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Elizabeth Chaplin: Candidate Profile

DuPage County board District 2 (Democrat)

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: Downers GroveWebsite: http://lizchaplin1.blogspot.comOffice sought: DuPage County board District 2Age: 47Family: Husband Brian, a lifetime resident of DuPage County and a 31 year member of I.B.E.W. Local 701, along with three children and two dogs have lived in Downers Grove for the past 20 years.Occupation: Part-Time AccountingEducation: High School GraduateCivic involvement: Currently, President of Midwest Ballet Theatre, Secretary Midwest Ballet Theatre 2009 - 2010, Downers Grove Junior Women's Club, served as Board Member 2004 - 2006, Second Vice President of the Indian Trail school P.T.A. 2004 - 2006, President of the Citizens Advisory Group 2001-2003 and Religious Education Teacher at St. Joseph's Church September 2000 - 2002.Elected offices held: Appointed to the DuPage Water Commission 2002-2010.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: N/ACandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Elimination of excessive government spending.Control of taxes.Key Issue 2 Defense of services for our children, elderly, poor and disabled.Key Issue 3 Maintain existing infrastructure and support new infrastructure projects such astransportation services for O'Hare Western Access.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 want to expand on my success at the DuPage Water Commission, and bring that same commitment and focus to do what is right for all the other issues facing the residents of DuPage County. These tough times demand creative solutions, and the County Board needs a fresh dynamic.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?Served as President of the Citizens Advisory Group from 2001-2003, represented them on the Governor's Action Team, Recommended to State Representatives amending the Illinois Ground Water Protection Act to ensure that the Department of Public Health would notify residents within 60 days of suspected contamination so that wells could be tested. Worked with the Village of Downers Grove to secure a state grant for 700,000.00 to extend water mains in the North Belmont Park neighborhood. Represented over 800 homeowners in negotiations with the U.S. and Illinois EPA , the Village of Downers Grove, DuPage County and the DuPage Water Commission to reach an intergovernmental agreement to bring safe water to residents in the unincorporated area.In 2002 after many meetings and much work on this issue was appointed to the DuPage Water Commission by DuPage County Chairman Robert Schillerstrom. Served as Treasurer of the DWC from May to October 2003. Reappointed to the DWC in 2004. Ran for DuPage County Board in 2006. In April of 2010 after serving 8 years on the DWC I asked to not be reappointed when my term ended in June.Was credited in the forensic audit of the DuPage Water Commission with warning fellow commissioners of the financial trouble the commission was headed in but was ignored by the other members.Senator Dan Cronin used many of my suggestions in drafting the DuPage Water Commission legislation senate bill 580.I believe I bring a wealth of knowledge from my past experiences.I am a strong individual that can not be easily intimidated.I ask the right questions and will continue to do so as a member of the board.Most importantly I am a committed, conscientious and caring person and would be honored to serve the residents of DuPage.How can the county best manage its growth, growing diversity?By having a more diversified board.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 incumbent in District 2 attendance record was in the bottom third of all board members.This is not an adequate attendance record.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?The pay is high for a part-time position.I would be willing to propose changes to the salary.I do not believe that elected part-time public officials should receive a pension.I will not take a pension if I am elected to the DuPage County Board.