Kathleen 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 Supervisor (4-year Term)Age: 49Family: Married, four childrenOccupation: Social WorkerEducation: Bachelor of Social Work, Illinois State University, 1985 Masters Degree of Social Work, University of Illinois in Chicago, 1988Civic involvement: Bull Creek Bulls Brook Watershed Council, Vice Chair Lake County Coordinated Transportation Services Committee, Secretary El Ni?o Rey, member Various ministries at St. Joseph Parish Greater Libertyville Soccer Association, former Board MemberElected offices held: Supervisor, Libertyville Township, 2009 - present Trustee, Libertyville Township, 2005 - 2009Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No, I have never been arrested for or convicted of a crime.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Since I?m running unopposed, I will not be actively campaigning. I do think it's important to respond to the questions from the Editor.Key Issue 2 Candidate did not respond.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.For the past four years, the Township has made it a priority to improve the management and oversight of the Open Space District. We have developed management plans for all 1500 acres, monthly property inspections are conducted and documented, an annual open space report is provided each year, and baselines for several of the conservation easements held by the Township have been created. We will continue these efforts by completing the open space employee manual and finishing the baselines for the remaining conservation easements. The various trails on township property are an important amenity to residents. The Township will continue to make improvements to the various trails and explore opportunities for public access to other parcels. This spring, we will be improving the trail system through our St. Mary's Road Property. Finally, we are currently in the process of updating the township website so more information is accessible to the public and the process for obtaining it is user friendly.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?If the entire county became incorporated, townships would still be providing services because the responsibilities extend beyond maintaining unincorporated roads. It sounds like what's being asked is: Does there continue to be a need for township government? It is an important to discussion to have and to ask the following questions: Is it an appropriate use of approximately 2% of property taxes to provide for those in need through the general assistance program, emergency assistance program, to connect folks to other social services and provide a food pantry? Is it needed? Do we want these services provided? Should townships continue to be responsible for assessing the value of all parcels within the township or should the County do it? How important is local control to voters? Finally, will abolishing townships actually save taxpayers money? As the speculation regarding the need for township government continues, I think it's imperative the discussion be founded in fact and not assumptions.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?The Township should continue to provide the services mandated by law; provide for those in our community in need, maintain the roads in the unincorporated areas and value all the parcels within the township. Libertyville Township is one of a handful of townships in the State in which voters passed a referendum to establish an Open Space District. Libertyville Township owns approximately 1500 acres of Open Space; stewarding the district is a huge responsibility.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?We will continue to explore ways to control costs and save taxpayers money. This past year, we froze the salaries of all elected officials for the next 4 years, we discontinued the trustees? participation in Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), we kept our levy flat and we increased the standard for IMRF participation from 600 hours to 1000 hours.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 professional background of over 25 years experience in working with federal, state and local social services is an asset in overseeing the general and emergency assistance programs. I think my greatest strength is my desire to provide services in an accountable, transparent and fiscally responsible manner to the residents of Libertyville Township.