Robin O'Connor: 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: LibertyvilleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Libertyville Township Board (4-year Terms)Age: 57Family: Married with four childrenOccupation: Teacher (Hawthorn School District #73) Principal (Hawthorn Enrichment Institute - Summer)Education: Bachelor of Science, University of Illinois Champaign IL Master in Education/Administration Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Il Educational Specialist/ Administration Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, ILCivic involvement: Past: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts Current: Lake County Curriculum ResourceCouncil (Secretary)Elected offices held: Libertyville Township Trustee - two termsHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 My first campaign issue is to continue to serve Libertyville Township in a fiscal responsible manner.Key Issue 2 Next, my second campaign issue is to continue to support and increase our intergovernmental relationships to create stronger fiscal management and unite Lake County with quality programs and services.Key Issue 3 Finally, my third campaign issue is to raise awareness and understanding on what services Libertyville Township can offer to both your community and you.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.Libertyville Township's growth continues to align with our community's needs. An example being of our recent development to increase our food pantry storage and distribution center. During troubled economic times, the Township along with our community embraced our mission of food distribution, as well as offering other services of guidance and support. Continuing the awareness and addressing community need is one of my strongest goals. Another goal is to continue to work intergovernmentally with other governmental units and agencies. Continuing to establish good relationships allows stronger fiscal management when services can be shared. Libertyville Township for example has an excellent relationship with the Lake County Forest Preserve, as well as village governments within its boundaries. Finally, the third goal for the coming term is to increase communication on what township government is and how it can serve your community. The many facets of township government is often unknown to many, and it is an important goal for me to educate the public on the many services it offers.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?Libertyville Township is one of the unique townships which is responsible for open space properties. Our beautiful landscapes are not only offered for recreational use, but are preserved and maintained for generations to come. For example Libertyville Township owns over 700 acres in the Liberty Prairie Reserve. Preserving this land is one of the responsibilities the Township provides.With great pride, I will continue to promote the integrity of these lands as well as offer our residents recreational opportunities.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Throughout my township service, I have recognized and appreciated the positive attributes of local government. Responding to the needs of our community is the primary responsibility within the major categories of Township government. The major categories of Libertyville Township are providing general assistance for the indigent, assessing property for the basis of local taxation, maintaining township roads and preserving open space property for conservation and recreational usage.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?Continued vandalism and public misuse of our public trails adds unnecessary costs, as well as time to repair. Libertyville Township has decreased the incidents by creating more visibility in targeted areas, and increased awareness among neighborhood watch systems. The township continues to be open to alternative ways of providing cost reduction and being fiscally responsible. I encourage citizens to attend our bimonthly board meetings to take on an active role as we discuss and revisit best cost effective practices.What specific background or experience do you bring that makes you the best qualified candidate to serve as an elected official in the township?Being a Libertyville Township Trustee for two terms has given me in-depth experience and understanding on how our local government operates to best serve our community. I have heard countless tales on how our county's social service agencies, which Libertyville Township helps support, provides multiple assistance to our neighbors. Also, I have listened to the many contributor's names and organizations who have donated to our food pantry, as well as witnessed citizens during our board meetings praising our staff on the maintenance of township roads, trails and land-conservation gems. This is only a sampling of what I have had the privilege to witness. Libertyville Township staff and elected officials work hard and work together. Other qualifications that add to my candidacy is the ability to listen, to respond thoughtfully and to express my view based on community need. I strive to generate harmony among my elected colleagues, so that we serve united with integrity and purpose. As an educator, my skills of communication and service bring additional strength to the township board. Finally, living in Libertyville Township where I have raised my family adds to the passion I have for my community and my position as a Libertyville Township Trustee.