Name: Susan F. Harney

Position for which you are a candidate: Dundee Township Trustee

 

Why are you seeking this position?

As an incumbent, I want to build and expand upon the progress we have made over the last four years.  I have deep history with the Township, first as Supervisor from 2001 through 2017 and now as a Trustee from 2017 to the present.  My experience with founding the Open Space Program and administering it during my tenure as Supervisor provides a valuable source of knowledge for the continuing restoration and use of Raceway Woods, Dixie Briggs Fromm Nature Preserve, Jelke Creek Bird Sanctuary, Wahoo Woods and our other sites.

I support the Township’s food pantry and Closet.  The Township is the last resort for those who need food, help with utilities, rent. General and Emergency Assistance offer vital resources to our neighbors during these trying times.

I want to poll voters about their desires for our programs, Departments and Open Space.  The 2001 Community Survey guided decisions and the allocation of funds over the past 20 years.  It’s time to hear from the voters about merging the Road District into the Township as a Public Works Dept., further development of our Open Space assets and which programs voters want to continue to support.  The newly (voter) approved 708 levy and its Board will provide much needed funding for Township based programs that will help our disabled residents and their families as well as those in need of mental health assistance.  I want to be at the table for those decisions.

 

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

I served as The Township Supervisor from 2001 through 2017, overseeing the purchases of Raceway Woods, the Jelke Creek Annex, and Library Springs.  Under my leadership, the Township received of over 5 Million dollars in federal and state grants for the purchase and development of Open Space. I oversaw the development of Jelke Creek and Wahoo Woods as well as trail and restoration on all of our sites.  Township residents benefited from additional grant monies connected with the Ride In Kane paratransit program.

I led the Township to join the Ride In Kane Program in 2007, preserving our access to a PACE grant and providing rides for seniors and disabled residents to area businesses and medical care.  I served as the Chairwoman for the Paratransit Council until 20017.  I was a Trustee on the Sleepy Hollow Village Board prior to 2000 and a Director on the Kane DuPage Soil & Water Conservation District for 10 years.  Currently, I am the Vice Chairman of the Kane County Planning Commission, a Board member on the Dundee Township Foundation Board and am on the Conservation Foundation advisory board.

 

What will be your highest priorities if elected?

Priorities for the next four years include:

  • Upgrade and enrich Open Space trails and amenities.
  • Add more gathering area for small groups.
  • Collaborate with schools to use open space sites for outdoor learning opportunities. Germany pioneered the concept of Forest Schools.  They found children who begin their schooling with daily outdoor instruction consistently do better in later grades in academics, personal relationships and ability to thrive generally.  Wahoo Woods, a children’s learning park in Library Springs, is a prototype of the kind of spaces that could be used.
  • Empower voters to merge (or not) the Road District into the Township as a public works department. Township Road Districts are a separate unit of government and the Road Commissioner answers to no one outside of an election every four years.  The last two Commissioners have wasted money on frivolous and unnecessary projects and equipment.  Their lack of professionalism has cost the taxpayers dearly.
  • Support responsive and targeted programs with the newly created, voter approved 708 Mental Health Board to help our physically, emotional, mentally disabled residents and their families.

 

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