Paula McGowen: Candidate Profile

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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: Glen EllynWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: DuPage County board District 4 Age: 59Family: Married, Three childrenOccupation: Candidate did not respond.Education: Political Science/Psychology Studies Assoc. degree College of DuPage, Business BA National Lewis UniversityCivic involvement: Glen Ellyn Heights Homeowners Assoc. Board Member, Glen Ellyn Warming Center volunteer, Sierra Club Member, Tandem Club Member, and Milton Township's Friends of Pioneer Cemeteries Group MemberElected offices held: Glen Ellyn Heights Home Owners Assoc. Board MemberHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is that?As a community leader my interest in governmental affairs and my ability to get things done would allow me to help more people as a County Board Member. Since 2002 I've recognized the growing heroin problems throughout DuPage and spoke before the Board to get drug court reinstated. One of my goals is to work to get County programs for all heroin addicts that want help, because drug court excludes too many individuals because of it's numerous restrictions.What differentiates you most from your opponents in the race?I'm energetic and have the ability to get to the root of problems, and work with others to find common ground. I've attended and participated in numerous county board meetings, Judicial Public Safety Committee meetings, Finance Committee meetings, Forest Preserve meetings, and Milton Township meetings over the years.How far do you think the county should carry its quest to consolidate local units of government?To consolidate the Election Commission with the County Clerk's Office is a cost effective idea worth implementing. Any consolidation plans need to be thoroughly researched for cost feasibility. The county needs to encourage better intergovernmental relationships with villages, townships, and the forest preserve. Under no circumstances am I for any annexation of unincorporated areas by municipalities because of their inherent differences.If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us about important initiatives you've led. If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.As a citizen I helped reinstate drug court and was appointed to a subcommittee on drug court. I spoke before the County Board against a 70 million dollar expansion project that was eventually rejected, saving the taxpayers 70 million dollars. As a Board Member I'll work to do my part to assure that the County is fiscally responsible in it's expenditures, and cutting of wasteful spending.An advisory group is trying to determine if the DuPage County Fair is the best use of the existing fairgrounds in Wheaton. What would like to see happen to the 42-acre fairgrounds site? Should the annual county fair be moved? Why or why not?There's been talk among special interest groups for years to use that site for a Federal Court House. I believe that would play into the hands of politicians who would stand to gain from contributions from vendors. Another Federal Court House outside Chicago would be duplicity. I don't believe any of this land should be sold. The Fairgrounds sight doesn't cost the County anything, the Fairgrounds pays the County rent for its multiple show uses throughout the year. The Fairground buildings could be revitalized to enhance it's show appeal. Along with it's precious open space, agricultural heritage with generations of DuPage youth, these are reasons enough to leave the fairgrounds alone, and keep the County Fair there.What should DuPage be doing to address stormwater and flooding issues throughout the county?With floods in 2010 and 2013 that were declared Federal Disasters, DuPage needs to totally reassess the county's ability to control storm water runoff and retention. The tear down of existing homes and building of large homes on ten thousand square foot lots needs to end. Any new construction needs to be closely evaluated as to its potential influence on local flooding.Finally, is there anything we haven't asked about that you feel we should know?I'm in disagreement in how the County went about having a storm water fee/tax legislated. This should have been the subject of a DuPage referendum, where the voters would have a say. As it stands the county has carte blanche over the tax payers. I'm for term limits for County Board Members, saving tax payers pensions and health care cost for part time positions.