Tonia Khouri: 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: AuroraWebsite: http://www.ToniaKhouri.comOffice sought: DuPage County board District 5Age: 42Family: Married for 20 years, 3 childrenOccupation: Owner of Green Tee ServicesEducation: Bachelor of Science in Public Relations, Minor in Journalism, Southern Illinois University, 1991Civic involvement: Naperville Rotary Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee of NACC Naperville Woman's Club, Chairwoman of Ways Means Committee Benet Mother's Club Co-Chair Benet Cares Committee Naperville Area Republican Women's Organization, 2nd Vice President Naperville Township Committeeman Co-Chair of NARWO's 2011 Republican Leadership Tea Co-Chair of the Illinois Federation of Republican Women's (IFRW) 2012 State Conference to be held in Naperville, IL Founder of Aurora Republican News publication that promotes the Republican Party to Aurora residents in Naperville TownshipElected offices held: 2nd Vice President, Naperville Area Republican Women's Organization, 2011Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Lean and Efficient Government.We keep taxes low by keeping costs low.Being a business owner with over 14,000 repeat customers, I know how important it is to deliver quality services in the most efficient, cost effective way possible.Our county government is very similar.The people of DuPage County depend on several necessary services that add to our quality of life.We need a County Board member who is skilled in keeping the balance between what's necessary to deliver reliable, quality services and what's excessive.Having an extensive business background, I know how to ensure residents can continue to rely on quality county services without paying too much for them.Key Issue 2 Pension Reform.I have pledged and signed a petition to refuse a pension and to work to eliminate publicly funded pensions for part-time DuPage County Board Members.Key Issue 3 Transparency and Accountability in Government.I supported Senate Bill 541 which now allows the County Board to see budget information, financial information, and employment data of other committees, promoting honest government.We need more transparency. I would put more county information online for public access.For example, lists of government salaries, vendors, and lobbyists used by the County Board.It would also identify taxes and fees that fund county programs.All of this information should be made readily available for the public.I would initiate bi-annual town hall meetings between residents and their three representatives in each district, giving residents opportunities to ask questions and learn about county issues.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 for office to serve our community.My husband and I own a service company with five separate divisions.We started our business 8 years ago in our basement and we now have over 14,000 customers and employ over 100 local residents.Thankfully, our business is solid. With our children in school full time, it is time for me to serve our community.In this current economy, we need people with proven successful business skills at ALL levels of government.The DuPage County Board needs to know how to provide the needed services we rely on in the most streamlined, efficient manner.Starting and growing a service business in a such a short time is evidence that I am a smart decision maker who values our employees as well as our customers. To start a small business and grow it during a recession requires a dedicated person who knows how to keep costs low and quality of service high.I know how to ensure residents of DuPage County will receive quality county services without paying too much for them.Every time I vote on an issue at the County Board, I will have DuPage County families in mind and as myself, "Is this serving the families of DuPage County in the best possible manner?"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 would bring a business mind to the board.Being a business owner, I make smart, prudent decisions every day.The same way a County Board Member must make smart, prudent decisions every day.When a situation arises, I research, hear all sides, confer with our team, and make an executive decision.I will conduct my decision making process in the same manner with the same confidence.How can the county best manage its growth, growing diversity?By using information and communication effectively to plan for the future.DuPage County's economic and social climate is changing.We must research, come up with a comprehensive plan, and communicate it effectively to the residents.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?Currently, an incumbent county board member in District 5 has a 62% attendance rating.This is inexcusable.We need County Board Members who take the position seriously and represent their constituents at every meeting.If a County Board member's attendance rating falls below 90%, their pay should reflect that.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?I have already pledged and signed a petition not to take a pension and to work to eliminate publicly funded pensions for part-time DuPage County Board Members.Thank you.