Diane Hewitt: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: WaukeganWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Lake County board District 2Age: 57Family: Married to Mike Hewitt, Seven Sons, Three GrandchildrenOccupation: Elected County Board MemberEducation: Some College, Real Estate Broker LicenseCivic involvement: Member, National Association of Watch Clock CollectorsElected offices held: Lake County Board District 2Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 My priority as a County Board Member is to fight for lower taxes for the people of my district.Keeping tax rates affordable for the average working family must be a priority.For too long taxes have been allowed to creep higher and that is a financial strain on our community and also creates a negative impact for the local economy.In 2011 I held the first ever district wide property tax open house.At the event we were able to educate over 150 Lake County residents on property taxes and the appeal process.I was proud to have sponsored the event and it is my goal to further educate our residents on these important issues, and I will continue to be a financial watch dog on the County Board and use my voice to stand up for keeping taxes low.Key Issue 2 Improve transportation and reduce traffic congestion in District 2.Improving our infrastructure, roads and drainage systems is an important but often overlooked quality of life issue.As County Board MemberI have worked aggressively to improve transportation issues in my district.In 2012 I have secured over $30,000,000 in road and drainage projects to my district.I will continue to fight for improvements to ensure commute times stay short and our roads stay safe.Key Issue 3 Improve business climate and bring jobs to the community.Businesses are the economic engine that powers our community.I have made it a priority to go out and aggressively recruit and assist business of all sizes.Making sure we have jobs right here in our own backyard is an important part of my agenda and something that I will work tirelessly at.Questions Answers The county remains in the black, but property taxes across the region are high. Should programs be cut to save taxpayers money? If so, which ones and why?I am committed fiscal watch dog.Any option that can save tax dollars while maintaining our current level of service is one I am open to exploring.I will continually look for ways the county can save tax dollars.In these tough economic times the county has to be a leader in saving money while providing the services our residents depend on.What should be done with the Fort Sheridan golf course? If no building or management proposals come back from vendors, do you propose abandoning golf? If so, are you concerned about a lawsuit? If you propose building a course, how should it be funded?I am against the Fort Sheridan Golf Course.I do not believe the Forest Preserve should be in the golf business beyond what they currently are.If private vendors are not interested in the project why should Lake County be interested.County Government should not be in the business of supporting private companies' efforts to build golf courses at the tax payers expense.The Winchester House nursing home recently was turned over to a private company for operation. Should other county or forest district departments be privatized to save taxpayers money? Please explain.It is too early to assess the Winchester House Privatization, because it has been less than two months since the private company took over.I will need more time to evaluate the Winchester House Privatization to determine if it is a viable option for other county departments.My highest priority is making sure the level of services and the employees that work in these facilities are treated fairly.Is there a specific type of service or amenity that is lacking in your district? If so, how do you propose to provide and fund that?In District 2 we need to continue to improve the quality of vehicle transportation and roads.I have brought over $30,000,000 in road and drainage improvements to the district for 2012.But more is needed, and I will continue to fight for additional projects that create jobs and improve the quality of life for our community.Should the county continue to pursue open space policies' Why or why not?Yes, in 2008 the voters of Lake County passed a referendum to fund additional open space.As long as that money is still there we should continue this effort.However, I will be watchful that money is not spent unnecessarily.