Steve Turner: 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: AntiochWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Antioch Township Board (4-year Terms)Age: 58Family:3 Children Andy 26---Kaitlin 25---Matt 22 2 LabradorsOccupation:Construction Sales Education: St. Viator High School Civic involvement:Eagle Scout--District # 34 Board of Education Member 11 Years--District # 34 Board of Education President 2 Years--Volunteer Centennial Park--Volunteer Arbor Day--Iceless Hockey Coach--Antioch Youth Baseball Assistant Coach Manager 8 Years, Antioch Youth Baseball All Star Coach 4 Years--Finance Chair District # 34--Negotiation Committee Chair District #34--Tim Osmond Sports Complex Co-Chair Antioch Township--Duck Unlimited 39 Years--Pheasants Forever 1 Year---President Springfield Pheasant Club 4 Years.Elected offices held: School Board of Education District #34 (11 Years)Antioch Township Trustee (8 Years)Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: Candidate did not respond.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Continuing to be fiscally responsible as good stewards of the tax payers money.Key Issue 2 New ideas, in which to help the needs of the Township residentsKey Issue 3 Continue to create facilities for our young people so they can get outside, exercise play sports and maintain a healthy lifestyle. 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: Fiscal Responsibility 2. Maintaining and expanding current programs, and discussing ways to create other opportunities for our residents. 3. With Grant Money from the State of Illinois the Township has purchased two parcels of land in the Township to create parks for our residents, we need to continue to focus on getting those parks completed.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?It's a comment that is often made, but people should take a real good look at your tax bill and look at the services the Township provides. Bigger Government identities doesn't necessarily equate to a better product at a cheaper price. Cook County is a prime example, Lake County would be all farm land if Cook Counties taxes and cost of living weren't so high, so that is a model that shouldn't be duplicated. The trend in most Government Agencies seems to be pooling your resources, and cooperating with other Government identities. Seek out cooperation to benefit the majority.What should be the primary responsibility of township government? To be fiscally responsible with the tax dollars we receive from our residents. To offer services within our financial means, and consider new formats in which to assit our residents.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?The Township runs on a fairly lean budget, however anyone could make an argument to try and cut back depending on their focus. I have heard from some that the salaries are an area of concern. Are the residents receiving the best "bang for their buck" with experienced people who are willing to put in the time and effort to earn those salaries? I think in some areas the Township excels, and some areas we could improve. 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 Antioch Township for 27 years, an experienced resident for some, and a mere snapshot for others. I have watched our area evolve. As a new resident I had the opportunity to know and work with people like Bud Holtz, Cliff Houghton, Jim Fields, Bill Brook, Charlie Haling, Don Skidmore and Tim Osmond and many more, who as a young man I felt were the fiber of our community. I have a passion for this area, my scouting background has given me the opportunity to enjoy and respect our beautiful natural resources. In the past my professional career has allowed me to conduct business in 26 countries as I worked for three International Companies. I have learned to think "outside of the box" on several occasions, and it has opened my eyes to what is available. I am very familiar with budgets and finances which were routine and a weekly meeting. Having a seat on District # 34 Board of Education for 11 years, taught me to work with others for the common goal. I have watched many people over the years run for different offices, and make promises they just can't keep, the work is not in the promise, the work is in bringing it to fruition. I am very excited about the Township Election this year, it is healthy to see many of the positions challenged, that means people care. Being fortunate to have a seat on the Township Board for 8 years has been a privilege and I believe history and experience coupled with new people and new ideas is the best winning scenario for our residents.