Lynn O'Brien: 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: Lake ZurichWebsite: http://www.elafirst.comOffice sought: Ela Township Board (4-year Terms)Age: 53Family: Married with 2 childrenOccupation: President/COO WoMen's Physical Therapy InstituteEducation: CMA - Sawyer Medical Assisting School - 1979Civic involvement: Chamber of Commerce-member executive board Love INC (not for profit) Board of Directors YEA! (Young Entrepreneurs Academy) Co-Founder Women In Networking Member Alpine Chapel Ela Soccer Club - Team ManagerElected offices held: Ela Township CommitteemanHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 My number one issue is to protect the integrity of the current Ela Township leadership. Their sound financial stewardship of our tax dollars should be applauded NOT discredited. The township does not carry any debt, mortgages and saved for 20 years for a new building without a mortgage. Again my number one issue is to be sure we don't lose these leaders who all have a passion to serve our community. I am proud to be running with them.Key Issue 2 During these drastic healthcare changes we are all experiencing; I would like to focus on areas of wellness for a healthier township.Key Issue 3 Another issue I will address is educating families of Ela Township on all the many programs and services that are provided. From a lending closet to programs for our youth and seniors, the township cares. When people know the services programs available it opens doors for people to serve and volunteer their time to people in need.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. Maintain strong fiscal health. My operations and strategic planning skills will complement the current board and offer another level of expertise and a fresh set of eyes. 2. Consolidation of services. Working with organizations such as Love INC, local food pantries, Lions Club and Rotary Club, to name a few. I truly believe there are opportunities for consolidation to reduce cost and ultimately increase effectiveness of the programs. 3. Learning the ins and outs of the Township. If I have the privilege of serving this township, I plan on learning all I can from the wealth of experience the current board members have as it relates to the day to day operations and programs offered. I will evaluate opportunities for potential cost cuts while still maintaining effective programs.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?Townships offer services programs that are not offered from the state, county and/or villages. As services programs are being cut from the other municipalities it is critical we protect them at the township level. Our neighbors in need, our youth and seniors matter.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?SERVEIn these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?I'm not sure serving the community should ever be viewed as a "tax burden". An average of only 1.5% of your tax bill goes to the township and we plan on maintaining that rate. You can't go anywhere and receive the multitude of services the township offers- a township with a balanced budget and is debt free.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 experience as a business owner and healthcare executive gives me the skills needed to compliment the board. I have 30+ years in business operations and strategic planning. Serving on chairing the government affairs committee, being on the board of directors of Love INC (a not-for profit organization) and serving on the executive board for the chamber of commerce has all given me the experience needed to be a township trustee. Having a business in this community, living raising my kids in this community and being a member of my church provides me with a real pulse of the needs of my community in which I want to serve.