Virginia Irwin: 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: WaucondaWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Wauconda Village Clerk (4-year Term)Age: 58Family: Divorced, no children.Occupation: Orientation Mobility Specialist with the Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL) and part-time instructor for Hadley School for the BlindEducation: Bachelor of Science in Physical Education; Peabody College Master of Science in Adaptive P.E.; Vanderbilt University Master of Science in Orientation Mobility; Northern Illinois UniversityCivic involvement: Wauconda Lions ClubElected offices held: Vice President, Missouri Chapter of U.S.A.B.A. Secretary; Missouri Chapter of U.S.A.B.A. Board of Directors; Great Lake Adaptive Sports AssociationHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Continuing to control the cost of core governmental services while also maintaining the quality of those services.Key Issue 2 Carrying out Wauconda voters' mandate to bring us Lake Michigan water by 2016 within the budget requirements they've established, and continuing to look for ways to beat that budgetary goal.Key Issue 3 Partnering with existing local businesses to promote economic development by finding ways to support those businesses, and developing a TIF district to encourage private investment in underdeveloped areas.Questions Answers Some communities have contracted out for certain services, such as snowplowing, to save money. What innovative methods would you propose to reduce your office's budget? Explain your answer.The Village has made many changes to balance the budget. What is currently in place is working well. In the last four years we have cut the number of staff without changing the quality of service provided. We have many staff members that are highly qualified and we don't need to contract out for service. An example of this is the arborist we have on staff in the Public Works Department. His expertise helped us in combating the Emerald Ash Boar and having him on staff has allowed for significant savings.The state's revised Freedom of Information Act guidelines renewed focus on open government. Name one specific step you would take if elected to increase government transparency in your office.There are other individuals in the Village who are appointed to be our FOIA Officers. However I do think that having digital file available would save on copy and mailing costs.Do you believe the village clerk should be an elected or appointed position? Please explain your answer.I think either way works well. For Wauconda the position is elected. This brings in a person who is choosing to do the job and has a committment to the Village in which she lives. At times her perspective can provide another point of view.What steps would you take as village clerk to improve and increase the flow of information to residents?Currently the Village of Wauconda sends out a weekly publication titled E-News. This publication provides the residents with current information on many of the issues and projects of Wauconda. We also have a Facebook page and an exceptional web site. I think we are getting the information out well. Our newletter continues to be mailed.If you are a newcomer, what prompted you to run for village clerk? If you're an incumbent, list your accomplishments or key initiatives in which you played a leadership role.As the Clerk for the Village of Wauconda I am involved in taking and keeping the minutes from the Regular Board Meetings, Special Board Meetings and Public Hearings. I am also responsible for keeping the records organized, signing and certifying business licenses, food liquor licenses, ordinances, resolutions, and proclamations.