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NAME: George E. Johnson
POSITION FOR WHICH YOU ARE A CANDIDATE:
Re-election as TRUSTEE, Dundee Township Board
1. Why are you seeking this position?
I love Township government. It’s the only true direct democracy we enjoy . . . local, accessible, personal. This election is pivotal: our Township is at a crossroads, due to retirements on the Board. After years of stability, continuity and exceptional leadership, Supervisor Sue Harney seeks a reduced role as Trustee. Two other long-time Board members are retiring as well.
As a result, the Township’s future is hard to foresee. To address this unpredictability, Sue, Ken Schaffer and I have formed the “V1SION” slate. Our unified commitment to the community is to sustain momentum in the established direction, and as best possible, to be a firewall against radical changes in priorities . . . especially keeping Open Space secure. Lastly, we are dedicated to restoring trust and fair hiring at the Highway Department by endorsing Scott Sinnett for Highway Commissioner. Scott is the BEST QUALIFIED candidate for this position.
2. What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?
Key competencies for this position:
1. Financial proficiency. Responsible for $2-3 million in public funds annually.
2. Long-range planning. Complex initiatives with multi-year timelines.
3. Appreciation for environmental issues. 800+ acres of Township Open Space to manage.
4. Networker. Roots in the community, relationships with other agencies and leaders.
5. Integrity. The trust of Board, Supervisor & staff is indispensable.
I possess these qualities through higher education, Fortune 500 business experience, and as a small business entrepreneur with a consulting practice. My consulting forte was long-range planning, a good fit for the Trustee role. I support Open Space both with my vote and with my hands through hundreds of hours annually as a volunteer worker.
3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
The challenge will be the same as for local governments everywhere . . . to meet & exceed the high service expectations of residents in a tax-freeze climate. Costs such as employee medical coverage or motor fuel creep up. Yet residents expect cemeteries to be mowed, Open Space maintained and roads plowed without tax increases. This squeeze puts extreme pressure on local officials to be efficient, ruthless in cost containment and creative in seeking alternative non-tax funding sources.
Release for publication? YES
I will attend the forum? YES
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