Kathryn Cermak-Durante: 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: AddisonWebsite: http://addisontwpgop.comOffice sought: Addison Township Supervisor (4-year Term)Age: 62Family: Married, 2 children, 5 grandchildrenOccupation: Supervisor, Addison TownshipEducation: Graduate York High SchoolCivic involvement: Addison Township 501c3 Charity Board Addison Chamber of Commerce Industry Township Officials of Illinois DuPage County Township Supervisor Association Addison Township Republican Women's ClubElected offices held: Supervisor, Addison Township since 1999Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NeverCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Not to raise taxesKey Issue 2 Expand programs without additional cost to the taxpayerKey Issue 3 To provide a high level of service to our residents in programs that other governmental agencies do not addressQuestions 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)Not to raise taxes. Critical because the residents are presently overburdened with high taxes. This Board has promised that in the past, has kept that promise, and will do so again. 2)To increase the number of charitable contributors to our 501c3 program. Critical because this program has allowed us to spend money on people needs at no additional cost to the taxpayer. We are presently pursuing this objective. 3)To continue to provide programs that other governmental bodies do not address. Critical because the need is there and the only place to go for them is Addison Township. We have always filled these gaps and will continue to do so.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 media has created the myth that townships only serve residents in the unincorporated areas. This is not true. Our township serves ALL the residents of the township in both unincorporated and incorporated areas. If the truth is told, programs being run by some other governmental bodies should be turned over to townships who can do them cheaper, better, and with a local personal touch. Just compare the fact that while our township and county under the Republicans have lowered taxes, the State and Federal governments, under Democrat control, continue to raise taxes and are in deep financial peril.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?I'll say it again. To fill in the gaps and provide services to the people such as our Transportation Program for seniors and the physically disabled (to mention just one of many) that other governmental bodies do not serve. And I would add at a cheaper cost to the taxpayer. All this while at the same time continuing with our statutory programs of General Assistance, Road Bridge Maintenance, and Property Assessment.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?That's easy. Cut and maintain salaries for township officials. This year, and for the next four years I took a pay cut even though my last pay raise was four years ago. And for five other of our township officials no pay increases for the next four years even though the last pay increase they received was four years ago.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 know this township as well or better than anyone because I started working here at minimum wage as a worker in the Food Pantry and the Clothes Closet which services the needy. When the opportunity arose I accepted the position of Supervisor. Throughout the last few terms, with the support of the Board, I started the 501c3 program so we could expand and create programs at no additional cost to the taxpayer. I started the Career Closet which provides clothing and training for the unemployed who are going out to job interviews. I started the Children's Christmas Party for needy kids, the bi-monthly senior gatherings, bilingual training, driver license services, income tax assistance, and much, much more including opening our gymnasium for Early Voting and to elected officials to run Job Fairs. These are just some of the reasons why I believe I am the best candidate for Supervisor of Addison Township.