Rebecca Tonigan: 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: North BarringtonWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Cuba Township Assessor (4-year Term)Age: 51Family: Married,two childrenOccupation: Cuba Township AssessorEducation: Para-legal, Mallinckrodt College 1981 Bachelor of Science in Legal Administration, Mallenckrodt College 1984 Certified Illinois Assessing Officer 2003Civic involvement: Past member of Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association Past President and member of Cuba Township Republican ClubElected offices held: Cuba Township Clerk, 1990-2004 Cuba Township Assessor, 2004-PresentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Providing fair and equitable assessments for all Cuba Township Residents.Key Issue 2 Fiscal responsibility.Key Issue 3 Transparency at all levels of Government.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 office of Assessor the most important goals are: 1. Fair assessments for all properties. 2. Uniform assessments for all properties. 3. Education for the public to understand the assessment process.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?All Townships serve the needs of their residents, not just the unincorporated areas, but also those who live in municipalities. Cuba Township has always tried to provide the services required within our communities. As times change our focus should change accordingly.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Serving the needs of its residents such as maintaining our roads, providing fair and equitable assessments and providing help to those in need.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?As the Assessor I instituted a salary only program in 2008 which eliminated overtime pay for my employees. I believe this program should be instituted in all Cuba Township departments. Limit salary increases. Find more effective ways to perform certain required duties in all departments.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 lived in this community for the past 27 years and have been certified for the position of Assessor since 2003. Every year I attend continuing education classes to further my expertise in the assessment field.