Kathy Penner: 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: Arlington HeightsWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Wheeling Township Board (4-year Terms)Age: 52Family: Married, three childrenOccupation: Homemaker Wheeling Township TrusteeEducation: BBA University of Michigan, 1982Civic involvement: Committee Chair Republican Women of Wheeling Township, Church and School Volunteer at Our Lady of the Wayside, GOP Precinct CaptainElected offices held: Wheeling Township Trustee 2005-currentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Providing the services for the township at the lowest cost for the taxpayer. Our Township slate has an outstanding record of fiscal responsibility.Key Issue 2 Providing excellent transportation services for our disabled and senior citizens. This is a major focus of our entire board.Key Issue 3 Increasing public knowledge of the vital role of township government. Most people don't know about township sevices until they need them. For example, when they experience a financial crisis.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. Continue to have a balanced budget. 2. Continue to provide excellent transportation services and other in-home services for our seniors, allowing them to stay in their home where possible. 3. Expanding our use of the many volunteers in our community in order to keep costs down. For example, making our food pantry self-sustaining. Our food pantry now has over 400 visits per month.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?None of the municipalities in our township have exhibited any interest in further annexation over the past several years. Our township provides quality unduplicated services to those in need.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Township government responsibilities are established by state law, in addition it is responsible for those services the residents want and require, such as transportation services for seniors and the disabled.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?In my 8 years township officials have not taken any pay raises. We have carefully examined social service agency funding to verify that they are delivering services to township residents.What specific background or experience do you bring that makes you the best qualified candidate to serve as an elected official in the township?My business degree from the University of Michigan and over 16 years of business experiece along with 8 years of board service as a Trustee for Wheeling Township.