Janice Anderson: 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: http://www.napervilletownshiprepublicans.comOffice sought: Naperville Township Board (4-year Terms)Age: 50Family: 11 year resident of Naperville and life long resident of Western suburbs.Occupation: Executive Assistant/Project Manager at ARAMARK HealthcareEducation: MA - Leadership Studies - North Central College - 2012 BA - Political Science - North Central College - 1985Civic involvement: The Naperville Club of Rotary Naperville Woman's Club Naperville Township Republican Organization Volunteer at Loaves Fishes Senior Celebration - Naperville North High School - 2007 - 2011Elected offices held: Regional Board of School Trustee - Will County, 1987-1994Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Transparent Government which provides real access to the public and holds officials accountable. What is township government? Therefore, we must champion transparency initiatives, including podcasting and webcasting our township meetings (in addition to local cable television and radio broadcasting). In addition, we must revamp the Township website to disclose all aspects of township governance and operations for the public to review, including all expenditures incurred each month. We must implement these transparency reforms because I believe it is important the public has full access to government in order to hold public officials accountable.Key Issue 2 Fiscally prudent management to stop Illinois' descent and finally live within our means. This is not just applicable to State government. As we know state government has been living beyond its means for far too long and constant borrowing has only bought Illinois the worst credit status in the nation. We must stop burdening our children and grandchildren with crushing debt and do what families all over are being forced to do: tighten our belt. We must also do this at the local level. Our township residents deserve real leadership and that means leaders who will make the tough choices. We must treat these issues with the care and concern that problems of this magnitude deserve.Key Issue 3 We must partner and build stronger relationships with our surrounding government and service agencies, including not for profit organizations that service the community. We must improve the efficiency of the services we deliver to our residents. This is hard work but it must be done.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.The most important function of a township trustee is that of overseer of township funds and programs. We must take a look at the overall operation of the township and ensure that we are efficient, spending money on programs that make sense and ensure that the staff are in the correct positions and has the tools available to do their jobs. Also in the age of scandals in other municipalities a township trustee must give a thorough second set of eyes or new eyes in our matter to the processes and practices of Naperville Township government.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 absolutely have a role it just needs to be redefined. Nothing is forever and townships must evolve to a role that fits the current needs of its residents. Townships perform three mandatory functions required by Illinois law: administering a general assistance programs to qualifying residents, maintaining township road district highways and bridges, and assessing real property. Townships administer and provide programs to assist those in financial need, transportation for senior citizens and residents with physical disabilities, and other services that will either be discontinued or shifted to municipalities or county government. Townships provide these services efficiently and in a very cost effective manner.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?The primary responsibility of township government is to provide for assessment of property, maintenance of township authorized roads and highways and general assistance to people in need. I also feel the role of township government is to hold the line on taxes and give residents the best value for their dollar.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?As a township elected official, we must balance every annual budget and worked to reduce the size and scope of government to focus it on truly necessary services. We must re-focus Township government on its core mission: the basic services townships are required to provide, Balancing government budgets can be done?as can focusing government's scope of services. It requires leadership and diligence. I intend to hold the line on taxes and give our residents the best value for their dollar.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 feel I would be a qualified elected official in Naperville Township because I am not afraid to ask a question. We must also effectively collaborate with our colleagues not only in our own township but in other townships and governmental bodies in our area. We must not be afraid to sayIs there a better way of doing this?? Yes, these are tough things to do but it's the right thing to do. Businesses must constantly re-invent themselves and we must do the same in government. We have an audience to adhere to and that is the residents of our township. We must listen and act appropriately for the good of the citizens of our township. Previously I have served on the Village of Bolingbrook Plan Commission and Police Fire Board. I have experience working with local governments and getting things done for the residents of the community. Also, in my role at ARAMARK, I am a project manager and am able to establish processes and facilitate best outcomes.