Naperville voters to cast ballots in three DuPage districts
By Susan Frick Carlman scarlman@stmedianetwork.com November 2, 2012 9:48PM
Gary Grasso
Updated: December 5, 2012 6:08AM
In a few days, DuPage County residents will update their preferences for the leadership that represents them in Wheaton. All 18 positions on the County Board are on Tuesday’s ballot, three in each of the six districts.
With the county’s electoral boundaries redrawn to correlate with census data updated in 2010, portions of Naperville now lie in three different districts. Most of the city is still part of District 5, which stretches into Aurora and has three incumbents running to remain on the board.
A few Naperville voters will help choose the board members for District 2, a piece of which now reaches into the city’s far northeast corner. Four hopefuls, none of them currently on the board, are vying for the three positions open. The representatives last elected from District 2 are now engaged in other pursuits.
In District 3, now including part of southeast Naperville, two incumbents face challengers.
Each of the three districts that lie partly in Naperville has three Republicans and one Democrat on Tuesday’s ballot. Here is some basic information about each office hopeful. To see their responses to The Sun’s candidate questionnaire, go to napervillesun.suntimes.com.
District 2
Elizabeth (Liz) Chaplin, Democrat
Age: 47
Hometown: Downers Grove
Profession: Accounting at Windy City Wire
Family: I have been married for 23 years to my husband Brian, a lifetime resident of DuPage and a 31 year member of the IBEW Local 701. We have three children ages 17, 15 and 13.
I was appointed to the DuPage Water Commission in 2002 by DuPage County Board Chairman Robert J. Schillerstrom and reappointed in 2004 serving until the term expired in 2010. After years of warning commission members about the financial troubles a forensic audit conformed these warnings and praised me for my efforts.
Represented over 800 homeowners in negotiations with the U.S. and Illinois EPA , the Village of Downers Grove, DuPage County and the DuPage Water Commission to reach an intergovernmental agreement to bring safe water to residents in the unincorporated area. Served as President of the Citizens Advisory Group from 2001-2003, represented them on the Governor’s Action Team.
Recommended to State Representatives amending the Illinois Ground Water Protection Act to ensure that the Department of Public Health would notify residents within 60 days of suspected contamination so that wells could be tested. Worked with the Village of Downers Grove to secure a state grant for $700,000.00 to extend water mains in the North Belmont Park neighborhood.
Served as Second Vice President of the Indian Trail School P.T.A.
Past member of the Downers Grove Junior Women’s Club.
Past Religious Education Teacher at St. Joseph’s Church.
Past President of Midwest Ballet Theatre.
More recently I worked with my neighbors in defending the integrity of our neighborhood against a senseless commercial intrusion. After months of voicing concerns with safety, traffic and annexing an unincorporated area the petitioners pulled their plans.
Why do you want to join the County Board?
I am running for DuPage County Board because I believe the government should serve the people, not the other way around. The citizens need an advocate on the board. My record demonstrates that I have been a strong champion for families in DuPage and I would like to continue my efforts as a member of the DuPage County Board.
What do you see as the biggest challenge the board will face in the coming two years?
Economic development will be a priority. The Western Bypass project needs to come to fruition. This project is necessary for job creation and bringing new businesses to the area, which will lead to additional revenue.
Streamlining our local government by consolidation of the many boards and commissions. This will eliminate duplication of services and save tax dollars.
Protecting the life, safety, health of our citizens. Provide cost effective and compassionate social services. It is important that the county continue services for our children, elderly, veterans, disabled and poor.
Do you believe the salary, benefits and pension plan provided for County Board members are appropriate for the part-time position? Why or why not?
Simply put this is a part time job, an elected position and public service. There is no justification for the $50,079 salary. I will fight to cut in half the salaries paid to all County Board members and I will either decline or donate to charity fifty percent of my after-tax salary for serving on the County Board.
Last December the board had the opportunity to eliminate their pensions but they opted to keep the taxpayer funded perk for themselves while in the same time frame they voted to reduce benefits for the full time county employees. A leader leads by example. As your DuPage County Board member I will not accept the taxpayer-funded health or pension benefits for my service and I will seek to abolish such benefits for members of the County Board.
Do you support the recent restoration to the CB chairman many of the powers that were taken away from the position two years ago?
I believe the recent restoration of powers given to the DuPage County Board Chairman is problematic. The DuPage County Chairman has donated to several candidates that are seeking the position of county board member. By giving authority to the Chairman to make all appointments would lead to unbalanced and unfair representation.
Peter “Pete” DiCianni, Republican
Age: 46
Hometown: Elmhurst
Profession: Businessman (president/CEO and founder of DuPage based DiCianni Graphics, Inc.)
Family: married to Rose DiCianni a registered nurse, Loyola University; three children: Natalie, 16; Peter, 14; Brianna, 9. All attend Elmhurst public schools.
Elected offices held: mayor, city of Elmhurst, 2009-present
Appointed Positions: DuPage stormwater committee, municipal appointee, 2009-present
Western Access Task Force member, 2009-present appointed by Governor
DuPage County’s largest Transportation project 3.4 Billion Dollars
Task Force Advisor on Local Government to Hon. Judy Barr Topinka 2010-present
Legislative Accomplishments/Awards
Author of Brianna’s Law, 2008, allowing autism-related services to be covered by insurance. Legislation has been enacted in over 33 States.
Author of “James’ Law” Public Safety Legislation 2011 Enabling GPS locators to work with 911 system to find children and seniors who suffer from Autism, Alzheimer’s and other cognitive impairments.
Legislative Hero Award “Childhood Obesity” YMCA of Chicago 2009
Humanitarian of the Year Award West Suburban Philanthropic Network 2009
Professional/Awards
President/CEO of DiCianni Graphics Inc. 1985-present. A DuPage based Creative-Print-Marketing Firm.
The Young Entrepreneur under 40 Award, DuPage Business Ledger Award Recipient 2004
Education
College Center for Business & Economics
BS Business Management ‘88
Lifelong resident of DuPage County, Graduate of York High School, Elmhurst
Advocacy:
Elmhurst Children’s Assistance Foundation (ECAF)
Director & President 1996-2006 (raised a record $1 million)
Honorary Chair 2009-present
Awarded the “Friend of the Children” 2008 Ecaf’s Highest Award
Assisted Families with DuPage Children with life threatening & Disabling Conditions
Metropolitan Family Services of DuPage - Director 2006-present
DuPage County’s Largest Provider of Senior Services including Respite and Counseling
Center for Speech & Language Disorders (CSLD)
Awarded the “You Make a Difference Award” 2006
Brianna & friends “Walk to Talk”-Walk Chairman 2007-present
CSLD is a Center located in District 2 providing Speech & Language Services to Children with Autism
Ray Graham People for Disabilities
Walk Co-Chairperson to raise money for people with developmental disabilities
DuPage County’s Largest community based living facility serving 2000 children & adults
DuPage Senior Citizen Council-Supporter/Volunteer “Meals on Wheels”
Providing thousands of DuPage Area seniors low cost to free healthy meals along with vital well being checks.
Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce-Director 2001-2009
Parishioner, Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church
Member, Visitation Church Fathers’ Club
The Issues that concern me for DuPage County:
Storm Water Management
Secure more county funding for local Storm Water Projects
Protect the quality of life and public health of our residents
Protect PROPERTY VALUES for our local residents
Intergovernmental Cooperation and Reduction of Costs
Regionalize services to give the best quality services at a low cost
Eliminate duplication and waste to SAVE you money
My skills as a businessman and Mayor will be very important in this area
Low Taxes, Economic Development, & Job Creation
Recruiting businesses that will be a good fit for our communities
Lessen the tax burden on residents by stimulating sales tax producing businesses
Create quality and reliable JOBS for our residents
Maintain and enhance a High Quality of Life
Keep DuPage County residents safe
Be an advocate for safe & quality schools for our children
Be mindful of our SENIOR CITIZENS and their needs
The County’s annual budget is nearly a half a billion dollars, which is larger than the state budget of 6 US states. While I have never sought out public service for compensation purposes and much of my public service to both non profits and government has been done with little to no compensation, I feel the compensation to County Board members seems to be fair if you want to attract quality candidates. I do feel that attendance is important as we have seen many members often absent with no consequence. My tract record as one of the hardest working DuPage Mayors is nearly 100 percent attendance.
As a Mayor I had appointment authority and I feel as long as the appointment authority comes with consent of the members, then there are checks and balances.
Sean Noonan - did not respond to requests for input
Elaine Zannis - did not respond to requests for input
District 3
Sharon Bryant, Democrat
Age: 40
Hometown: Bolingbrook
Profession: lifetime-certified teacher; formerly telecommunications manager for more than 15 years
Family: two grown children
I have been a resident of Du Page County for over 20 years. I’ve raised two fantastic children that attended Community District 99 schools. I have a degree in education and over 15 years of experience as a manager in a Fortune 500 company. I am knowledgeable in dealing with state and regulatory issues. I have effectively managed teams of people with various backgrounds and know how to get a job done.
I have a great track record as an Economic Development Chairperson and have devoted much of my time to helping youth in our community.
I am running for District 3 board Member because I am passionate about improving our county. In addition, I want to the makeup of the DuPage County Board to have a balanced membership that represents the county.
My three main platform issues are:
1.) Transparency: Drafting quarterly newsletters, attending township meetings
2.)Increased accessibility of government to its constituents: recommending additional night meeting for working constituents to have an opportunity to attend.
3.)Elimination of single-bid contracts: monitoring the bid process to assure bids are granted to the lowest, quality bidder and not friends of the board.
Why should constituents vote for me?
The residents of District 3 should vote for me because I am qualified to do the job.
I understand the issues because I have attended board meetings for over a year.
We need our government to be representative of our community.
Of the 18 board members only three are Democrats, only one is female, and none are African American.
My desire and dream is to see a balanced, unified local County Board.
Why do you want to join the County Board?
First, I am qualified. I want to join the County Board in order to be a part of the solution and make a substantial impact in Du Page County. In addition, I want the representation of the board to balance and for the members to hear, respect and accept alternative ideas.
What do you see as the biggest challenge the board will face in the coming two years?
1. Government consolidation of possibly more than 400 taxing bodies and over 7,000 Illinois state units of local government.
2. Stormwater issue resolution for the Du Page western residential area.
Do you believe the salary, benefits and pension plan provided for County Board members are appropriate for the part-time position? Why or why not?
Based on what I have heard but not able to actually confirm, I am supporting the salary, benefits and pension of the CB members. After sitting in on board meetings for over a year, it appears that many hours of research, community participation and on-call status warrants the salary at this time. When I am elected and have served for a year I will evaluate my position to possibly consider cutting the salary if I feel the position does not warrant the time it appears to be a successful, dedicated and effective County Board member. With the increase in the cost of living, the CB has not received a pay raise in four years.
Therefore, with tax and benefit deductions, the actual net salary appears to be realistic.
Do you support the recent restoration to the CB chairman many of the powers that were taken away from the position two years ago?
Now that Chairman Dan Cronin has established himself as chairman, then I feel it is only right that the powers are restored to this position. When I am elected and if I observe favoritism for assignments due to social established relationships with board members, then you will hear from me immediately! The chairman’s decisions have to be made equitability and reasonably.
John Curran, Republican (incumbent)
Age: 39
Hometown: Woodridge
Profession: attorney
Family: married 14 years to wife, Sue; three daughters
DuPage County Board Member (2008-Present)
Vice-Chairman, DuPage County Board (2011-Present)
Former Elected Position:
Trustee, Village of Woodridge (2005-2008)
Civic:
Former Committee Member, Almost Home Kids (formerly CoachCare) Naperville, IL
Why do you want to remain on the County Board?
My top three priorities if I am re-elected to the DuPage County Board are:
Protecting Taxpayer Dollars: I have worked to reduce the sixed of County government, cut spending, passed balanced budgets with NO deficit spending and reduced overhead and payroll. DuPage County has remained a AAA rated county under my leadership, a rating that less than 2% of counties nationally maintain.
Transparency and Accountability: I worked to pass tough new ethics reforms that limited campaign donations and placed DuPage County contracting bids on-line, ensuring transparent results and the LOWEST possible costs.
Consolidation: I stood up to special interest and consolidated our youth detention services with Kane County, SAVING DuPage taxpayers over $1 Million per year. I will continue to pursue cost-saving consolidation reforms without jeopardizing public safety.
What do you see as the biggest challenge the board will face in the coming two years?
Improving efficiency and rising healthcare costs are the biggest challenges the board will face in the coming years. I want to continue to pursue consolidation opportunities to cut down on redundancies and save costs. I led on consolidating our youth detention services with Kane County, saving DuPage over $1 Million annually, while providing the same youth services with improved medical services to our juvenile detainees. Another area we can improve efficiency is by finishing the implementation of our new accounting system, which will streamline technology processes throughout the county and allow us to reduce headcount and eliminate redundant functions and positions.
Do you believe the salary, benefits and pension plan provided for County Board members are appropriate for the part-time position? Why or why not?
I believe the current compensation for county board members is appropriate to attract the high level professionals with civic interest that we want leading DuPage County. Since I have been on the Board, we have cut the salary by 6 percent and recently froze the salaries for all County Elected Officials for the next four years.
Do you support the recent restoration to the CB chairman many of the powers that were taken away from the position two years ago?
The “power” in county government rests with the County Board, which is the corporate entity, and ultimately, the majority of county board members have the final say on county decisions. The changes that I proposed and the vast majority of the Board passed brought the Chairman into the process on committee structure and senior staff evaluations. But ultimately, the recommendations of the Chairman have to be approved by a majority of the County Board Members.
Gary Grasso, Republican
Age: 61
Hometown: Burr Ridge
Profession: attorney, principal (Grasso Bass, PC); litigation
Family: Janet Ryan Grasso, married 34 years; six children
Georgetown University, School of Foreign Services (BS ’73)
Johns Hopkins Schl. of Adv. Internat’l. Studies (Bologna, ’73; as a senior)
Fordham University School of Law (JD ’78)
Community Service / Political Experience: Burr Ridge Mayor (2005-present), Trustee of the
DuPage Board of Health (1999-2012), President of DuPage Mayors & Managers, 2011-12; St.
John of the Cross, Parish Council, School Board, 1990s (Western Springs); Western Springs
Library Board (1990-95).
Hometown: Tuckahoe, New York (suburban NYC); Janet grew up in Clarendon Hills and Hinsdale. We married in 1978 and I moved to the Chicago area. I am 61 years old.
Why do you want to join the County Board?
To bring my mayoral and legal skills and record of success in municipal government and county health issues to the county board where I will work to provide core county government services within our means and to explore consolidation (vertical between governments and horizontal among the employee skill sets) of county, township and municipal services knowing that revenues necessarily will be declining. We must remain fiscally within our means without raising taxes and maintain DuPage County as a great place to live, work and raise a family.
What do you see as the biggest challenge the board will face in the coming two years?
Providing safety and core services within its means; like all governments, we will have to find the means and measures to consolidate functions and personnel, maintain and expand our infrastructure, and stop Springfield from passing reckless pension benefits and shifting its fiscal mismanagement onto the County and local governments. The County will necessarily have to consider public-private partnerships to help provide services without incurring the employee expense (including pensions and benefits) that come when those services are provided by government. With shrinking revenues sources and the need to sustain DuPage as a leading Illinois county, we should (a) continue to consolidate departments and personnel, and coordinate services with townships and municipalities (such as road construction and maintenance) to eliminate over-lap; (b) use a business oriented model that will allow cross utilization of personnel over more than one department to keep FTEs as low as possible; (c) explore and utilize public private partnerships where government is charged with providing a service and the private sector can provide it cheaper and better; (d) work from a philosophy that looks first to justifying a project or service based upon actual needs balanced with the cost, and (e) stop increasing, and reform, benefits and pensions.
Do you believe the salary, benefits and pension plan provided for County Board members are appropriate for the part-time position? Why or why not?
The salary is certainly generous and can only be justified if board members prepare for and attend board and committee meetings as expected. There should be close monitoring of attendance. There should never be a pension for a part-time government position such as County Board member, house rep or state senator. Generous pensions and benefits only foster the existence of professional politicians. I do not get a pension or benefits as Mayor of Burr Ridge and receive only $500/month; $471/month after taxes.
Do you support the recent restoration to the CB chairman many of the powers that were taken away from the position two years ago?
The “powers” that were restored was the traditional right of the Chairman to make appointment to committees – importantly, with the consent and approval of the Board. This is an appropriate check and balance relationship between the Chairman and the Board; and is the customary manner and method of committee governance. The Chairman should have the power to appoint members to Boards, but only with the Board’s vetting and approval.
Brian J. Krajewski, Republican (incumbent)
Age: 50
Hometown: Downers Grove
Profession: Attorney and Certified Public Accountant (C.P.A.)
Family: Married (wife Mary)
Past Elected Positions: Downers Grove Mayor (1999 – 2007)
Appointed Positions: Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation
Education: B.A. in Accounting Illinois Benedictine University
J.D. John Marshall Law School
L.L.M. Masters in Law in Taxation – John Marshall Law School
Civic activities: Board Member West Suburban Humane Society
Treasurer and Board Member Education Foundation of Downers Grove District #58
Member – Downers Grove Rotary Club
Member of the Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation
St. Mary’s of Gostyn Basketball Coach over 12 years
Past Downers Grove Youth Baseball Coach 9 Years
Past Board Member Downers Grove Chamber of Commerce
Co-Chairman of Turn Dreams into Reality to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation
Past Board Member American Cancer Society
Why do you want to remain on the County Board?
My goal as an elected official has always been to represent the interests of the citizens and bring a better quality of life to both family and work aspects. There are many issues but the residents are always my primary concern and are at the core of every decision. My experience and education provides me with the background to be an effective county board member. As the Mayor of Downers Grove for eight years I have been prepared with the practical skills and understanding necessary to hold a position on the county board. In combination with being a CPA, my business qualifications give me the insight and ability to contribute meaningful input on budgets and financial operations which are integral facets of the county board as it is the county board members who determine how your tax dollars are spent. I would like to continue to build on the great work the Board has done during my first two years.
What do you see as the biggest challenge the board will face in the coming two years?
We are fortunate that DuPage County has excellent schools, low taxes, minimal crime and expansive open land making it the ideal place to live, work and raise a family. County finances will be the Boards biggest challenge in the coming two years. We will need to continue to look at consolidation of services and becoming more efficent in the delivery of the services our County residents have enjoyed.
Do you believe the salary, benefits and pension plan provided for County Board members are appropriate for the part-time position? Why or why not?
County Board members pay is getting close to being appropriate. The county board has been a leader over the last few years in addressing board members’ compensation. The board has eliminated board members pay for chairing a committee, they have eliminated board members pay for being the vice chair of a committee, they have eliminated the board members mileage reimbursement and last year they reduced the board members pay by 6%. One change I would like to explore would be to look at reducing board members pay for missing meetings. The issue of county board members receiving pensions is a much larger issue that needs to be addressed in this state. I am favor of making changes to the overall pension system in Illinois.
Do you support the recent restoration to the CB chairman many of the powers that were taken away from the position two years ago?
I did support this change. It was not much of a change. The power still rests with the County Board. This change just allowed the Chairman to recommend appointments of the Board members to the varies committees. Just like the Chairman does with all the other Boards and Commissions. The majority of the County Board still must approve of the Chairman’s recommendations.
District 5
James D. Healy, Republican (incumbent)
Age: 54
Hometown: Naperville
Profession: attorney
Family: Married 20 years to Beverly Healy (nee Long); three children in Naperville Schools: David (18), Eric (14), Alayna (10)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Goldstine, Skrodzki, Russian, Nemec and Hoff, Ltd., (1996 - Present)
Attorney – Partner: Practice includes Chancery / Law Division, transactional/corporate,
administrative review, administrative hearings, housing court, demolition, traffic
prosecution, statutory claims, land use, and zoning.
ELECTED / APPOINTED POSITIONS:
DuPage County Board Member - District 5 (Aurora, Naperville, Lisle) (1998 - Present)
Standing Committee Leadership Posts (present and prior):
Chairman – Legislative
Chairman – Public Works
Vice-Chairman – Transportation (prior Chairman)
Vice Chairman - County Board (prior)
IT – Chairman (prior)
Standing Committee Member (present and prior):
Finance
Strategic Planning
Transportation
Public Transmit
Environmental
Public Works
Stormwater
Judicial - Public Safety
Legislative
Development
Technology
Remap
Chair National Transportation Committee NACo
(National Association of Counties) (2008 - present)
Spokesman for Counties before Congress and US DOT on transportation issues.
Commissioner - Northeast Illinois Planning Commission (NIPC) (2002 - 2007)
Appointed to serve on NIPC (now called CMAP), representing DuPage County.
DuPage County Forest Preserve Commissioner - District 5 (1998 - 2002)
Served on all committees of the Forest Preserve Commission.
National Association of Regional Councils (Board of Directors) (2004 - Present)
Appointed to NARC Board of Directors, representing County Officials in America.
Alderman 3rd Ward, Des Plaines, Illinois (1987 - 1989 and 1991-1993)
Member of all Committees; Extensive work on TIF Districts, Planning Issues,
Downtown Redevelopment, Comprehensive Plan and development/business
LEGAL/OTHER ORGANIZATIONS (past and present):
Naperville Development Partnership Board of Directors
Naperville Chamber of Commerce (Legislative Committee)
Naperville Heritage Society Board of Directors – Naper Settlement
Naperville Parks Foundation (President, Board of Directors)
Naper Days Committee
Aurora Economic Development Commission
Aurora Chamber of Commerce (Legislative Committee)
Seize the Future Development Foundation Save our Doughboy Committee
Boy/Cub Scouts (Committee Chair, ASM)
Naperville Veterans Foundation – Pro Bono Legal Counsel
Naperville Homeowners Confederation (Subdivision Representative)
Homeowners Association Board
Naperville Exchange Club
Children’s Center Foundation Board of Directors
State’s Attorney’s Children’s Center Advisory Committee
National Association of County Officials
Chairman National Transportation Committee (2012 – Present)
Vice- Chair National Transportation Committee (2008 - 2012)
Chairman of Aviation Committee (2005 - 2008)
Chairman of Highway Committee (2002 - 2005)
Member of TEA 21 Task Force
Member of Large Urban County Caucus (2008 - Present)
Member of Green County Task Force (2011- Present)
Illinois Municipal League - Home Rule Committee (Member)
National Association of Regional Councils - Board of Directors
Former Adjunct Faculty & Guest Lecturer - Elmhurst College
Chicago Bar Association - DuPage County Bar Association
EDUCATION:
The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois
Juris Doctor Degree, 1993. Cum Laude
Honors:
Order of John Marshall - Graduating Fellow
Herzog Scholarship Recipient
Chairman - Real Property Association
Lambda Lambda Alpha - Property Society
Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, Illinois (1978-1982)
B.A. Urban Planning and Political Science
International City Managers Institute / Elmhurst College
Certificate of City Management, 1982
BAR ADMISSION:
State of Illinois, 1993 to present
United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 1993
Why do you want to remain on the County Board?
The County Board confronts you with challenges beyond your imagination. While state and federal legislators are removed from the people and problems they address, county government is front porch, day to day America, and a challenge I enjoy. These challenges are why I am running for re-election; because I believe I can, I do, and I will continue to make a difference.
I deal on a weekly basis with such issues as bringing new businesses to the area, creating jobs, improving the local economy, transportation improvements, balancing the budget, cleaning up the environment, making our roads safe for our children, drinking water, sewers and chickens – yes I have had to deal with chickens. My experience and education in local and regional economic development and planning, law, transportation and local government allow me a unique opportunity to recognize, address and solve problems confronting our area and the County. I have been an effective County Board Member because of my ability to develop a consensus to solving these problems, and then following through with the plan.
What do you see as the biggest challenge the board will face in the coming two years?
A good, dependable transportation system is pivotal to DuPage County’s economic success, creating jobs, and improving our quality of life.
Relaying on one mode of transportation is not efficient or effective. Our studies and our own experiences tell us we must approach transportation from a multi-modal perspective. This must include (1) reduced vehicle congestion through improved, and in some cases expanded roadways; (2) expand access to commuter rail; and (3) implementation of a full bus rapid transit system.
Traffic congestion prevents us from effectively moving our residents and our goods, which adversely affects our local economy and our quality of life. Traffic congestion will only get worse, but there never seems to be enough funding to expand our roadways. So we must prioritize!
We need to fully implement/improve traffic light coordination and HOV lanes. With what funding is available, we need to preserve and modernize the existing roadway and bridge infrastructure. With what funding is available, we need to look to small changes
to the roadway system that can have a major impact, such as increasing the number of right and left turn lanes.
Funding for major projects, like western access to O’Hare, must come from the state and federal governments. These projects will not only improve the flow and effectiveness of our transportations systems, but will in themselves create economic development and jobs for the region.
We must also expand the use and availability of public transportation, such as our commuter rail system. We must coordinate and expand the frequency of bus routes to the train stations. In addition, there is a need for expanded parking at all area train stations.
If we can make these changes, we can make the systems more user friendly for people to commute by rail.
Do you believe the salary, benefits and pension plan provided for County Board members are appropriate for the part-time position? Why or why not?
The position of County Board Member requires a commitment of over 1,000 hours per year, with the majority of time spent weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. In the past, my average yearly commitment has exceeded 1,200 hours per year. Accordingly, the salary for the County Board is commensurate with the commitment required for the position. In addition, to set an example during these hard economic times, we have reduced our own salary for County Board Members by approximately 8 percent over the last 5-plus years.
Each year the County Board has requested the state legislature allow us to remove ourselves from the IMRF pension system, and allow us to implement a regular 401(k) system. Each year the state legislature has refused. We will continue to ask the legislature for this authority. Without the authority from the state legislature, we can not make this change.
Do you support the recent restoration to the CB chairman many of the powers that were taken away from the position two years ago?
No, I do not support expanding the powers of the County Board Chairman. Illinois counties are set up like most of our cities, with a strong legislative branch, and a weak executive. This prevents the abuse of power and corruption that is inherent when one person has almost complete control. We need only look to Chicago and Cook County to see what happens when one person has control over the governmental structure. By placing the authority in the hands of the many members of the legislative branch, we make it more difficult for politics, cronyism and corruption to take hold. I prefer a system of government that puts professionalism ahead of politics.
Tonia Khouri, Republican
Age: 43
Hometown: Aurora
Profession: owner/vice president of Green T Services
Family: married for 20 years to Joe and we have 3 children: Stephanie, Tony, and Paul.
Civic Involvement:
2nd Vice President of Naperville Area Republican Women Organization
Naperville Rotary
Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce
Legislative Committee of NACC
Naperville Woman’s Club; Chairwoman of Ways & Means Committee
Aurora Republican Women
Naperville Township Committeeman
NARWO’s 2011 Republican Leadership Tea, Co-Chair
Benet Mother’s Club, Lisle
Benet Academy’s Benet Cares Committee; Co-Chair
Founder of Aurora Republican News publication that promotes the Republican Party to Aurora residents in
Naperville Township
Why do you want to join the County Board?
I am running for office to serve our community. My husband and I own a service company with six separate divisions. We started our business 9 years ago in our basement and we now have over 16,000 customers and employ over 150 local residents. In this current economy, we need people with proven successful business skills at ALL levels of government and representatives who take the responsibility seriously.
I want to use my broad base of experience with budgeting, forecasting, payroll, and management to help benefit the families of DuPage County.
Every time I vote on an issue at the County Board, I will have DuPage County families in mind and ask myself, “Is this serving the families of DuPage County in the best possible manner?
What do you see as the biggest challenge the board will face in the coming two years?
Keeping our taxes low -
1) We keep our taxes low by keeping costs low.
I will use my experience to help keep county government costs low the same way I keep my business costs
low - by streamlining our county government to make it the most cost effective and efficient government
possible while still providing citizens with quality county services.
2) New problems we haven’t faced before –
Currently 60,000 people in DuPage County now live in poverty. According to a Bookings Institute analysis of census data, for the first time in the Chicago area, there are more people in poverty in the suburbs than in the city.
Our economic climate and demographics are changing. We need county board members who are leaders and innovative thinkers to offer solutions to these new challenges we face. We need county board members who have life experiences, business experiences to draw from because the years ahead are only going to become more challenging. And if we are going to keep DuPage County the role model for other counties, we must elect county board members who are responsible, faithful, and dedicated to keeping DuPage County a great place to work, live and raise a family.
Do you believe the salary, benefits and pension plan provided for County Board members are appropriate for the part-time position? Why or why not?
I have already pledged and signed a petition not to take a pension and will work to eliminate publicly funded pensions for part-time DuPage County Board Members.
Do you support the recent restoration to the CB chairman many of the powers that were taken away from the position two years ago?
I support the recent restoration of having the chairman make committee assignments and pick committee leadership with participation from the entire board. This will enhance communication and involvement from the entire board instead of a few on a particular committee. The more the board works together as a whole, the better it is for the citizens of DuPage County.
Tony Michelassi, Democrat (incumbent)
Age: 27
Hometown: Aurora
Profession: County Board Member
Family: Mother and Father – Cindy and Roberto, both age 50, residents of Aurora. Cindy is a professional songleader, Hebrew teacher, and Rabbinic Aide. Roberto is an electrical engineer and owner/president of his own company, Michelassi Consultants, Inc.
Past Elected Positions: DuPage County Board Member, District 5, 2008-present
Appointed Positions: Community Development Commission, 2008-present. Community Development
Executive Committee, 2008-present. HOME Advisory Group, 2008-present.
Civic Involvement: Donor to various charities, including Defenders of Wildlife, the American
Red Cross, and Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry. Naperville Township Democratic Precinct
Committeeman, 2009-present. Winfield Township Democratic Precinct Committeeman, 2006-2009.
Why do you want to remain on the County Board?
The County Board has been a truly unique experience. At times frustrating and fascinating, intimidating and intriguing, highly rewarding and on occasion a little fun. I’ve met and worked with other Board Members and locally-elected officials, each one bringing their own unique expertise and talents to the job. I’ve seen the County in flux during the recession, its infusion of new blood, the end of a long-standing Chairman’s tenure and the beginning of another. I’ve also found a passion for zoning and land use law within myself that I never thought I had, and as Chairman of the Development Committee I’ve been able to immerse myself in this new interest. This is especially evident in the text amendments to the Zoning Code I worked to get passed in 2011, bringing a positive conclusion to nearly seven years of staff and Board efforts. I think the near future of DuPage is going to be
extremely interesting, given our increasing diversity and the re-emerging economy. I would be truly
honored and privileged if the residents of District 5 sent me back to the Board to be there as it all
unfolds.
What do you see as the biggest challenge the board will face in the coming two years?
The biggest challenge the Board always faces is the budgeting process. The next two years will be no different, especially as we emerge from the recession. Already, some Board Members are talking about a significant reorganization of our spending priorities. We can never forget that just five years ago, before I joined the Board, DuPage was facing a doomsday budget scenario and considering laying off over 100 Sheriff’s Deputies. This was after a $75 million windfall from the Water Commission and ten straight years of slashing the budget for storm-water mitigation. The results of this scenario was a new tax on DuPage residents, in the form of the RTA sales tax, and the floods in 2008 and 2009. Today the RTA sales tax accounts for 40% of our sales tax revenue, and it is used to plug operational deficits in public safety, which accounts for 75% of our spending. To where can we shuffle the RTA money without causing a deficit somewhere? And what will we do to plug that deficit? If the Board wants to go the way it had gone in 2007, that will mean a new tax. I have never voted, and will never vote, for a new tax or tax increase.
This does not mean I don’t recognize that there is room for improvement at the County when it comes to the way we provide services. We’ve managed to keep headcount down by leaving positions unfilled and giving the duties of vacant positions to other employees. At some point, you can’t do that anymore. You’d be paying someone somewhere too little for the work they’re doing. Slowly, year by year, the County should examine where an increase in headcount would improve delivery of services, such as in
our Community Services Department. We see other sales tax revenue already starting to bounce back – a trend borne out by the last three years of our budget data. This gives me some hope for the next two years.
Also, a large part of our County’s effort to be leaner and more efficient will come to fruition in the next two years, with the full implementation of our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. This technology will allow us to dramatically eliminate redundancies in record-keeping, job duties, and federal reporting, saving us money year after year. And with the arrival of the Crowe-Horwath study of our 40-plus auxiliary and appointed boards and commissions, we can begin the difficult but valuable task of consolidation. This report lets us on the Board have the ability to turn DuPage into a laboratory of government consolidation. We live in the state that has the highest number of governing bodies per capita. It’s time to start taking a scalpel to our bureaucracy and saving the taxpayers’ money.
Do you believe the salary, benefits and pension plan provided for County Board members are appropriate for the part-time position? Why or why not?
I have never felt that the salaries and benefits are appropriate for what is always described as a part-time position. This job is what you make of it. Putting in more or less hours per week is up to the discretion of each Board Member, but in the taxpayers’ eyes we are only meeting once a week, on Tuesdays. I don’t feel that the high salaries paid to County Board Members are appropriate, given this perception. I have also never taken a pension for this job. When I worked part-time at the drug store, all I got was a 401(K). I see no reason for a part-time elected official to be vested in an 80% pension plan after only eight years of serving, especially with the salaries being what they are. I will continue to not take a pension if re-elected.
Do you support the recent restoration to the CB chairman many of the powers that were taken away from the position two years ago?
No. In 2010, before the change from Chairman Schillerstrom to Chairman Cronin, I joined with the majority of the County Board in asserting the Board’s own corporate authority, and giving ourselves the power to make our own committees. This was not a statement on Chairman Schillerstrom or Chairman Cronin personally, not at all. I felt, as I still do, that it simply amounted to good small-d democratic principles. The Members from each District would divide up their committee assignments according to each Member’s talents and interests, and then each committee would elect from its ranks a Chairman and Vice Chairman. It was in this manner that I was unanimously chosen to continue to be Chairman of the Development Committee, with bi-partisan support. However, there were some struggles for power characteristic of any democratic government – the most notable being for the Chairmanship of the Finance Committee. Some Board Members cited the bruised feelings coming out of these struggles as one reason for giving control of committee assignments back to the Chairman. Others said that the Chairman needs this kind of authority to be able to more easily enact his vision for the County’s future. I believe that Chairman Cronin is an intelligent, friendly, and fair-minded leader, and look forward to working with him as I have in the past, but I was never comfortable with giving one elected official the power to control the basic operations of the entire legislature of DuPage County.
John P. Zediker, Republican (incumbent)
Age: 40
Hometown: Naperville
Profession: partner/chief operating officer, Ruettiger, Tonelli & Associates
Family: married to Ann for 13 years; two daughters and a son
Political Experience
County Board Member since 2009
Education
MBA, University of St. Francis
MS, Northern Illinois University
BS, Carroll College
Community Activity
Naperville Development Partnership, Board of Directors
Naperville Heritage Society, Board of Directors
North Central College, Board of Trustees Associate
Transportation Management Advisory Committee, City of Naperville
St. Margaret Mary / All Saints Catholic Academy Scholarship Committee
Naperville Sunrise Rotary
Oktoberfest, Event Co-Chair
Volunteer Youth Sports Coach
Why do you want to remain on the County Board?
I am very proud of the work I have done on the County Board over the last 4 years. Much has been accomplished in the way of budgeting, transparency and ethics reform, and economic development. We have reduced the size of the budget by $45,000,000 over the last three years without resorting to layoffs or a drop in the level of services the County provides. We have passed strong ethics and transparency measures and worked to provide an economic environment that companies want to invest in and that is evidenced in the thousands of new jobs that have come to District 5 in the last several years. I want to continue to play a key role in making the decisions that provide of more responsive and efficient government and promote economic development for DuPage County.
What do you see as the biggest challenge the board will face in the coming two years?
The County’s greatest challenge over the next few years will be to continue to retool our government to respond to a changing world. In 2011, the Census Bureau released a tremendous amount of data about DuPage County it had collected during the 2010
Census. DuPage County did not grow quite as fast as in previous decades, it still managed to add 12,000 residents. The average age of our population increased from 35.2 years old to 38.2 years old with the over 65 population increasing by nearly 20%. We also became more diverse culturally with significant growth amongst all groups of people. These factors provide a tremendous opportunity for DuPage County Government to achieve additional efficiencies as our services adapt to the growing needs of an aging and diversifying population while saving taxpayer dollars.
Do you believe the salary, benefits and pension plan provided for County Board members are appropriate for the part-time position? Why or why not?
I think County Board pay could be reduced further. In 2010, I voted to reduce my own pay by 7% and I think further reductions would be merited the next time we vote on this topic. I also think pensions should be eliminated moving forward. Members currently enrolled in a pension program should be given the opportunity to opt out or migrate to a 401K plan. Currently, neither of those options are available as only the Illinois State Legislature can eliminate or change the pension system.
Do you support the recent restoration to the CB chairman many of the powers that were taken away from the position two years ago?
I fully support the recent restoration. The Chairman has done an excellent job in building consensus and seeking input from board members on a variety of issues facing DuPage County. As such, he should have a voice in committee selections that must still be approved by the County Board.
