Nancy Thompson: 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://elafirst.comOffice sought: Ela Township Board (4-year Terms)Age: 79Family: I have been married to Jim Johnson for 19 years. Together we have 6 children and 7 grandchildren and twin great grandchildren. We have a large, fun loving extended family all of whom live close by.Occupation: I am a semi retired Real Estate Broker. I was in sales for 4 years and management for 28 years and owned my own company for 5 of those years.Education: Leadership training courses for Government officials at U. of Illinois 3 week 98 hours of Township training sessions in Springfield. 56 hours of one=day TOI training sessions locally Certification and on going Real Estate education Assoc. Degree LCCCivic involvement: Ela Township Trustee for 8 years, liaison to Ela Seniors Lake Zurich Rural Fire Protection Dist. Trustee for 13 yrs-6 yrs. as President. Charter member Committee to build Good Shepherd Hosp. AFS counselor for 8 yrs. Steering comm. to acquire Breezwald Pk. for L.Z. Volunteer 6 yrs. to L.Z. Women's Club Library. St. Peter Choir memberElected offices held: Ela Township Trustee 8 years St. Peter church council Lake Zurich Rural Fire Protection Dist. 13 yearsHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 To build, expand increase what we're doing now. We have over 5,000 contacts a month. I want to imagine what our Township could be like, what more we could do in the next 4 yrs and I want to be a part of it.Key Issue 2 Reaching out to all members of the Township and communicating what great opportunities we offer. We're efficient, we're cost effective and we're "user friendly" but there are a lot of people in our Township who don't even know we're there or what we do.Key Issue 3 We need to adjust to the times. What worked last year or last week has no relevance to what will happen tomorrow. So we need to be sensitive to changing needs of the people in the Township. And we need to help where we can.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.Communication - I would try for a talented volunteer PR person. Community Survey - to find out what else we can do to be more efficient in our helping the disadvantaged, on taxes, on roads, on public services. A 4 year plan with goals.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 serve not only rural, unincorporated ares, they serve everyone. Our Villages are overburdened as it is. Where could people get the kind of help we provide? Can you imagine going into the Village and asking for food or rent assistance? Or going to Waukegan and complaining about your tax bill or trying to get a road repaired by the County. And who would plow the snow or cut the grass at the cemeteries?What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Townships were the first and are still the only branch of government for many people. They help and support individuals every day with many services. I can't imagine not having a Township office in my community. In some cases Townships are the closest place to go for help.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?Especially now in these hard times our programs are the ONLY ones many people can afford....a place to dance, to play cards, to get help with the bills, to get counseling when you sustain loss, help with your tax bill, to get the hole in your road fixed. Imagine going any place else that will provide the help a Township can... or as cheaply? In an effort to cut back however, we have frozen most salaries.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've lived in Ela Township for 54 years. That entire time I have been actively involved in almost every aspect of community life. I know the history, the people, and the needs. I've had extensive training I do not have a private agenda. I'm running for the opportunity to continue the work. I have the experience the time and the energy to be a good Trustee.