Jane Michelotti: 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: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Bloomingdale Village Clerk (4-year Term)Age: 65Family: Married for 34 years. Blended family of four children, and eight grandchildren.Occupation: Retired. Deputy Village Clerk, Administrative Assistant.Education: Graduated high school, some college. Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) which later changed to Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) through International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)Civic involvement: Bloomingdale Neighborhood Watch Block Captain St. Paul Evangelical U.C.C. Food Pantry Volunteer PADS Volunteer (St. Isidore Church) IAAP (International Association of Administrative Professionals), Elgin Chapter Bloomingdale Police Academy I and II Bloomingdale Neighborhood Watch Steering Committee Winnebago School P.T.O. PresidentElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Having a Mayor and Board that works together. There is no conflict. The Village is and has been running smoothly. I don't know why we would want to mess with success! I have worked in a community where there was conflict in the board room. Animosity, discord, and hostility made passage of important issues difficult. I've worked in complicated situations and it is refreshing to see such independence without conflict in this Village. I believe the incumbents running under 2013 Bloomingdale Unity Party is what is in its name. I am running for the first time and want to be part of this success. I know I can contribute and will work along with this group who works together for betterment of the Village.Key Issue 2 Want to keep the standards and responsiveness to the citizens. This is a Board that listens. There are challenges that will come up and I am confident that my input to address them will be heard.Key Issue 3 Taxes are important to keep and are always a concern. Bloomingdale has been successful in keeping these low yet responding to the needs and concerns of the citizens. Being an elected Clerk, which the community has voted recently to keep, I know I can work with the Mayor to continue to focus on this and provide that input. I may not have a vote but know I can communicate and work with the current Board. I have been attending the Board meetings and see how the Board takes this very seriously.Questions Answers Some communities have contracted out for certain services, such as snowplowing, to save money. What innovative methods would you propose to reduce your office's budget? Explain your answer.First of all, things are running smoothly and do you really want to change for the sake of change. I believe you have to be in a situation, work there, study it, and if it needs to be changed, then look for the best way to do so. I am very organized and resourceful. I have worked on a budget with the Clerk's office in the past. I look forward to working with the staff in looking for ways we can reduce the budget wherever possible. If there's an easier and more efficient way of doing things, I'm all for it!The state's revised Freedom of Information Act guidelines renewed focus on open government. Name one specific step you would take if elected to increase government transparency in your office.The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) gives the public the opportunity to look at records, and request copies of records or documents. Bloomingdale has gone one step further in focusing on an open government. There is extensive information on their website dedicated to FOIA and it lists the contact name for all records processed and maintained by the Police Department and the contact name for all other Village records. The revised FOIA requires the Village to respond 5 working days after the request is received. There is no charge for copies up to 50 pages, unless in color or of an abnormal size. An optional request form can be downloaded as a written request is required. Informing the residents of this process would be a step in this direction especially for those who have access to a computer. Other assistance could be provided via phone or mail. This information could be published in the Almanac or newspapers so that all can be well informed of this process.Do you believe the village clerk should be an elected or appointed position? Please explain your answer.I believe the Village Clerk should be an elected position. Since there is a focus on transparency in office, I believe the people should have a voice in the selection process. The residents also agreed to keep this an elected position by their vote last November. It won by a 2/3 majority with 68% of the vote.What steps would you take as village clerk to improve and increase the flow of information to residents?I know I can contribute to this office. I plan to keep an open line of communication to the residents and welcome their input with their concerns.If you are a newcomer, what prompted you to run for village clerk? If you're an incumbent, list your accomplishments or key initiatives in which you played a leadership role.First of all, I was asked. I retired as a Deputy Village Clerk and after considering it, decided why not! I have the experience and am qualified. I've worked in a municipal government setting; I've transcribed Village meeting minutes; I've worked with businesses and residents; and, I believe in giving back. I loved my job and I look forward to give that same passion to the residents, the businesses, and staff at the Village of Bloomingdale!