Position for which you are a candidate: Elgin Township Supervisor

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your full-time Elgin Township supervisor. This
community has been very good to me, and this is an opportunity for me to give back with all I
have to offer. Additionally, the feedback I have received is that I am doing a good job, people
are happy with what I am doing, and they are encouraging me to run to retain this position. I
would like to continue providing the best value to our residents in the services we deliver while
helping our seniors and our veterans. I want to expand the benefits of the Senior Access Pass,
as well as continue to fill the gaps in services to our seniors and provide them affordable
transportation options. I want to build on the extensive network of relationships I have cultivated
during my term in the spirit of collaboration and continuing to improve life for our residents,
prioritize mental health advocacy, and encourage our senior neighbors to stay right here in Elgin
Township – where everyone truly belongs. Additionally, I want to expand our efforts to bring up
the next generation by engaging them via stimulating programs and positive role models,
steering them into becoming successful, fully using their abilities, and becoming servant
leaders. I want to position Elgin Township to be an even stronger community asset at the
beginning of its next 175 years, giving today’s and tomorrow’s residents of Elgin, South Elgin,
and our unincorporated areas all that they deserve from their Township government.

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

The community will continue to benefit from my experience and community knowledge, strong
leadership, proven problem-solving abilities, creativity, and negotiation skills that helped me
after I took office and inherited several problematic issues that I went above and beyond to fix
by creating bullet-proof, rock-solid solutions. Feedback tells me that I am a good listener, have
sound judgment, and I take action to promptly implement what is necessary. My high energy
level allows me to work tirelessly and consistently to achieve the necessary outcomes. One
example of this is my pursuit of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds from Kane County for
our Community Mental Health Board. Other notable accomplishments thus far include the
creation of the Senior Access Pass to discourage isolation for the over 1,400 Township seniors
(thus far), the “What Makes Elgin Township Tick?” community event (that showcases community
organizations), the Lending Closet for mobility equipment, and the Seniors-in-Need Pet Food
Pantry, as well as catching up on deferred maintenance of the building and grounds, untangling
the mess from the improper set-up of the Community Mental Health Board, renegotiating the
garbage pick-up for unincorporated Elgin Township residents to eliminate stickers for yard
waste/refuse, and enhancing the Township’s connections, communications, collaboration, and
relevance with service organizations, government bodies, elected officials, and –-most
importantly—the residents.

What will be your highest priorities if elected?

My highest priority, if elected, will be building on our partnership with the city of Elgin to
empower the former Tent City residents and other Elgin Township homeless to rebuild their
lives, as well as work to connect the service agency “silos” and the community in a uniform,
collaborative effort to all pull the rope in the same direction. Expanding partnerships and
increased, inclusive planning would enhance our efforts to better our community, reduce waste
and frustration, increase possibilities, and improve outcomes. Where appropriate, we can call on
our Community Mental Health Board to apply their resources in these efforts to assist those
whose mental illness is a root cause of their homelessness. The homeless issue did not appear
overnight, and the solution is not instantaneous, but it is definitely solvable. Each part of this
effort – the relationships, the proper construction and support of our Community Mental Health
Board, and hands-on experience–is a brick in a foundation that I have been building over the
past four years, and our strong Community Mental Health Board is moving forward to be part of
Elgin Township’s collective efforts to address each element of homelessness in our community
(as well as developmental disabilities, substance use, and other mental health concerns) and
give our homeless residents opportunities for growth, healing, and hope. All of this is in addition
to continuing to fill gaps in services and in access to affordable transportation.

I will participate in the candidate meet & greet: