Randy Evangelides: 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: GrayslakeWebsite: http://www.avonaction.comOffice sought: Avon Township Board (4-year Terms)Age: 62Family: Divorced, 3 children, 3 grandchildrenOccupation: AttorneyEducation: Bachelor of Science in International Affairs J. D. ( Law Degree )Civic involvement: Football coach with Grayslake Colts, 13 yearsElected offices held: Avon Township TrusteeHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Reduction of taxes. I have been on the Board of Trustees for 3 years and have voted to reduce the tax levy for Avon Township for each of those three years. I believe that Avon Township is the only taxing body in the state of Illinois that has reduced its tax levy for 4 straight years.Key Issue 2 Reduction of costs. As a Trustee I elected to give back to the township my salary increase. In addition, I have voted consistently to trim the township budget and reduce costs during my tenure as Trustee.Key Issue 3 Services to the public. I am committed to providing the highest level of service to the public served by the township including maintaing the highly successful food bank.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.I think the objectives faced by this Board are very similar to those we have faced in the past. First, the need to trim unnecessary costs from the township budget. We have done for the last 4 years and are committed to continuing this process. Second, as a result of cutting costs, the continuation of decreasing our tax levy. We have done this for the last four years and are committed to a continuation of this tax cut. Finally, maintaing our high level of service to those residents of the township in need.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?At the present, townships provide needed services that are not currently provided by other governmental entities. We will continue to diligently work towards a comprehensive plan that will allow other governmental entities to assume these responsibilities. at that time the public can entertain the option of drastically reducing or eliminating in its entirety township government.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Township government's prime responsibility is to provide needed services to the community it serves such as assistance to those families who find themselves with financial hardships. The food pantry is a prime example without which many families would not be able to survive in these tough economic times.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?As a current member of the Board we have already began cost saving steps for the future. I voted for the reduction of salaries for the next four years. In addition, we have began taking the steps necessary for the eventual elimination of the highway department. We have begun working with other local governmental entities to assume those responsibilities.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 would say my experience as a current Trustee has given me invaluable insight into township government and Avon Township in particular. My voting record as a Trustee speaks volumes to my continued commitment to decrease costs and taxes while maintaining critical services.