Richea Dougherty: 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: AuroraWebsite: http://www.NapervilleDemocrats.orgOffice sought: Naperville Township Board (4-year Terms)Age: 56Family: Married, Three Children, Two grandchildrenOccupation: Talent Acquisition ConsultantEducation: Bachelor of Science Degree, Northern Illinois University, Elementary Education, 1980 Some Graduate Course work in Sociology, Diversity EducationCivic involvement: Naperville Township Democratic Organization (NTDO) Democratic Election Judge Crown Financial Studies Teen Nite, Board MemberElected offices held: None at this Time.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NOCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Communication - We need to open the lines of communication with our citizena and properly assess the needs. i.e. Emergency Assistance, LIHEAP, Veterans and Seniors, just to name a few. We have an opportunity to build an inclusive team that communicates well with the community.Key Issue 2 Transparency - Currently there is limited information about the duties of the township leadership, limited sharing of taxpayer spending.Key Issue 3 Accountability - We have to be accountable to each other and to the people, i.e., better public reporting, better use of the website, including sending surveys out and holding township forums.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.Review the historical spending, review in detail the budget for 2013 is the first priority. Address any waste in spending. Implement a means to hear the voices of the people. We must find the pulse and prioritize based on what we can tackle in the coming term. Property tax assessment and care for the roads should be on the radar early in the first term. Explore joint relationships with neighboring townships and counties.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?Townships are needed to bring Government to a level that directly impacts residents, including providing assistance to the needy, caring for the roads in unincorporated areas, and working to determine property tax assessments for parcels within the township.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Create a path for new programs which will fit the ever changing environment, specifically, property assessment, roads in unincorporated areas, and general assistance.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?Within the Highway Department, significant savings could be realized by addressing our over-capacity and by considering inter-governmental agreements to better utilize joint resources.What specific background or experience do you bring that makes you the best qualified candidate to serve as an elected official in the township?In additon to being a lifelong resident in this community and raising children in District 203 and 204; I have so much passion for those around me! I have limited Government experience, but I will work hard for others and come to the team with an open mind and a strong business acumen. I have served on community boards, non-profit organizations, universities, and I am also connected to corporate America. I am looking forward to serving!