Kittie Kopitke: 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:BioQA Bio City: StreamwoodWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Streamwood Village Clerk (4-year Term)Age: 53Family: Single, two children, one grandchildOccupation: Village Clerk/CollectorEducation: Certificate Executive Secretary, Robert Morris College/Moser School; Certificate Paralegal Generalist, Roosevelt University; IL Registered Municipal Clerk (RMC); IIMC Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) and Master Municipal Clerk (MMC)Civic involvement: North/Northwest Municipal Clerks Association; Municipal Clerks of Illinois; International Institute of Municipal Clerks; National Parliamentarians Association; IIMC Athenian Leadership Society; Spirit of Life ChorusElected offices held: Village Clerk, 1995-presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoQuestions 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.My office budget allows me to fulfill the legal requirements for publications, recordings, etc. and provides funding for the necessary operations within the office. Any reductions in the budget would decrease a service to the residents.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.I have been the FOIA officer in Streamwood since the new guidelines were implemented. We have been consistently responsive and in a very timely manner to all FOIA requests.Do you believe the village clerk should be an elected or appointed position? Please explain your answer.While I personally do not enjoy politics, I thoroughly enjoy my job. As an elected clerk, I answer to the residents of the Village. An appointed clerk is an employee who answers to the Village Manager/Administrator. If difficulties arise between a council and the administration, the appointed clerk could be in a very tenuous position when performing the duties necessary for the job.What steps would you take as village clerk to improve and increase the flow of information to residents?Our residents have information available to them in many forms--print, cable access, internet. Many also phone with questions or to get clarification on specific issues. I enjoy sharing information with those who contact me, and always try to provide complete and accurate answers.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.I consider the Village Clerk to be a professional position and am always mindful to be a neutral and impartial member of the Village Board. I have achieved several professional designations during my tenure and firmly believe in seeking educational opportunities to maintain my profession. One of the highest honors within Illinois was granted to me with my receiving the Municipal Clerks of Illinois Ilion Crabel Award as 2012 Clerk of the Year.