Michael "Mike" Loftus: 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: LisleWebsite: http://loftus2012.comOffice sought: DuPage County board District 2Age: 63Family: Married, 2 children, 1 grandchildOccupation: Plant Manager, now SalesEducation: Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Illinois CU 1974 Various Business courses at COD and Elgin Community College Illinois Ass'n of School Boards "Master School Board Member" 1994 (4 years of training and involvement)Civic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Lisle Community Unit District #202 School Board 1989-2000 DuPage County Economic Development/Zoning Board of Appeals 2003-present Lisle Township Republican Committeeman 2000-present Lisle Township Republican Organization Chairman 2010 to present (not publicly elected)Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Economic Development within County and especially District 2 There is no place like DuPage for business, even though Illinois as a whole is business unfriendly, in my opinion.Key Issue 2 Responsive Representation- too little communication between elected and their constituency at present. I have always engaged the electorate even when I knew it would be difficult. Most people want to be heard. I gave and gained respect and even those who do not share my politics worked with me to a mutually agreeable solution.Key Issue 3 Responsibile governance- doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, for the right reason...Cliche, but actually how I workQuestions 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 had wanted to run when Irene Stone was leaving the board some years ago. However Jeff Redick ran, and I worked to elect him. When Pat O'Shea decided to run for Circuit Judge, I decided it was time to run. Economic Development is high on my list of public issues. I can't do it alone, but would advocate, constantly, for Board level creation of appropriate business atmosphere in DuPage County.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?One of my strengths is that I know how to work on a board, how to stimulate involvement, and how to bring people together for a resolution. I am at my best in "hot" situations, and generally by meetings end, the "hot" has become tepid, but all parties have had input.How can the county best manage its growth, growing diversity?This is exactly why my #2 issue is Responsive Representation. I would reach out, make myself available to discuss, and advise, any and all who need help. It is who I am and my strongest attribute. I am a people person who listens, then acts.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 concerned with attendance issues. No one is expected 100% of the time, since there are few breaks in meeting dates and personal lives will interfere from time to time. When it becomes too much, public service is interupted and ceases to be service. (You wouldn't utilize and service which is not there when you need it or expect it, on a regular basis. Same applies here. On all the boards on which I have sat or am sitting now, I have had excellent attendance. As I used to tell plant employees with attendance problems, you could be the best person ever to hold this job, but if you are not here, what good are you.Same applies here.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 am already on record as opposing pensions for County Board Members. Ditto benefits. I have worked in private industry since 1974 and never yet seen a company that paid benefits to an employee who was less than full time.I WOULD take a pledge not to take a pension OR benefits. Pay could/should certainly be reduced by some amount and then everytime the overall budget is reduced, the pay is reduced by that same percentage level. I have been in public service for over 20 years off and on. The key word is service, not income or benefits. The DuPage Election Board did this and shows it can work. Public service is a choice and one invest his/her own time in that service. To have someone say it is to reimbures for lost income is absurd. We serve, willingly to share our abilities, talents, and knowledge to the benefit of the public.