Dianne Klemm: 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: Crystal LakeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Algonquin Township Supervisor (4-year Term)Age: 74Family: Single four grown children six grandchildrenOccupation: Algonquin Township SupervisorEducation: Associate in Applied Science Degree Harper Certificate in Legal Technology Harper (Paralegal)Civic involvement: LWV of McHenry County McHenry County Senior Advisory Council 22nd,Judicial Circuit Family Violence Coordinating council CL Library Board McHenry City Zoning Board of Appeals Member ChairpersonElected offices held: McHenry County Board McHenry County Board Chairperson 3 termsHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NO.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Without raising taxes continuing to increase the use of the Township facilities with more of the public aware of what we offer. We are there for that reason. It is not "our" facility. We are elected to be temporary caretakers for those who pay taxes.Key Issue 2 Maintenance of the existing facilities in good condition so that we do not need to spend an unplanned for large amount of tax payers' money for something we have neglected. As Treasurer of the Township I will continue to watch for better investments if and when the interest rates change as I always have.Key Issue 3 I will continue to seek citizens use the of the Township building such as seniors, school groups, and home owners associations. I will also continue to help the Township people who quaify with financial aid,as Township law mandates. Being Supervisor is a position that deals with people on a daily basis and you must enjoy dealing with them as I do.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.Taxes. Keep a watch on the budget so dollars are within the budget proper line item 2.Public. Pay attention to what they say and question. 3.Ideas. Bring some ideas to the table even if it is just for discussion.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?Intergovernmental agreements, either formal or informal, are needed. In our case we have strong ties to other social agencies, police departments, churches, and agencies that can help our clients and by cooperation allow better service. That is the benefit of being near other organizations and not standing alone.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?It depends on the location of the Township. In our Township, I believe that General Assistance is primary. Noone else in the area does it and in the existing economy it is critical to so many people. In some other Townships I would say roads. Some Townships do not have a very workable General Assistance Program.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?We have frozen our Elected Officials salaries for two years and kept our Levy flat to help with the taxes. I believe if the Statute did away with the Office of Township Clerk the offices that were left could absorb the duties of that office. That would save a salary and a small budget that goes with that office.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 experience working with people and being involved with government and government budgeting. I have served on a Library Board, a Zoning Board of Appeals, and a County Board with three terms as Chairperson. I have now been Township Supervisor for ten years. In that time I have two great cross-trained employees doing all payroll and administrative work in-house. We save tax-payers' dollars by not paying third-party outside companies. Our annual audits are always good and budgets balanced. I have a good record of dealing with people on a day to day basis and working with the public.