Marilyn Menconi: 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: BloomingdaleWebsite: http://www.bloomingdalerepublicans.comOffice sought: Bloomingdale Township Board (4-year Terms)Age: 63Family: Married Three children Five grandchildrenOccupation: BookkeeperEducation: St. Michael the Archangel Catholic High SchoolCivic involvement: Mallard Lake Estates Homeowners Association, past director Bloomingdale Chamber Carol Stream Chamber Roselle Chamber Glendale Heights Chamber Lions Club Former instructor, Religious Education Studies, St. Isidore Catholic ChurchElected offices held: Bloomingdale Township trustee, 2005-presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 As someone who has kept books, I know the importance of fiscal discipline and fiscal integrity. We must always keep in mind we are spending taxpayer dollars and therefore they should be spent wisely.Key Issue 2 We take pride on the Town Board of always looking for new ways to improve our operations. We will continue to keep an open mind to improving the way we deliver services to our constituents, the taxpayers.Key Issue 3 All of the board's elected officials believe in getting involved in the community. We believe it helps inform us when making important decisions. We know the people affected and we know how our decisions will affect their pocketbooks. Being close to the community is a real plus and we plan to stay connected.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. Keeping our budget tight and under control while delivering key services to residents. 2. Working even more closely with other governmental units to achieve improved efficiency while avoiding duplication. We meet regularly with other government officials and will step up that effort in coming months. 3. Making sure the public knows about all our services and feels welcome to use them and participate in the governing process by attending meetings and giving opinions and input.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?We are not looking to greatly expand the scope of our efforts. We have specific duties set forth by state law and we focus our efforts on performing those duties in the most cost effective way possible. We believe in the notion that township government is the form of government closest to the people. We believe that is a positive statement.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Our major duties are to provide General Assistance, maintain township roads and assess property fairly. We also take great pride in our senior center services to our senior citizens. We provide an important safety net for township residents who need it most.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?We have worked hard to keep spending under control and achieved that goal. Since 2005, our spending has declined 1.5%. Most governments can't make that claim. We have held the line on elected officials? salaries they have remained the same since 2005. And we have reduced the IMRF pension costs. We will continue looking at all spending on an ongoing basis to achieve these kind of results in the future.What specific background or experience do you bring that makes you the best qualified candidate to serve as an elected official in the township?As a business manager/bookkeeper, mother, and longtime resident of the community, I believe I am well positioned to continue serving the residents of Bloomingdale Township. I believe our work is important and we all take it seriously and high regard and appreciation for every dollar spent. I would be honored if voters continue to show confidence in me by re-electing me to the Town Board.