Donna Schaefer: 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: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: McHenry Township Supervisor (4-year Term)Age: 58Family: married, three childrenOccupation: McHenry Township SupervisorEducation: Northern Illinois UniversityCivic involvement: Rotary Club of McHenry Past Board Member, Pioneer Center for Human Services Past Board Member, YMCA Camp Duncan McHenry Chamber 2010 "Woman of Accomplishment" VP - McHenry County Council of GovernmentsElected offices held: McHenry County Board, 1988 - 2000 McHenry Township Supervisor, 1998 - presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Fiscal Accountability, for 2 years in a row we have not increased our tax levy. We are always looking at ways to reduce expenses yet continue to provide services.Key Issue 2 Collaborate with municipalities, McHenry County, social service agencies, churches and other groups to more efficiently utilize resources to provide services for our resident.Key Issue 3 Candidate did not respond.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. Continue to reduce costs to minimize taxpayer impact 2. Continue to evaluate all programs for efficiency and value 3. Develop a deferred maintenance master plan for all facilitiesIn the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?Our township services are available to all residents of the township, including those living in municipalities. We do not duplicate existing services. Our General Assistance program is critical to our entire community during these challenging economic times.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?As Supervisor, my statutory responsibility is to be the chief financial officer and the administration of General Assistance. That is a mandated service.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?The programs we fund all are well utilized (ie transportation for elderly disabled, senior center, parks athletic fields). Our facilities are utilized by Senior Services of McHenry County, Salvation Army Golden Diners, McHenry Area Youth Commission, scouts etc. Our facility use is 7 days a week.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 have a been an elected representative to this community for 25 years. I appreciate the role of local government at a time when residents are frustrated with the stalemate at the state and federal level. I am involved in the community and I understand our strengths and challenges. I believe collaboration is key to providing cost effective and needed services. Public service has been a large part of my adult life. I consider it an honor to serve my community.