Carol Perschke: 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: McHenryWebsite: http://www.Perschke4assessor.comOffice sought: McHenry Township Assessor (4-year Term)Age: 66Family: Married nearly 48 years; 2 children, one great son-in-law and 2 grandchildrenOccupation: McHenry Township AssessorEducation: ? St. John the Baptist (Johnsburg) / MCHS (1964) Graduated Salutatorian Lake Forest School of Management; Managers Program (1988) Earned Certified Illinois Assessing Official (CIAO) designation (1992) Earned Certified Illinois Assessing OfficialCivic involvement: Cub Scout Den Leader w/husband when our son was in Scouts Junior Achievement Leader while attending LFSM Republican Precinct Committeeman Founding member of McHenry Area Youth Commission Excel class instructor for McHenry Senior Center Campaign treasurer for two high level state candidates McHenry Lions Club active member since 1999; current 2nd VP; committee(s) chair; past secretary Volunteer for McHenry Rotary Club special eventsElected offices held: McCullom Lake Village Clerk during 1970's Republican Precinct Committeeman McHenry Township Trustee McHenry Township Assessor since May 1995 Illinois Assessors Association, director and officer Township Officials of Illinois, director Illinois Property Assessment Institute, board chairHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: Only once, when I volunteered to belocked up? for a Muscular Dystrophy Association fundraiser several years ago.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Determine fair and accurate assessments for property owners in a very difficult market time.Key Issue 2 Continue to educate the public about the four consecutive years of assessment reductions and that a reduced assessment doesn't guarantee a reduced tax bill. Continue to provide the best customer service possible.Key Issue 3 Elect a person who not only knows the assessment process but who also has proven experience with shrinking government budgets, extensive computer technology and office management of employees.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.While the assessor is not a voting member of the township board of trustees, it is imperative that the assessor keep trustees informed of assessment issues and activities so trustees are knowledgeable when faced with basic public questions and for budgetary decisions for the assessment office.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?No matter whether unincorporated or part of a municipality, the township assessor is responsible for all the properties within that township, in the case of McHenry Township, 48 square miles, approximately 25,000 parcels, 2012 EAV $1.217 billion (approximate). There has been talk of having the county do the assessments instead of township assessors, but at this time the county doesn't have the staff or resources to complete the groundwork and knowledge necessary to determine assessment values at the township level. Some say the process may be more uniform instead of separate township offices, however, no matter which township office or procedure, assessments still must be completed per Illinois Statutes. If township assessors are eliminated make sure it is done for the right reasons but don't expect that to save taxpayer dollars and do be prepared to drive to Woodstock for all your needs. Since the day I took office I have offered house visits for those seniors unable to come to my office for exemption renewal and after-hours appointments for owners during the appeal season. Another thing, township assessors are local to the immediate area. Could the county complete all the assessments, county wide, for equity among the local governments?What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Illinois Statutes have three mandates general assistance to the poor, property assessments and roads. Regarding assessments, the mandate doesn't say to provide website data, house visits or after-hours appointments. These are some of the additional services provided at the local township level.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?Ever aware of the amount of real estate taxes, my office is the first contacted when tax bills are issued. Because of advances in technology and efficient office practices my 2012 budget is lower than 2009. When I became the assessor in 1995 the department was comprised of the assessor and four full-time employees. Today the department is still only the assessor and four full-time employees. There are two additional part-time employees but their total hours are less than a full-time staff member. McHenry Township represents a very small portion of the total tax bill and has not taken the PTELL increase in either 2011 or 2012.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 background shows a progressive path of education and accomplishments. Even through the past few years of tough times I still get excited about what I do. I take this responsibility very seriously. I have received outstanding performance awards while in the private sector, some of the highest honor awards within the Lions Club and the highest award within the assessment community, granted to only one person per year. I have the proven skills and experience necessary to begin with the ground level organization, planning and analysis of 48 square miles and the advanced computer skills to perform market value tests and implement within the computer programs. I have the management and supervisory experience necessary to direct employee efforts and stay within budgetary constraints. I am the only McHenry County assessment professional to have ever been awarded the Marshall Theroux Memorial Award for leadership and distinguished achievement in the Illinois assessment profession. I have served on the Illinois Assessors Association board as both a director and officer. That organization allowed me to become involved state-wide on assessment legislation and education issues. While on the assessment education review committee comprised of several state-wide groups, it was my suggestion that allowed Level 2 education hours for assessment classes be increased. Because of my state-wide involvement I was requested to serve on the board of trustees of the Illinois Property Assessment Institute in 2012. IPAI is the main arm of assessment education. Because of my already demonstrated leadership roles I was immediately elected chairman. My first priority and responsibility is McHenry Township. Any time or costs incurred by my efforts for these other organizations were not done at the expense of McHenry Township. These other efforts are all volunteer, not paid positions. There have been times since 1995 that an owner wasn't pleased with an assessment decision made by me but it's critical to note that I have treated owners in a fair manner. Some will criticize that I?ve held the office too long, but this is the wrong time in the market to bring in someone without a full resume of proven skills. Ask yourself, what good is change just for the sake of change?