Elona Hamilton: 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 VillaWebsite: http://www>AvonAction.comOffice sought: Avon Township Clerk (4-year Term)Age: 50Family: I have two daughters and one son. Candice is 29 and married. She graduated from Calvary Christian Academy and has recently started her own business, Cacao Sweets and Treats. Holly is 18 and a graduate of Catholic Carmel High School. She is enrolled in coOccupation: I am the managing broker/owner of Hamilton Realtor Group, a real estate brokerage firm specializing in distressed properties and consultation for distressed homeowners.Education: 2004: Coldwell Banker - Real Estate Education 2003: Clayton College - Natural Health 1979: Chrysalis/Alvernia High SchoolCivic involvement: -Girl scout leader for 9 years -Past Board Member for Calvary Christian School -Prince of Peace, Member -L.U.C.I Award (Leading Us in Commerce and Industry) - 'Businesswoman of the Year in Lake County for Manufacturing" (1999-2000) -$350,000 of inventoryElected offices held: N/AHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: N/ACandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The reduction of property taxes. Lake County property taxes are out of control and often, there is little to show for it. It is imperative that government reign it's spending, operations, and practices in. Every program, budget, and salary should be examined. We must save tax dollars and pass them back to the tax payer in the form of a property tax cut.Key Issue 2 Government spending. Many in Avon Township have experienced first hand what a tough economy means. I am proud to get to work for the people of Avon Township and continue to promote the pro-taxpayer agenda enacted over the last 4-years. As a local elected official, I will continue to be a strong voice for advocating to spend less and spend wisely.Key Issue 3 Transparency. Government should be as transparent as possible. As the Avon Township Clerk, I pledge that you will always know what happens at the township's monthly meetings. You'll be able to see where every dime of your tax dollars is spent and in real time. It's your money, you should see where and how it's spent.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 am so excited to be part of a group that has started such great things for the people of Avon Township. Our goals are a continuation of the outstanding things members of the Avon Action Team has already started. A transparent government is foremost. as it is essential for the process of the next two goals. To continue down the already paved path of reducing spending and unnecessary costs for tax payers.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?Our state government has not found a way to address modernizing (if it can be done) townships. Illinois needs to find ways to streamline government, especially townships, and find ways to further reduce property taxes. The Avon Action Slate is committed to finding creative ways to provide emergency assistance and other mandatory functions without duplicating services provided by other layers of government.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?In Avon Township, where most of the township is incorporated under a municipality, there is little mandatory responsibilities. I believe Avon Township should be at the forefront of emergency assistance, specifically helping seniors and veterans with staggering property tax bills. While I am committed to seeing reforms in the Township Code that reduce redundancies and property taxes, it is my job as clerk to be certain that all business is conducted in a professional and transparent manner and all residents' suggestions and concerns are heard.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?There are very few expenses and programs that the clerk controls. However, I fully support Avon Action's platform that we must save taxpayers money on all fronts. Toward these ends, I will promote additional reductions in overhead and always be on the look out for additional ways to control costs.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 am a self-starter, detail oriented, I work well under pressure, am able to always find the needle in the haystack, all the while meeting any deadline. No job is too small or too large, especially as it relates to public service. I have managed 116 employees for the better part of 15 years; I can multi-task better than most. Keeping tasks flowing, forecasting, and troubleshooting is where I excel. I started a manufacturing company located in Avon Township, I built the company from very little to a five million dollar corporation. I employed mainly Avon Township residents. I have had my real estate brokerage since 2009, I have managed to ride the storm of the real estate crash, and know that my vast experience in managing records, people, family, a household, and business? will certainly be a great asset to the people of Avon Township.