Kevin Wiley: 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: West ChicagoWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: DuPage County board District 6Age: 51Family: Married to my wife Laura and have three childrenOccupation: Project Management ConsultantEducation: Bachelor of Business Administration,1988 Computer Information Systems and Finance Western Michigan University Masters of Business Administration, 1997 Masters of Project Management, 1996 Keller Graduate School of ManagementCivic involvement: I am a Lieutenant Colonel and Battalion Commander in the United States Army Reserve. With over 28 years of service in the Army on active duty and in the reserves, I have spent five of the last ten years mobilized in defense of my Country. I was the Inspector General for Task Force 134 in my most recent deployment to Iraq and have received a Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and several Army Accommodation and Army Achievement Medals over the years. I am also a current Trustee on the Bartlett Fire Protection District Board.Elected offices held: Trustee, Bartlett Fire Protection District Board 4/2011 -- presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 A transparent and accountable government which exist to serve the people of DuPage County.We deserve better. Our county needs to be leaner and more efficient. Our county needs to understand its role is to facilitate your individual success while simultaneously providing for the common good and future growth for us all.Everything we do should be readily available and easily accessible for public consumption.Key Issue 2 Fiscal responsibility.The reality for all government employees is that their pay and benefits will never exceed the community's ability to pay.These employees and the agencies they serve have been immune from advances in technology, logistics, and the economic challenges their community is confronting.It's time to scrutinize every revenue source and every expense.It's time to be judicious in the services delivered and maximize our efficiency in delivering them.We need to give back to the community.Key Issue 3 True Economic Development. We need officials at all levels of government who understand that governments don't produce jobs, private industry does.We need to partner with local businesses to create a business friendly environment which will bring major employers to DuPage County.We have some of the most talented people in the world that live within our boarders yet employers are producing elsewhere.Our infrastructure is world class yet employers are producing elsewhere.We need to elect people who are going to meet with, listen to, and then work with business leaders to establish their business in DuPage County.Questions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?We need county board members who understand that they are the people's representative.For over 28 years I have lived the Army values of Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. I became an Inspector General in 2005 to work with our leaders, soldiers and employees to remove the obstacles that prevent them from doing what is right and achieving their mission.I saw first- hand the value of listening to the people on the ground to prompt action within the organization.In business they call that listening to the voice of the customer. I will take the same approach, and have the same passion and integrity as your county board member.If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?I have become intimately familiar with all facets of zoning and understand the impacts poor planning has on your property values, job prospects, flooding, traffic, congestion, taxes, and satisfaction.I have seen first-hand how some will attempt to undermine the public process by filing false or misleading statements dragging out the public process in an effort to wear everyone down.That wastes tax dollars, abuses our residents, and deprives individuals of their life savings.We can do better.I will do better.I'm also concerned about the notion that our county is doing well because we are in the black fiscally.We live in the highest taxed county in the state and I live in the highest taxed township in that county.With over 2,000 employees and a $440,000,000 budget, we need to run this like a business bent on providing value for its customers.How can the county best manage its growth, growing diversity?Justice is blind and our county government should be as well.I've actually had a highly placed county official tell me that religious institutions have rights and privileges that exceed those of ordinary property owners.That's not going to cut it.Understand he wasn't trying to be dismissive or disrespectful.It is simply how he sees the law and how this county has enforced it.Well, I've been defending the constitution of the United States since 1983 and I know this, you and I are not second to anyone.Period.We need to respect the rights of everyone without bias.We need to recognize those who have invested in and actually built this county while simultaneously welcoming people of all walks of life to move in and become full participants in our community.Transparency is the best way to drive accountability in all things, especially in situations where there may be bias.If incumbent, are you satisied your attendance at county board/committee meetings has been adequate? Describe the rough percentage of meetings you've attended. If non-incumbent, are you aware of the incumbent's attandance record and is it adequate?The District 6 County Board Members have been engaged, participate fully, and you can expect me to do the same.I know that can't be said about all board members and they should be taken to task for their failure.What is your stance on county board members' pay? Too high, too low, just right? Would you propose any changes' Do you think county board members should receive pensions' If not, would be willing to pledge not to take one?DuPage County Board Members compensation is appropriate for size of the organization they are responsible for.Those who espouse a 50% cut want you to focus on 0.11% of the budget and simply ignore the real issues that need to be addressed with respect to pay and benefits. Do we really need 2,000 employees'A restructured organization would result in real meaningful staff cuts.Are the retirement benefits of the organization in line with industry? These benefits should be restructured and brought in line immediately.Don't be deceived by a sound bite.When you compare a County Board Member's pay to the staff or budgets they manage to that of a village trustee or a township trustee, you'll realize it's quite a bargain indeed.The issue isn't pay, the issue is what you're getting for that pay.Elect me as your County Board Member and I will work for real substantive cuts in salary and retirement benefits for all county employees, Board Members included.