Amy Grant: 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: WheatonWebsite: http://electamygrant@gmail.comOffice sought: DuPage County board District 4Age: 57Family: Married, two childrenOccupation: Candidate did not respond.Education: B.S. Education Graduate School of ArtsCivic involvement: Milton township precinct committeeman Women's Rebublican Club Marionjoy Auxillary Religious Education St. John PTA---chaired and co-chaired many eventsElected offices held: Precinct Committeeman Milton TownshipHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 As a County Board member, I will provide the best values of public service: integrity, accessibility and a willingness to listen to constituents needs. I will deliver the energy and effort the people of the County deserve, with solutions that are fiscally and socially conservative.Key Issue 2 In 2011 the Dupage County Board had a controversial decision to close their youth home, and they voted to so. They successfully have since partnerd with Kane County's facility in St. Charles where the youth offenders are reported to be getting quality care. Keeping the youth home open would have cost $3.2 million yearly, now this year the request is $1.3 million. This savings may foretell the future for other areas where streamlining and partnership is possible. I agree and support this type of arrangement when money can easily be saved.Key Issue 3 I believe that good government should be able to communicate with the public in a clear voice, not murky or convoluted, Open government communication will gain integrity and trust from the public. I understand that the County Board has taken steps to bring openness and accountablity to it's independent agencies. Residents should be able to view their meetings and minutes. I will work to help maintain and possibly enhance this openness through thier website and email updates.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?Good government is important to me and I will bring my life experience perspective, with practical solutions and a sensible approach when making decisions on the board.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?My background in organizing volunteers for Congressman Roskam gave me an invaluable opportunity to learn what the citizens of our district want in their public officials. I believe and my experience has taught me that accountability and responsiveness are very important to the citizens if this county.How can the county best manage its growth, growing diversity?Government and the cost of services grow naturally. This can be managed with the boards vigilent awarness of making sure they do not duplicate services and completely scrutinize the effectiveness of what they offer.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 aware of the attendance record. Your paper wrote an informative article on this subject. I think in order to do a good job and accomplish the needs of the County; attendance is key. Doing your homework and being prepared to offer ideas and solutions is important.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 do not know exactly how much time each individual board member contributes to this position, and I'm certain it differs from member to member, but I do believe that a hard look can be taken at board members' pay. I do not think that it is necessary for members to receive pensions and I would not take a pension offer.