Laura Wallett: 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: South ElginWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Elgin Township Clerk (4-year Term)Age: 42Family: Married 24 years, 2 childrenOccupation: AccountantEducation: Bachelors in Accounting, WIUCivic involvement: Treasurer Geneva Women in Business Treasurer Robin Glen HOA Treasurer Elgin Township GOP Vice Chairman Kane County Womens GOPElected offices held: Appointed Elgin Township Clerk CurrentHave 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 The Town Clerk serves as the official record keeper for the Township. My office is charged with maintaining all minutes and agendas, which document the actions taken by the Town's elected Board of Trustees. The office is best served by meeting deadlines and accurate documentation. As an accountant of 23 years dealing with demanding deadlines and paying attention to detail is a requirement.Key Issue 2 The Office of the Clerk also manages all FOIA requests made of the association. I have completed my certification to be a FOIA Officer as mandated by the state. I have completed the Open Meeting Act certification as well. My professional experience dealing with sensitive information and following proper procedures/mandates has acclimated me to this level of responsibility.Key Issue 3 The clerk is part of the township government team. As such it is important to conduct business in a professional manner respecting the roles and ideas brought forth by the officers and trustees. I will do my part to support them and be a productive member of the team.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.Government bodies at all levels are dealing with additional demands with constricting resources. It will be important for the trustees to continue to be good stewards of the taxpayer's dollars and still provide aid and support services to those who need them.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?Over the years there have been arguments for and against township government. Until one actually gets involved in the day to day they do not fully see the value that the townships provide. Township government is closest to the community and provides services to our neighbors and friends. Being closest to the community they can access community needs and provide response.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Townships have evolved and their responsibilities vary from township to township. In Elgin social services, roads and property assessment are the main responsibilities. These responsibilities are mandated by the state.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?There have been studies done that looked at consolidating local government and the alternatives. Most have shown the townships are the most cost effective way to serve community needs. Elgin Township has a very lean budget and the trustees have done a great job with taxpayer resources.What specific background or experience do you bring that makes you the best qualified candidate to serve as an elected official in the township?As an accountant of 23 years dealing with demanding deadlines and paying attention to detail is a requirement. My professional experience dealing with sensitive information and following proper procedures/mandates has acclimated me to this level of responsibility. I promise to serve the taxpayers by promoting fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability.