Dirk Enger: 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: WinfieldWebsite: http://www.engercounty6.orgOffice sought: DuPage County board District 6Age: 51Family: Married to wife Trudy, we have four sons ages 15-10Occupation: Union IronworkerEducation: USMC 1983-1986 Desert Storm/Desert Shield 1990-1991Civic involvement: Knights of Columbus 4th degree Dupage Veterans Memorial Board Dupage Marine Corp League Dupage Honor Flight Board Member Co founder Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans Batavia VFW 1197 Member Cantigny American Legion 556 Member Batavia Cares Volunteer Support our Troops, Naperville VolunteerElected offices held: Dupage County Board District 6Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I would like to see an increasein sustainable job growth and job opportunities within the county.I also believe we should stop paying for lobbyists.I was the only board member to vote no for lobbyists.Key Issue 2 I would like to see more transparency on the board.There also needs to be more accountability of the taxpayers money and the services that are provided for our residents.Key Issue 3 I would continue to work on improving the lines of communication between residents, municipalities and the board.I would continue an open door policy to address the issues of all of my constituents in a prompt and timely manner.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?I am running to make a difference.I have kept all of my campaign promises.I have worked in a bi partisan manner on the board.My motivation comes from my residents.I would like to continue to be the voice for my residents.My voting record and attendance proves my commitment to this job.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?By listening to the needs and concerns of the residents of my district I have addressed many of the local concerns and needs.On the board, working in a bi partisan way we have passed T2 text ammendments.We have passed, all 3yrs., a smaller and more fiscal balanced budget,while increasing county's cash reserves.We have reformed the employees pension and healthcare benefits.We have cut our own(county board members) salary by 6.5%.How can the county best manage its growth, growing diversity?As a member of the Economic Development Committee, we review and update our short and long term strategic economic growth plan quarterly.We work with many partners, both local and state, to insure sustainable growth throughout the county.We worked on and passed T2 text ammendments which protects residents in unincorporated Dupage from over development.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?I am satisfied with my attendance record, but will continue to improve on it.A recent Better Government Association report showed that I had the highest attendance record of all Dupage County Board members.I had 100% attendance of County board meetings and 94.7% of committee meetingsWhat 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?I think the board members pay is just right after we took a 6.5% pay cut this year.I do feel that the chairman's salary could decrease, reflecting economic times.I do Not think board members should receive pensions.I have opted out of pension and benefits since being elected to the board. I continue to pledge not to take a pension and will work to eliminate it.