Chris Griffin: 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: NapervilleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Will County Board District 11Age: 47Family: Married, three childrenOccupation: Software EngineerEducation: Masters of Science Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1997Civic involvement: Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America Cubmaster, Boy Scouts of America Youth athletic coach (YMCA, Naperville Park District, Little League)Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Waste. The Will County Board has a history of spending large amounts of money on plans for projects that never get implemented. Worse, these plans are periodically resurrected and re-worked at additional cost. I would like to see projects either completed or not started at all. Shelving expensive plans for projects that never get implemented is a waste of tax payers' money.Key Issue 2 Visibility. If elected, I would become a resource for all of the voters in my district to access the County Board and county services. I believe it is important for citizens to get involved in their government and would work to facilitate access and knowledge sharing.Key Issue 3 Candidate did not respond.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?As I've grown older, I've come to better understand our political process and I'm troubled at the direction many would like to take our country. From globalization, privatization and militarization to women's issues and what is taught in our schools, I believe many in this country would like to revert back to the 19th century. I've heard the call to get involved.f 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 believe my background is very similar to most of the residents in my district. I've worked for very large corporations and very small ones. I've raised children in the public schools, coached Little League and soccer. I would truly be a representative of my district.If incumbent, are you satisfied 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 attendance record and is it adequate?During the 2011 and 2012 sessions, Mr Maher was absent from general Board meetings on four occasions. Also, as Vice Chair of the Finance Committee, Mr Maher was absent from that committee's last two of three meetings. Certainly not a stellar record, but not negligent, either.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?It is my understanding that county board members earn roughly $26,000 per year. I believe this is just about right given the time spent in committee meetings and researching issues. I don't believe part time officials should receive a pension, however. I would not take a pension if elected.Is there a specific type of service or amenity that is lacking in your district? If so, how do you propose to provide and fund that?Actually, I see a duplication in services between the township, county and local governments. I would support eliminating the township tier entirely. This would save taxpayers money.