Darren Bennefield: 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: AuroraWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Wheatland Township Board (4-year Terms)Age: 47Family: Father of 4 childrenOccupation: Owner, Carrington Title Partners, LLCEducation: College of DuPage Columbia CollegeCivic involvement: Wheatland Township Republican Organization Rotary Club member Naperville Youth Football League Chamber of Commerce Ward 9 Precinct CommitteemenElected offices held: Ward 9 Precinct CommitteemenHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Returning the $2 million dollar surplus the township is currently holding to the hard working tax payers of Wheatland Township. I will do this by proposing we eliminate town fund taxes in 2014 and reduced tax rates thereafter.Key Issue 2 Term limits and eliminating the pensions for part-time politicians.Key Issue 3 Consolidating the current township buildings and/or offices to be used more efficiently for the people of Wheatland Township.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.Building issue- A permanent township building. The township is currently spending to much money on office space. It will cost the tax payers of Wheatland Township $100,000.00 this year for the current office space. Financials- I request that a forensic audit be completed to establish a baseline for township operating costs in order to budget and tax accordingly. A comprehensive audit has not been completed in recent years. Communication and Transparency- establish working partnerships with citizens, community business and other government entities to pool resources, reduce costs and avoid duplication.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?Illinois defines township government and stipulates that it provide the following services> Assessors, roads/drainage and general assistance. Primary need is to provide services to residence in unincorporated areas as they are not served by municipal government.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Serve township citizens efficiently and cost effectively.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?Abstaining from multi-million dollar building proposals and duplicitous services.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've been a resident of Wheatland Township for nearly 10 years. As a real estate professional, I believe I understand the pulse of our local housing community and how that impacts our township. As a business owner, the responsibilities and skills I've acquired throughout the years will be helpful while making tough decisions. As a father, I understand the importance of providing a safe environment for our children to play and grow.