Richard Kaske: 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: Wood DaleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Addison Township Highway Commissioner (4-year Term)Age: 52Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Addison Township Highway CommissionerEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: I have never been arrested or convicted of any crime, however, I have had traffic violations.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 To keep the tax levy at its current level and not raise taxes.Key Issue 2 To maintain a reduced fare Transportation program for senior citizens and persons with disabilities and enhance electronic recycling and branch and brush pickup programs.Key Issue 3 To maintain a successful road program and improve it where needed.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) To maintain and increase the services of the Highway Department without any tax increases. This is critical because the citizens are presently overtaxed by the state and federal governments. This I have done and will continue to do. 2) To seek more grant funding from PACE in order to increase the benefits of the transportation program for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. This is critical because the demand is there.Plans are underway to enhance this program. 3) Continue to work with other governmental agencies and departments. This is critical because we can provide the services at a more cost effect rate.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?The highway department, centrally located,is readily available for any situation that will arise. If provided with the same equipment as the state we could provide road maintenance, including additional snow plowing at a lower cost and even more efficiently. Also the highway department with its transportation program for senior citizens and persons with disabilities and the electronic recycling and branch and bush pickup serves residents in the Township that may not otherwise have access to those services.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?To continue to provide programs and services that other governmental agencies simply cannot provide for the same cost. Since Townships are the lowest taxing body we can and will continue to provide excellent resident based services.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?The highway department remains fiscally sound and continues to be watchful of any and all expenses including over time. The highway department also utilizes part time seasonal workers.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 spent my entire career at the Addison Township Highway Department. I have laid culvert, poured concrete,trimmed trees, plowed snow, met with residents and listened to their concerns. When I became highway commissioner I then took on additional administrative duties and expand the highway department programs such as transportation and electronic recycling and branch and brush pick up. I pride myself on being a hands on highway commissioner who is always willing to lend a hand to my crew in order to better serve the residents of Addison Township.