Joyce Hundhausen: 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: Carol StreamWebsite: http://www.bloomingdalerepublicans.comOffice sought: Bloomingdale Township Board (4-year Terms)Age: 59Family: Widowed Mother One ChildOccupation: Legislative AideEducation: Mt. Assisi Academy Moraine Valley Community College Graduate, Illinois Lincoln SeriesCivic involvement: Ambassador for the Bloomingdale Chamber Board of Directors, Glendale Heights Chamber. Member, Carol Stream Parade Committee Board Member Legislative Chair, Glendale Heights Junior Women's Club Volunteer, Miss DuPage Miss Western Suburbs Scholarship Committee Volunteer for several Carol Stream festival activities Volunteer, Roselle Fest Bingo Tent Volunteer fundraiser, DuPage Family Shelter Former Commissioner, Carol Stream Planning Commission/Zoning BoardElected offices held: Trustee, Bloomingdale Township, 1997-presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 As trustees of a government body that uses tax dollars, my top priority will also be to provide the best possible services for the lowest cost. We view all tax dollars as precious and work hard to spend them wisely. We know how hard people work for their money and how difficult the current economy is for many people. We always keep this in mind with every decision we make.Key Issue 2 Another important principle we always keep in mind is that we can't rest on our laurels. We can't assume that just because we have operated the township efficiently over the years that there is no room for improvement. We can always seek new ways to operate more effectively, look at new procedures, vendors and policies. We pride ourselves on always seeking to improve the way we do business in Bloomingdale Township.Key Issue 3 One of the best ways to make good decisions and avoid bad ones is to stay close to the people. When you talk to people from all walks of life within the township, you get a sense of their needs and problems that exist that the township might be able to address. As my community service indicates, I have always been involved in lots of organizations. I feel that helps me stay close to the people and 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.I believe the number one goal is to continue to manage taxpayers dollars efficiently. Nothing is more important than fiscal discipline and integrity. We also need to work together with other governmental units to make sure services are not duplicated or wasteful. And, as I stated above, it is crucial we seek public input and work within our community to make sure we understand the needs and problems of people.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 should not be seeking to greatly expand their role. They should stick with the carefully crafted duties spelled out in state statutes. I continue to believe township government is important and useful because it is the closest to the people and thus is more responsive and less wasteful.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Helping people in need through general assistance, helping senior citizens through our senior center and providing other safety net services that aren't provided by other levels of government. We truly help the citizens of Bloomingdale Township and our services make up less than 2.5% of a homeowner's tax bill.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?We are always looking for ways to make our township more efficient for taxpayers. An example recently is our vote to cut back on state municipal pension coverage for trustees like myself.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 served three terms as trustee and believe I have served honorably and with pride for services we provide that help citizens of Bloomingdale Township. My record of civic involvement has given me an insight into the community and I plan to stay actively involved and passionate about my service to the public.