League of Women Voters
of Elmhurst - Voters Guide for the General Primary Election |
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Catherine D. Sewell |
| 1. Please describe the functions and responsibilities of the office you seek and explain why you are qualified to hold that office. The functions of the DuPage County Board cover a wide range of responsibilities, including the fiscal and budgetary management of the County, and the appropriation of funds for various programs and services. This includes storm water management, traffic and public transportation, and importantly, health and human services. I am running as a Democrat for the DuPage County Board for the position of Board member representing the Second District. I am qualified for the office of County Board member because of my experience and background as a business executive and as a 33 year resident of DuPage County. Not only do I possess the skills to provide leadership to the taxpayers of the second district of DuPage County, but, if elected, my constituents will be served first and foremost in decision-making that will affect their daily lives. 2. Do you see a need to reduce expenses in DuPage County government? If so, what do you propose? Of course, streamlining operational functions is critically important during these difficult economic times and in light of limited resources at every level. The Board carries on its’ operational responsibilities, and should work efficiently and effectively wherever costs can be contained or reduced without impeding good government functionality. A monitoring and evaluative scorecard should be in place for operational aspects of County government that will produce quarterly reporting on performance to plan that would be set by the Board via an agreed upon Strategic and Operational Plan for DuPage County. Effective profit and non-profit businesses use scorecards to run their operations and government should do the same. When there is an operational expense that is “off target” it is caught quickly and can be remedied without any surprises to taxpayers. The quarterly report card should be posted to the web for the public, to ensure the transparency and open government that secures good decision-making on the part of elected officials.
3. Indicate some environmentally friendly endeavors you want the county to pursue. How important are utilizing environmental friendly building standards and practices in new construction? Would you support this even if it meant increased construction costs? I support environmentally friendly building standards and practices for new construction since it will provide an opportunity for short and long term savings for the organization, the local government and for the country. I would like the county to ensure that no harm is done by outside companies to existing trees or the landscape when there is need to make a change in the area. The public needs to have a voice in the matter should it affect their property, as well as the beauty of the area in which they live. Also, when corporations are considered to partner with the County as owners or renters of DuPage County property, I would like to ensure that all environmental concerns are addressed prior to their becoming corporate citizens in our County. 4. Given the current economic climate, would you support a salary freeze or reduction for DuPage County elected officials? In light of the economy, of course I would support either a freeze or reduction of the salaries of DuPage County elected officials. 5. What three specific initiatives would you like to accomplish during the upcoming term in office?
Taxpayers should have more opportunity to weigh in
on issues that affect their daily lives. For example, holding County Board
meetings in the evening more frequently is a good start. Encouraging the
engagement of the electorate and providing venues for their involvement
is a good basis for holding leaders accountable. Lastly, taxpayers should
be aware of the activities derived from the Strategic Plan of DuPage County.
Monthly or quarterly reports should be posted on the Web site, updates
or changes to plan delivered via the local news, along with the Strategic
Plan Committee sharing with the public a Scorecard on performance to plan. 6. What is the best way for county government to advance economic development and create jobs? I would like to strengthen the partnership of the County to small businesses. As a 33 year resident of DuPage County, I have seen smaller businesses come and go from the County. Larger corporations are perceived to have done well (just looking at Oak Brook and other areas of industrial development). What about the small business owners along the highways in DuPage County? They growth is important to not only our County, but as the entrepreneurs, they create new businesses and new products and services that employ new workers. Whatever tax incentives or credits the state or federal governments can provide them, I support. As far as the County, depending on the business, we should review restrictions of ownership and leasing to ensure ordinances are not getting in the way of their growth and prosperity.
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