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: I have been married to Joe for 20 years. We have three children: Stephanie, 16, Tony, 13, and Paul, 6.Occupation: Co-owner/Vice President of Green T ServicesEducation: Bachelor of Science in Public Relations with a minor in Journalism, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, 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, Aurora Republican Women, Naperville Township Committeeman, Co-Chair of NARWO's 2011 Republican Leadership Tea, Founder of The Aurora Republic publication that promotes the Republican Party to Aurora residents in Naperville TownshipElected offices held: 2nd Vice President, Naperville Area Republican Women Organization, 2011-2012Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Keeping Your Taxes Low. We keep our taxes low by keeping costs low. I will use my experience to help keep county government costs low the same way I keep my business costs low - by streamlining our county government to make it the most cost effective and efficient government possible while still providing citizens with quality county services. Part of those costs are pensions. 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 2 Caring for Our Seniors. Our most valuable demographic needs our support and protection. I will ensure that senior programs provided by the County will remain in place to help those on a limited income.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. Taxpayers deserve to know where their taxes are going and to trust the agencies that are handling their money. I will continue to push for more action to ensure transparency and accountability in our county government. I will 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 six separate divisions. We started our business 9 years ago in our basement and we now have over 16,000 customers and employ over 150 local residents. In this current economy, we need people with proven successful business skills at ALL levels of government and representatives who take the responsibility seriously. I want to use my broad base of experience with budgeting, forecasting, payroll, and management to help benefit the families of DuPage County. Every time I vote on an issue at the County Board, I will have DuPage County families in mind and ask 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. I am a business woman with proven results. We increased our family business by 70% during the recession while never raising our prices and never laying off an employee. We did this by keeping our costs low and smart decision making. When a situation arises, I do extensive 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 on the County Board.How can the county best manage its growth, growing diversity?We can manage our growth and 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 that plan 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 from Aurora in District 5 has a 62% attendance rating. This is inexcusable. Voters have the power to remove this irresponsible person from the County Board and replace him with someone who will take the position seriously and who will represent her constituents at every meeting.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.