Name: Richard Poulton

Position for which you are a candidate: Elgin Township Trustee

 

Why are you seeking this position?

I wish to continue to serve the residents of Elgin Township increasing my understanding of the needs and opportunities of the Township residents.  Encourage greater community participation.  Work to make the Township and its government more efficient and effective in its management of taxpayer dollars. Since I’ve become a trustee I’ve led an effort to better manage Township funds, served as a liaison to the committee on Seniors, worked to develop .72 acres of Township property to be more useful, served at various community events representing the Township (i.e. pop-up food pantries, Food for Greater Elgin food deliveries to seniors and those in need, reading to preschool children and serving on organizational Boards, etc.)

 

What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?

I have served as a Township Trustee since August 2019 being appointed to that position as the result of the resignation of another trustee. I have a long history of community experience and service which has been recognized over the years by various organizations including the Association of Individual Development, the Elgin Chamber of Commerce, Kane County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), as well as local and international service organizations.  I held leadership positions in all of the many service organizations in which I have belonged. Through these experiences I have gained an understanding of many of the community’s needs and opportunities. I have learned how, and in some cases assisted these organizations, in effectively responding to those needs.   I believe my educational background is also an asset, achieving a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in psychology and Master’s degree with concentrations in Project management and organizational development both of which have provided organizational and management tools to contribute.

 

What will be your highest priorities if elected?

  1. Educate: I believe that there is a significant void in the Township resident’s understanding of the services that the Township provides. Most everyone that I speak to regarding the Township have no idea that their tax dollars, which averages less than $6/month ($1.60/week; $.23/day), support a multitude of organizations serving our youth, seniors, our mentally challenged, our homeless, those that are near homeless and our hungry. It is not understood that during these times of economic challenges on the Federal, State and County levels it is the Township that often provides the last line of support to our friends and neighbors that are in need.
  2. Encourage greater community involvement: Although the Hispanic/Latinx population makes up approximately ½ of the Township’s population it is not well represented nor participating on Township committees, programs, etc. I plan to continue to work with representative organizations to increase both representation and participation
  3. Develop a long term (strategic) plan: I understand that continually providing funds to needy organizations is usually not the only way to provide organizational support. To that end I plan to work with the Township supervisor and other trustees to develop a strategic plan that will better identify the needs of the community working with residents and organizations to be less dependent on tax dollars for day to day operations enabling the Township to better township resources.

 

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