Patricia Stach: 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: BolingbrookWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: DuPage Township Clerk (4-year Term)Age: 56Family: Married - three children, eight grandchildrenOccupation: Assistant Finance Director - Village of RomeovilleEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Romeoville Rotary Club DuPage Township Senior Club Member Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce Romeoville Chamber of Commerce New Life Lutheran Church Member - BolingbrookElected offices held: DuPage Township Clerk - Since January 2001Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The national and local economy is my primary concern for our residents. The current DuPage Township Board has maintained a strong focus on identifying the needs and changes of our community that have constantly evolved during the last several years. Through our business supporters and community organization partnership, we will continue to support and provide assistance and guidance to the many families that are in need of our services.Key Issue 2 I believe consistent and knowledgable leadership is very important at this time. When I was first appointed as Township Clerk in January 2001 - DuPage Township community and services were not very well known or visible. During the past 12 years, I have seen our DuPage Township Organization grow to one of the most well respected and top-ranked agencies in the State, out of the 1,432 Illinois Township Organizations. I would like to see our Staff and Board continue on our Award-Winning and innovative path - willing to constantly adapt and change as the needs of our Communities warrant.Key Issue 3 Fiscal responsibility and service excellence is a key issue with any Government agency during these trying times. Using less than 1% of your tax dollars - our current Board has kept a steady service stream - steadily introducing valuable new programs and classes for our residents in need. Our Board has also been able to hold our tax base steady with no increased tax dollar base during the last three years - while still maintaining consistent service levels.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 - Fiscal Responsibility - The Board is committed to continue to keep our tax levy steady, and continue to partner with businesses and community organizations to maximize the "best bang for the buck". 2 - Continue to Provide Quality Resident Services - The Board and Staff should continue to constantly monitor and assess the needs of the community and adapt services and programs to reach those residents and families in need. 3 - Youth and Senior Programing - These services and attendance are being enhanced and expanded each year and this progress should continue. Low cost and free programming is very important to our families, and these services are valuable to help build our youth and assist our seniors.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?Municipalities are committed to provide more of a governing role for the communities, while Townships work to assist the residents. Being part of a multi-community Township - our focus is the services we can provide to our residents. Currently this includes, but is not limited to: Food Pantry Assistance, Foreclosure Assistance, Financial Assistance, Housing and Utility Assistance, Youth Programs, Senior Programs, Job Fairs and Employment Training.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?The primary responsibility of Township government should be offering a helping hand to the Community. Especially during the last several years, many of our residents have come to us in situations that they never expected to be in. A sudden change in employment can be devastating to a family. We should continue to be the lifeline that is extended to help rebuild their family - through training and assistance.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?The current quality level of services are necessary to meet the needs of our residents. Rather than recommending the "cutting" of any programs - I would express strongly that the services continue at or above the current levels. Partnering with our Business community and local organizations and constantly seeking outside revenue assistance, such as grants will allow this level of excellence to be maintained and enhanced.What specific background or experience do you bring that makes you the best qualified candidate to serve as an elected official in the township?As a 28 year resident of DuPage Township, I bring a unique background to the Township Clerk position. I have worked in Government agencies and accounting for nearly 30 years. I have been well trained in the importance of accuracy, deadlines, and fiscal responsibility. This enables me to be not only an observer, but a respected voice when budgets are being presented and reviewed. I have served in the Township Clerk capacity for 12 years and will be honored to serve as your Clerk for the next four years.