James DeNomie: 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: HainesvilleWebsite: http://citizensfordouglasraulwilliams@yahoo.comOffice sought: Avon Township Highway Commissioner (4-year Term)Age: 69Family: One son, one daughter, two grand daughters one grandson. Plus a huge extended family. DivorcedOccupation: Marketing consultant Native American cultural competantcy presenter. Past area presentations include Niles West H.S. (recently) the DAILY HERALD Libertyville staff, and Round Lake Library.Education: Batchelor of Science Degree - University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh campus. Certified Trainer of Trainers Illinois Institute of Technology through the State of Illinois Department of Children Family Services, Indian Child Welfare Act focus.Civic involvement: Committee Member Hainesville Woodlands-Open Space-Wetlands. Chairman, INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF WISCONSIN, Milwaukee, Wi. President MITCHELL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN, Evanston, Il. Host/Producer, VOICES FROM THE CIRCLE Native American Radio program - WLUW 88.7 FM, Chicago, Il. Producer, NATIVE VOICE ONE, The Native American Radio Service via NPR's Public Radio Satellite Serices.Elected offices held: Commissioner, City of Milwaukee Board of Zoning Appeal (3 years) as well as the Civil Service Commission (2 years) through Mayoral appointments.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: Thirty years ago, detained for DUI, released same night and as first time offender. After completing drivers defense class, I regained full license privileges. Not sure this qualified as a crime and was not evidence of a lifestyle. There are no other incidences.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 HOLD THE LINE ON TAXES!; yet deliver Avon Township highway responsibilities duties effectively and efficiently through management which reflect Best Practices principles. This includes snow plowing ice control, tire battery pick up, Spring clean up, roadside mowing tree trimming, draining of storm sewers culverts, maintenance of street lights traffic signs and assist families affected by storms flooding in Avon's unincorporated communities.Key Issue 2 Expand upon Avon Township Water Quality Practices in an effort to assure wetlands near Avon Township roadways remain as pure as possible.Key Issue 3 Research and explore funding resources and services which can help Avon Township fulfill and perhaps improve all highway services especially in campaign issue # 2Questions 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. Study Avon Township accounting methods. Assessing whether current methods are superior to generally accepted accounting methods and determining benefits. 2. Checking Avon Township current services for relevancy and adequacy to the residents of the township. If not, working to improve them. 3. Outreach to Avon residents in an effort to make them more aware of available services in both good and bad times.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?Township input can serve as a more localized/realistic resource, especially as development escalates in unincorporated communities. Townships will become even more important resources for human services as local demands become unanswered or not fully understood at state, county and other governmental bodies.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?To act as a barometer and provide assistance to Township residents quickly and efficiently in the areas of home-based emergencies, medical assistance, utilities, housing, food pantry, the handicapped, public transportation for Seniors and public aid as well as providing smooth running township roadway systems.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?The next administration, including all elected officials and staff, should embark on RD, strategic planning and an action plan which delivers good, meaningful services efficiently and effectively. All line items need to be closely examined, especially outsourced expenses, overtime and other meaningful Township expenses.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 past member of the UNITED STEEL WORKERS OF AMERICA, the BROTHERHOOD OF RAILROAD TRAINMEN and driver for BARRY TRUCKING I understand the importance of delivering a full days work for a full day's pay. I also bring a wide management perspective in from the for-profit, not-for-profit and governmental arenas to the Avon Township table.