Michael Schroeder: 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 Supervisor (4-year Term)Age: 58Family: Married to Cindy Children: Sara(24), Emily(22), Nathan(21), Jacob(16)Occupation: Dentist Owner, Arlington Heights Dental GroupEducation: University of Notre Dame/BS 1976 University of Illinois Dental School/DDS 1980Civic involvement: Mobile Dental Clinic - volunteer Republicans of Wheeling Township - president Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce - member Township Officials of Illinois - member Township Officials of Cook County - memberElected offices held: Arlington Heights Village Trustee 1989-1992 Arlington Heights Village President 1992-1993 Wheeling Township Supervisor 2001-2013 Wheeling Township Republican Committeeman 2003Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NOCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Providing cost effective, quality services to meet the growing demand of our residents while recognizing the necessity for fiscal responsibility. We will persist in developing and implementing balanced budgets with no tax increase to our residents.Key Issue 2 Increase the public knowledge of the vital role of township government. The majority of revenues are generated from property taxes; no federal or state funds are received. These funds are used to provide a myriad of services to those experiencing financial crisis. Most don't know about township services until they need them. We will continue to educate with our award winning quarterly newsletter and full transparency website, while encouraging and accepting opportunities to speak with groups and organizations about all subjects associated with our programs.Key Issue 3 Responding to the continuous unfunded requirements and regulations, from agencies and all levels of government, which require countless Wheeling Township staff hours that diminish time allocated to them for monitoring and developing programs and services.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)Reducing and managing the Township reserves to meet Board goals, provide sufficient funds to meet budgetary projections, sustain programs, and allow for growth for future programs and services. 2)Ensure that the Township Transportation services remain a priority. Currently this unduplicated service provides over 26,400 rides per year to senior citizens and those with permanent disabilities. As the senior population continues to grow, transportation will play a critical role in providing practical solutions to enable seniors to age in place, enhancing their ability to remain independent in livable communities. 3)Continue to develop the Wheeling Township Food Pantry to be self-sustaining by increasing the role of volunteers, donors and community partners. The pantry currently experiences 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?Cook County Townships are not defined by the small unincorporated areas within their jurisdictions. Municipalities gobbling up vacant land will not benefit those in need because of illness or job loss. Who will provide these much needed services to those in need because of the poor economy? Will the state, county, or municipality be able to offer these services for less? Bigger is not always better, particularly in government. The current financial instability of the state and county governments is an embarrassment and municipalities are under severe budget constraints. Townships are closest to the people, provide valuable services, and operate with less.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Townships are a safety net for residents. The human care services provided cross social, cultural, and economic boundaries, ensuring that every resident has access to quality services on a local level. Know that if a time comes when you, or your family, or your neighbor have need for our services, Townships will be here to serve you.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?Wheeling Township provides local services with local dollars. Homeowners pay less than 1% of their property taxes - the average pays just over $60 per year - for all the services Wheeling Township provides. Services like transporation, meals on wheels, food pantry, general assistance - help with rent, utilities, and medical expenses. Our award winning Mobile Dental Clinic affords basic dental services for just $30 per visit. We are neighbors helping neighbors and we operate with bare bones budgets.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 am a life long resident of Arlington Heights and have served as Wheeling Township Supervisor since 2001. I served on the Arlington Heights Village Board as both Trustee and President. I have sat on committees and commissions for the Arlington Heights Park Foundation and the Northwest Community Hospital Dental Advisory Board. I am presently chairman of the TRIP program, a partnership with PACE that provides transportation services outside Wheeling Township boundaries.