Jerry McBride: 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: Glen EllynWebsite: http://www.votemcbride.comOffice sought: DuPage County board District 4Age: 44Family: Married to Becky Five childrenOccupation: Insurance AgentEducation: BA Business Loras College, Dubuque, IowaCivic involvement: Board Member Metropolitan Services since 2006 Actively involved with Misericordia since 1986 previously involved with Meals on Wheels, Jubilee Foundation (Outreach Community Ministries), Rotary Club (Glen Ellyn), Mainstreet Redeveloment (Forest Park), YMCA Board Glen Ellyn,Elected offices held: This is the only office I have heldHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Budgets that meet the community needs and are cost effective. A balanced budget means we are vigilant in reducing unnecessary expenditures, assessing needs, and providing the revenue to improve the services of DuPage County. Fiscal responsibility means keeping government spare and services optimum. The number 1 issue leads to number 2....Key Issue 2 Communication. More transparency is needed within our political system as well as with the citizens of DuPage County. To accomplish a healthy thriving financial situation for our county, we have to make some difficult decisions and we need the input and support of the community.Key Issue 3 Accessibility... Is what I always try to be when people or staff need help. I feel that I return emails phone calls as quickly as possible. I am always able to meet discuss the issues people are concerned about.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 believe I have made a difference. And there is more to be done that I can initiate as well as follow through with present projects. I wish there could be less politics practiced and a greater focus on public needs. The last year there have been some fine accomplishments that I want to see continued.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 feel that since I have been on the board that the county has made some good changes. With the help of fellow board members, chairman the county staff. We have a five year budget outlook, we are doing major upgrades on the IT side, our staff is very good. We are always trying to see what we can streamline make better. We have already accomplished that with many departments.How can the county best manage its growth, growing diversity?Listen, listen, listen and then work with the people who are intimately involved with and impacted by the growth and increasing diversity. We need to to solicit competent projections of all the growth possibilities and be proactive in planning for it.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?My attendance has been good and consistent. I have missed some meetings through the term but it was always for illness and I was kept updated immediately by my colleagues.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 should remain as it is. Pensions not a good idea and that has been my position during my tenure.