Kaleshia Page: 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: WoodridgeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Lisle Township Board (4-year Terms)Age: Candidate did not respond.Family: SingleOccupation: Consultant, Adjunct ProfessorEducation: Bachelor of Arts - Smith College Doctorate of Jurisprudence - Vanderbilt University School of LawCivic involvement: DuPage County Branch of the NAACP- Women' Committee Co- Chair; Political Action Committee Co- Chair. Lisle Township Democratic Organization; Precinct Committeeman.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Even though one of the missions of township government is to provide services to its residents, too many people in need of assistance do not know where to turn. My number one campaign issue is to improve resident's awareness and access to resources. The economy is improving, but many peopleespecially our youth and seniors? are still struggling. The Township has committees and administrative programs that are suppose to assist its constituents. As Township Trustee, I will work to improve the access to these resources, and to ensure that these programs are being administered in the most respectful and cost effective way.Key Issue 2 The Township needs to increase efficiency. Though I believe in careful, deliberate consideration of the issues, at some point, decisions have to be made. Too often in governmenton all levels? things get bogged down. I seek to improve the efficiency and speed in which the Township Board makes decisions.Key Issue 3 Upgrade communications. Township government can and should serve a vital function in our society. In order for the Township to maximize its potential and maximize its service reach, it is important that the ways in which it communicates with its constituents are updated. This will also lead to more transparency. The use and/ or develop of an electronic newsletter, social media, and improving the Township Web site, are simple, low cost tools to more effectively convey the goings-on of the government's business, and bring Lisle Township firmly into the 21st century.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.1. Fill any vacancies on standing committees. Require monthly reports and updates as to the progress, work, and recommendations of these committees. These reports should be presented at the monthly board meetings, and have clearly stated action items. 2. In August, this paper wrote an article stating that the Township was looking to sell a piece of property that many Township officials did not know that we owned. (http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120813/news/708139730) In the coming term, there should be an audit of all properties owned by the Township. The goal of this audit is to ensure that all properties owned by the Township are being used to their optimal potential. 3. During the next term, there needs to be a renewed commitment to improving methods of communication, and technology. In order for Township government to play a role in residents? lives, and in order for our government to remain relevant, communication must be improved. I recently visited the Township website and looked under theEvents? tab. The last event listed was April, 2012. In addition, thenewsletter? does not seem to be posted on a regular basis and there seems to be no option to receive it electronically. A Facebook/Twitter page also seems nonexistent. Social media is an inexpensive way to keep residents updated as to what events are occurring and upcoming in their Township.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 needed and has an important role to play. But as the question implies I do believe that Township governments need to play a new, improved role, beyond that of being the assessor of property. That new role should be improving the administration and facilitation of programs to help those in need. In addition, if there is an opportunity to work in conjunction with local municipalities to retain and grow the number of businesses located in the Township it should be acted on. Economic development has to be part of the new role that Township government plays in our society.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?As communities change and grow, it is imperative that township government changes and grows as well. In addition to assessing property, the primary responsibility of Township government is to offer services to their constituents. These are services and programs that many municipalities have neither the resources, nor the funding to provide. Too often in government, elected officials forget that their number one responsibility is to serve. As Trustee, I want to help Lisle Township do a better job of offering cost effective services and resources to the people.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?It is imperative that elected officials are good stewards of the people's money and that all expenses claimed are absolutely necessary. I would seek a full review of all of the Township's travel expenses. After a review, and if possible, we should look to cap expense amounts. These savings could potentially be redirect, thus reducing the burden on the taxpayer.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 had the opportunity to work within both the state and federal levels of government. In these roles I met with service providers, agency heads, and community leaders. One of my primary responsibilities was to meet with constituents and find out which areas of government were serving them well, and which services needed improvements. I have seen what does work and I have helped develop solutions for what does not work. These positions helped me hone one of the most essential skills that many of our elected officials are missing the ability to listen to those they serve. In order to serve the public's interests, people deserve and need to be heard. The only way that elected officials can solve the problems facing their communities is to ask the tough questions, accept the sometimes hard truths, and then work with their constituents to solve those problems. This is what I will do as Lisle Township Trustee. One of the areas that need improvement is the Township's communication with its constituents. As I adjunct Professor I educate our future leaders as to various methods of effective communications. I not only understand the important of using relevant communication models, I have the practical skills to implement those ideas. I take great pride is the work I have done over the years with different volunteer organizations. I have been on teams, lead teams, and facilitated meaningful communications that have led to attaining goals. I understand team work, have experience in building consensus, and have expanded our constituency base. These skills will serve me well as Township Trustee, because only by working together, figuring of what works, and developing new ideas for what doesn?t, can we truly serve those that have elected us. I recently asked a voter what do you want or expect from your Township representatives. His reply was he wanted the opportunity to elect someone who has thoughtful ideas and courage to put forward those ideas. I am that person. As Lisle Township Trustee, I will be the voice for those who, until now, have had no voice. Each day I serve I will do so with one goal in mind making the lives of my constituents just a little bit easier.