Richard Schroeder: 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: LombardWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: York Township Highway Commissioner (4-year Term)Age: 56Family: Married with five childrenOccupation: President, Schroeder's Ace HardwareEducation: Montini Catholic High School College of DuPage - Business Administration, 1976Civic involvement: Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, Board of Governor; Lombard Rotary; Elmhurst Elks Lodge #1531; Lombard Masonic Lodge; Medinah Shrine Club; Lombard Historical Society, Lombard Chamber of Commerce and Lombard Moose Lodge.Elected offices held: York Township Highway Commissioner, 1997-present York Township Republican Precinct Committeeman, 1995-presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Continue to maintain sound financial stability through cost effective budgeting and planning.Key Issue 2 Keeping our roadways safe through our maintenance and replacement programs.Key Issue 3 Keep the high quality of service our residents have become accustom to while responding to their needs.Questions Answers Name the three most important goals or objectives this board should tackle in the coming term. Prioritize them, and briefly discuss why you believe each to be critical, and how the board should go about addressing them.Our number one issue is maintaining a responsible budget while providing the necessary services to keep our roadways safe. The escalating cost of raw materials, gas and salt has caused us to prioritize where each budget dollar is spent. I am currently treating our salt with an environmentally safe product to cut down on our salt consumption this winter season. Secondly, I plan to continue to maintain quality relationships with neighboring municipalities. Through intergovernmental agreements with other townships and municipalities I have been able to lower the cost of materials need to complete road projects. Lastly, I plan to keep on recognizing the changing needs of our community by continuing to make resident issues a top priority.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?Township government is the oldest form of government; it was created and still is today meeting the needs of its residents by providing personalized services and individualized attention to our residential area. Being localized, I am able to respond to the needs of the residents in a timely manner. It would be the equivalent to the classroom size argument. If the teacher has too many children to attend to in the classroom, not all student needs are met. The same is true with governing bodies.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Under my leadership, the primary responsibility of York Township Highway Department will continue its dedication to the residents of unincorporated York Township with the services they have come to know. These services are: road maintenance, clean and maintain storm sewers, street sweeping, road striping and tree trimming and removal for the safety of our residents. Our special services include electronic recycling, brush pick-up and our free mulch program. Under my watch the Highway Department has become a First Responder under DuPage County Homeland Security Office.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?The services that the York Township Highway Department provides are mandated by State Statute. The York Township Highway Department continues to maintain a responsible budget, while meeting the mandates of the State. I will continue to explore more cost-effective means of accomplishing our current tasks that meet the needs of our residents. By pioneering new means of execution and monitoring the changing wants of our township, the dollars spent will be more effectively utilized while not cutting any essential services.What specific background or experience do you bring that makes you the best qualified candidate to serve as an elected official in the township?I have the experience and management skills, to once again, serve as your Highway Commissioner. I will continue to use the highest professional standards and sound environmental practices in keeping our roadways safe, while maintaining a responsible budget. My sixteen years as highway Commissioner have allowed me the privilege of building rapport and a trustworthy relationship with the people I serve. Although my experience is of the utmost importance, I understand the changing needs and concerns of the residents as I?m a life-long resident of unincorporated York Township. I have also been President of my family's hardware store, Schroeder's Ace Hardware, for the last 35 years of its 50 year existence. I take great pride in family and community and do so with dedication and a hands-on approach.