Ilsa Rivera-Trujillo: 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: BensenvilleWebsite: http://www.changedbensenville.comOffice sought: Bensenville Village Clerk (4-year Term)Age: 44Family: Married for 21 years, two children ages 18 and 14.Occupation: Office Manager for Insurance Agency, Licensed in Property and Casualty.Education: Business courses at Triton Community College 1988.Civic involvement: Volunteer for DuPage PADS and Family Shelter Services.Elected offices held: N/AHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Engage residents to get more involved in our community. In walking to get my petitions signed and talking with local people and friends, they expressed their desire to get more involved and I like to help facilitate this. This is exactly how I felt and in speaking with Frank Soto he suggested I run for Village Clerk.Key Issue 2 There have been many changes in Bensenville that occurred in the last 4 years, as much as I would like to see them all continue, one that is near and dear to my heart is our Neighborhood Watch Program. Our crime rate has reduced annually in the last 4 years.Key Issue 3 Inform residents about our Food Pantry, which I believe is under utilized. In a recent conversation with Dave Sloan who started the food pantry and is still heavily involved, we discussed on how to advertise and get the word out to residents. Food pantry serves our residents in need by offering free food.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.Thru past experience and working to receive certification for ISO 9000 part of the process included review of record retention and destruction. I know there are companies out there that do this, my suggestion would be to analyze using one of these companies if in fact in was cost effective.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.I am aware that there have been many changes in the requirements for FOIA's, since I am not running as an incumbent this would be something I would have to analyze once I get into office.Do you believe the village clerk should be an elected or appointed position? Please explain your answer.I believe it should be an elected position, the unofficial title of the Village Clerk is "Record Keeper". This position is critical to the Village of Bensenville in terms of transparency and open government which is why I believe the residents of Bensenville should be the ones to make this choice.What steps would you take as village clerk to improve and increase the flow of information to residents?I have attended several village meetings where the has been discussion about the village website and transparancy. I know that this continues to be a work in progress and I believe I can add value to the improvement of the website.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.In having a discussion with Frank Soto I expressed my desire to get more involved with the community and asked him about any volunteer positions in the village and a week later he asked me if I would be interested in running for Village Clerk. After further discussion, with my business experience and sales expertise I believe that this would be a good way for me to contribute and to serve the residents of Bensenville. Should I be elected I would be able to help others find a way to be involved as well.