Grant Eckhoff: 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: Office sought: DuPage County board District 4Age: 52Family: MarriedOccupation: AttorneyEducation: Wheaton Central High School 1977 Socio-Economic Policy Problems from James Madison College at Michigan State University 1981 Chicago Kent College of Law with honors 1985Civic involvement: West DuPage Exchange Club, Wheaton and Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce, Milton Township Republican OrganizationElected offices held: Wheaton City Council 1989 -2002 DuPage County Board Dist 4 - 2002 to presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: Yes. I was charged with a DUI in 1986. The case went to hearing and the summary suspension was rescinded and the stop/arrest was quashed because there was not probable cause to stop or arrest me. The case was dismissed and I had the case expunged 24 years ago.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Consolidation of governmental units.Key Issue 2 Continuing to deliver essential county services while maintaining a low tax rate.Key Issue 3 Continuing intergovernmental cooperation.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?Illinois has more units of government than any other state in the county. People have talked about consolidating government for years. I want to get DuPage working on it now so that in the years to come the cost of government will decrease and DuPage will be an example to the rest of the state as to how to operate.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 initiated the discussion about consolidation 3 years ago. I am very fortunate that Chairman Cronin shares my desire to improve DuPage County in this manner. I contributed direcly on this issue by voting to close the Youth Home. This was a difficult decision but consolidation will have many such decisioins. Consolidatioin will allow me to continue to work to keep taxes low.How can the county best manage its growth, growing diversity?The most difficult task for any elected official is to say "No". However, we cannot be everything to everyone. If we are going to keep our excellent "AAA" credit rating we will have to very deliberate in the projects we fund. The natural growth of government now exceeds the rate of our revenue increase forcing us to cut itmes every year.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 have at least the 2nd best attendance of any county board member with attendance over 94%. I will continue to work towards 100% but that is not always possible especially since some meetings run overtime and conflict with other meetings so that I can only go to one.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 did not take the $2,000 raise in 2004 and 2005 and have not taken the $2,000 raise from 2008 to the present. I have foregone $14,000 in pay. I think everyone could cut back the $2,000. The pension was a beneift that was granted prior to my election and cannot be eliminated. I think pensions should be eliminated since they are a defined benefit program but County Board members should be allowed to fund a 401(k).