom earned his law degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law with honors.
After graduating from law school, he served in the DuPage County State Attorney’s Office, prosecuting cases in the Criminal Division as an Assistant State’s Attorney from 1980 to 1983. Since then, he has been self-employed in a private law practice in Naperville.
Schillerstrom resides in Naperville with his wife Mary Beth and their three children: Connor, Curtis and Katie.
The Beginning…
Bob Schillerstrom was inaugurated Chairman of the DuPage County Board on December 7, 1998, and focused his first term in office on initiatives designed to improve the quality of life in the growing suburban county and to put DuPage County back on the right track.
As chairman, Schillerstrom followed through on pledges to preserve open space, improve the county infrastructure and strengthen law enforcement, all while holding the line on taxes and protecting the county's fiscal integrity. He also implemented ethics and purchasing reforms for the county.
A DuPage County resident for more than 40 years, Schillerstrom's understanding of the challenges facing the county and the expectations of its taxpayers come from his long record of participation in local government and community activities.
Fiscal Conservative
Putting DuPage County's fiscal house in order has been a top priority for Schillerstrom.
Since taking office, Schillerstrom has secured a Triple-A bond rating for DuPage County, a superior rating that saves the county in financing costs. He has lowered county property taxes in every year of his term, and he has established a strategy to reduce high cash balances.
To ease the burden on county taxpayers, Schillerstrom has successfully worked with state and federal authorities to secure $80 million for various improvement projects. In addition, DuPage County was earmarked for $300 million in road improvements under the state's Illinois First program.
Schillerstrom has streamlined county government and made it more accountable to taxpayers. A countywide Economic Development Department was established to work hand-in-hand with local governments in economic development initiatives.
As part of the economic development efficiencies, building and zoning permitting processes have been combined and Internet access has been established. Health Department and human services programming have been increased.
Infrastructure Improvements
A hallmark of Schillerstrom's first term has been the investment made in improving DuPage County's infrastructure, understanding its importance to economic development and the quality of life for county residents.
Consistent with that focus, Schillerstrom has emphasized infrastructure developments that help relieve suburban traffic congestion.
As part of a 10-year program to be paid through county bonding authority – not property taxes – Schillerstrom and the County Board identified storm water and drainage, transportation and public building projects to move DuPage County into the 21st Century.
Tradition of Public Service
Schillerstrom has been an active and successful figure in DuPage County politics for two decades. He was elected Chairman of the DuPage County Board in November 1998 with over two-thirds of the vote. Previously, he was an elected member of the DuPage County Board and served as a Forest Preserve Commissioner from 1986 to 1992.
Schillerstrom also served on the DuPage County Regional Planning Commission from 1988 to 1992. He was a Commissioner of the Naperville Park District from 1983 to 1985, and he was President of the Naperville Park District from 1985 to 1987. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of Copley Hospital since 1993.
He has been a DuPage County Republican Precinct Committeeman for 21 years and is currently secretary of the county GOP organization.
Environmental Advocate
A long-time advocate of open space and environmental protection, Schillerstrom has made those issues the focus of his community activism. He served as a member of the DuPage County Water Commission from 1996 to 1998, and was president of the DuPage County Conservation Foundation from 1994 to 1998.
The Conservation Foundation has been a leading advocate of preserving open space in DuPage County. Schillerstrom also served as Campaign Chairman for Citizens for Open Space, which led to a referendum vote for approval of financing for open space acquisition by the DuPage County Forest Preserve District.
In addition, stricter water quality measures have been put into place, thousands of acres in additional open space have been added, along with 24 miles in recreational trails, and a County Board Environmental Committee was established.
Schillerstrom coy about www.bobforillinois.com
June 23, 2004
Daily Herald By Robert Sanchez
Apparently, the Web site's name doesn't say it best.
Despite what some have inferred from Robert Schillerstrom establishing a new Web site at www.bobforillinois.com, the DuPage County Board chairman said Tuesday he's not targeting higher office.
“My only plan right now is to continue to try and do the job as county board chairman as best as I can,” Schillerstrom said.
“At this point, I have made no plans about my future,” he added. “I think it's too early to do that. I like this job. And I am going to continue to work hard doing it.”
Schillerstrom's Web site gives online users the chance to read about his accomplishments, look at pictures, watch his “special video message” and sign up to become a volunteer.
Anyone with a major credit card can make contributions to his campaign. The Web site says contributions will help Schillerstrom “make a greater Illinois.”
That, coupled with the www.bobforillinois.com Web address, has some speculating that he is starting his bid for the Republican Party's governor nomination.
Schillerstrom said the site's name was chosen because it's being viewed by people living within and outside of DuPage County.
“Obviously, it's somewhat flattering when people look at something like that and think, 'Oh, you may be a candidate for higher office.'
“To some extent, I am surprised,” he said. “And then to some extent, that's why we put it up. So people will look at it.”
But even Schillerstrom admits he likes to keep his options open.
“I think if I do a good job here, another opportunity may open up,” he said. “And if it does, I will certainly consider it.”
Schillerstrom, county board chairman since 1998, has been mentioned in some circles as a candidate for higher office. He was included in the list of possibilities to run for U.S. Senate when Peter Fitzgerald announced he would not seek another term.
When asked if he would consider replacing Republican U.S. Senate candidate Jack Ryan if Ryan dropped out of the race, he said it's “too premature” to talk about that possibility.
“We do have a nominated candidate,” he said. “And I am sure that there's going to be a fair amount of discussion about this. I think the discussion should take place before anything else.”
Schillerstrom: 'We will meet budget challenges'
July 21, 2004
Bartlett Examiner
Announcing that the DuPage County Corporate Fund budget was on track at the six month mark, Board Chairman Robert Schillerstrom praised the County Board for their conservative, fiscally responsible budget produced last fall and outlined the guidelines that will be used to develop the FY2005 budget.
“We did not finance our operations in 2004 with borrowed money and we will not rely on borrowing to subsidize our day-to-day operations in 2005,” Schillerstrom stated as he addressed the Board Members at the scheduled meeting.
“DuPage County cut our 2004 corporate budget by 20 percent from the prior year. It was difficult, but it was necessary. Our County Board demonstrated that government can live within its means. It is a lesson we hope the state will quickly learn,” Schillerstrom continued.
Schillerstrom pointed out last year's budget process emphasized constraint and control and has worked extremely well.
Highlights of the budget's effectiveness include:
Schillerstrom also thanked the outstanding management efforts by County agencies, departments and staff, as well as the continuing vigilance of the County Board for meeting budgetary goals.
Nothing that the state does not yet have a budget, and aware that its ultimate solution could severely impact County finances, Schillerstrom urged restraint in the 2005 budgeting process and stressed the need to remain conservative with revenue estimates.
“I want to make my expectations clear,” Schillerstrom said. “We remain cautious about future revenues. The economy is showing some signs of recovery, but we uncertain about its strength or duration. The taxpayers of DuPage County have every right to expect that we will continue to streamline our operations while we continue to deliver quality services.”
Schillerstrom remained all involved in the budget process that the County will not engage in the deficit spending and that the process will stay focused on performance, accountability and service to the taxpayer.
Staff will be delivering budget request packets and guidelines to agencies in the next few days. During July and August, agencies and departments will meet with their parent committees as needed to develop their requests per these guidelines.
After deliberation and vote by the Finance Committee, the budget will be presented during the first County Board meeting in November.
“We met our budget challenges during difficult economic times. Things are still uncertain. But we will continue to apply our disciplined, conservative approach to financial planning. I look forward to working with the County Board and our elected officials, confident in the knowledge that together we will meet the challenges of 2005,” Schillerstrom concluded.
Robert J. “Bob” Schillerstrom
Issue 1: Fiscal discipline: DuPage County operates one of the most efficient and cost-effective county governments in the United States. Our cost of government has been cited as among the lowest per capita in the nation. We have been fiscally disciplined, spending conservatively and reducing the size of government by 30 percent over the past few years.
For 10 years our efficiencies allowed us to lower the property tax levy. But this year increasing pressures upon county services did not allow us to decrease the levy. I believe it is my duty to the taxpayer to run the most efficient government possible and still protect the health and safety of our citizens and enhance their quality of life. And I believe we must continue to keep taxes low. Therefore, I am committed to exploring alternative revenue sources and increased efficiencies that will maintain our county as great place to live, work and raise a family, without overburdening our homeowners and businesses.
Issue 2: Transportation: Our county is now over 900,000 residents, and our growth has put unprecedented strain on our highways. Roadway congestion effects our economic development, our environment and our quality of life. We must continue with our planned roadway improvements and work to relieve congestion throughout the region. User-based public transit is part of the solution to congestion, and I am committed to ensuring that the suburban areas get needed and equitable public transit. Western access to O'Hare is a priority for our county. We were fortunate that thanks to the efforts of (House) Speaker (Dennis) Hastert, western access was granted an initial $140 million in the Federal Highway Equity Act. But it is incumbent upon both state and local jurisdictions to match these funds. Investment in our transportation system is critical if we are to retain our pre-eminence as a world-class region and as the commerce and transportation hub of North America.
Issue 3: The future: DuPage County is the new face of urban life. We are now how and where the majority of Americans live. It is time to redefine who we are, where we are going and how we are going to get there. We have to review our goals and our mission at the beginning of a new century. Beyond the challenges and pressures we face today, we must push ourselves to address the challenges of tomorrow.
We must develop a vision of what a successful, prosperous and compassionate county should look like in the 21st century. County Board members, elected officials, staff, business and community leaders and the general public are all participating in formulating this strategic vision. Our strategic plan will include public input from our residents and businesses through a variety of forums. We will be looking at what government services and programs are needed and desired to realize our shared vision.
From: http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/politics/naperville/n17dupchair.html
Chairman Schillerstrom's Tollway Testimony
Tollway Testimony: September 20, 2004
Good Evening.
I want to thank Chairman Mitola (Director Hartman) and all the Board members for allowing me to speak here this evening.
We live in one of the great regions of the world. A region that became a world class commerce center due to its superior transportation networks.
We are truly the crossroads of the nation and if we are to maintain our region's economic viability and our transportation preeminence we must approach our transportation needs in a holistic, comprehensive and strategic manner. If we are to maintain the strength of our region, we must also have a unified approach to reach our common goals. It is has long been my belief that what best serves the region best serves DuPage County.
It is to that end, I speak here tonight to support the Illinois Tollway's plan to reconstruct and widen Tollway roads and to further ease traffic congestion through conversion to Open Road Tolling. These improvements are critical to achieving new growth in our region.
Our region's unprecedented growth has put major strains on our transportation systems and roads. It is vital that we enhance and maintain our current transportation networks, restore our infrastructure and continue unfettered access to our communities, our jobs and our businesses.
Vehicular traffic congestion is not only a quality of life issue for our citizens but also a business-related issue to the people of the region.
Within this plan, all the toll roads in DuPage County will be rebuilt and widened with an additional lane in each direction. The York Road Toll Plaza will be converted to Open Road Tolling and will benefit those DuPage commuters that use the Eisenhower every day.
Improvements presented here will provide the catalyst for a number of improvements to the quality of life, not only in DuPage County, but also throughout our region, improvements that will enhance our ability to move workers to work and to keep our job centers viable.
No where is that more evident than in the critical southern extension of I 355. Will County is the fastest growing county in the state. Not only will this extension enhance Will County's ability to attract and retain business, but DuPage County serves as a major job center for Will County citizens and this extension will serve as a vital link for the many employees that come to work in DuPage County every day.
We can no longer ignore that our region is the third most congested in the nation. I support the Tollway s efforts to reduce this congestion which clogs our roadways, tries our patience, wastes fuel and pollutes our children s lungs.
I have been an outspoken supporter of Western Access to O' Hare Airport and the accompanying North / South bypass or ring road that will offer communities west of the airport the same economic opportunities that municipalities east of the airport have enjoyed.
Western Access and the north / south bypass are the cornerstones of our transportation planning and our long-term economic development.
I am pleased that western access to the airport is included as a proposed system enhancement in the Tollway s program. I am glad that funds for the local share for the Western Bypass are recognized by the Tollway plan.
BUT, it is absolutely critical that funding become a reality in the current financial plan. A spur route that ends at the western entrance of the airport and does not connect to I-90 northwest of O Hare will not fulfill our long-term economic development vision.
Western Access and the bypass will ease the burden of cargo and trucking companies that must circumnavigate the airport to deliver or retrieve freight; a route that costs businesses millions of dollars in wasted labor and spent fuel.
I encourage the Authority to modify the pan and to include the entire western access plan, including the connecting by-passes, in the Plan. I will continue to work vigorously to ensure that this critical project receives the necessary funding and full support needed to become a reality.
The stated improvements and the increased emphasis on IPASS will go a long way to helping us combat on-going congestion. But traffic congestion cannot be addressed without including a true commitment to public transit.
Just as this Tollway improvement plan fully comprehends the patterns of regional growth and takes careful consideration of projected job growth, so too must any alteration to the RTA funding plan. Highway congestion will be further reduced and regional transportation planning will only be enhanced by appropriately funding suburban mass transit. I believe that public transit planning cannot be accomplished in a vacuum and I look forward to working with all to ensure that funding for suburban transit meets our constituents needs and complements the plans presented here.
DuPage County fully supports Bus Rapid Transit. We look forward to working with the Tollway Authority to further explore multi-modal projects, utilizing the Tollway to increase options for public transit.
An additional component to reducing congestion and clearing our air is a commitment to develop walkable and bikable communities. In DuPage County, we have implemented a Healthy Roads Initiative that encourages bike and walking paths and mandates that the County construct sidewalks or bike paths when improving existing roadways or constructing new. I encourage the state to seek opportunities to include walking and bicycling options along with new road development.
I also ask that the Tollway work to expand and integrate its Intelligent Transportation Systems with local and regional agencies in order to maximize the sharing and managing of traffic information. Though I am supportive of these improvements that will ease traffic congestion, I look forward to hearing the public reaction and I ask that the Tollway utilize that input as they finalize their plans with consideration for our residents and respect for our environment.
I must express some concern about the toll increase on commercial vehicles. I appreciate that Illinois tolls are among the lowest in the nation and I understand the additional wear and tear large commercial vehicles place on our infrastructure.
But I think we must also be cognizant that increases in fuel prices have hit every business in America and as we all know- America moves by truck. My concern is that these costs will eventually be passed on to the consumer. I also worry that Illinois has not yet experienced a robust economic recovery and Illinois job growth continues to lag. I ask that we carefully consider any toll increase that may further jeopardize our business base, hinder job creation or drive commerce from our state. As these hearings proceed, I ask that these issues be carefully considered.
The Tollway has addressed difficult funding issues and developed a creative funding plan that does not burden the regular commuter who daily relies on the tollway to travel to work.
But I think we must further study the effect of the commercial increase. This increase may ultimately impact the consumer , not only in higher cost of goods, but also in diverting traffic to other highways which may only increase costs for road maintenance elsewhere.
I also ask that the debt for these projects be structured so that the costs are equitably amortized over the life of the improvements. As a fiscal conservative, I oppose any back-end debt or any debt that lives beyond the life of the program.
With the exception of the few concerns I have noted here, I am glad to stand in support of the Tollway s proposed enhancements.
These improvements will result in a vastly improved transportation network, ease traffic congestion, increase convenience for the traveling public, increase economic development opportunities and offer unlimited economic benefits to the entire region for decades to come.
Again, on behalf of the people of DuPage County, I thank you for this opportunity. I look forward to working to make these significant transportation improvements a reality for the people of Illinois.
Thank you.