M. Moon Khan: 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: LombardWebsite: In progressOffice sought: DuPage County board District 4 Age: 58Family: married, one university-bound child, studying medicine and a promising writerOccupation: Information TechnologyEducation: B.S. (Political Science)M.A. (Journalism)M.B.A.Civic involvement: Aside from working in the information technology field, my second job has been volunteerism. I have served on the board of directors of more than two dozen social service and charitable organizations that include, inter alia, Village of Bloomingdale's Fourth of July Commission (Commissioner), Village of Lombard's Community Relations Committee (Member), DuPage Chapters of American Cancer Society and United Way (Director), Illinois Ethnic Coalition (Board Member), the Asian American Institute (Director),Bihar Cultural Association (Founding President), Federation of India Associations (Secretary, Vice President, President-Elect). I am known to fight for under privileged people. The lead of a profile published in the Chicago Tribune began with this sentence: Moon 'is a man with a mission.' My mission is to create respect and political empowerment for all ethnic groups. My commitment to coalition building attracted the attention of the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which bestowed upon me prestigious Americanism Award in 2005.For my outreach works, I have been honored with numerous awards that include the India Tribune's Community Activist Award, Indo-American Democratic Organization's President's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service, Northern Illinois University's Outstanding Graduate Award, Intercollegiate Asian American Students Association of Chicago's Exemplary Human Services Award, Federation of India Association's Community Service Award, Bihar Cultural Association's Dr. Rajendra Prasad Award for Social Services, Asian Broadcasting Network's Political Activism Leadership Award, and Asian American community's Asian Hall of Fame Award.Elected offices held: York Township Trustee for two terms.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NeverQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is that?Saving money for taxpayers is my mission and it can be achieved by implementing the philosophy of "Less is more." The county should take more direct control over its autonomous bodies, like its Health Department, Housing Authority, etc, by centralizing their HR, purchasing, accounting, and IT functions, and eliminating many redundant managerial and supervisory positions. Taxation without representation irritates me. In terms of the diversity, the county elected roster does not reflect the accurate image of the 21st century DuPage County. More than 25 percent of DuPage residents are Asian, Hispanic, and African American background but they do not have any representation.What differentiates you most from your opponents in the race?While serving on the township board, contesting election for Village of Lombard's president, and interacting with various DuPage County agencies and community's political and civic organizations, I know the problems from bottom up. I know where the tax dollars are wasted and where the salvaged funds can be used more effectively.How far do you think the county should carry its quest to consolidate local units of government?A county is supposed to be a centralized administration for all the county agencies and unincorporated areas. Recently, the county board has taken some praiseworthy steps toward consolidation. However, I would suggest the county take more direct control over its autonomous bodies, like its Health Department, Housing Authority, etc, by centralizing their HR, purchasing, accounting, and IT functions. Merging election services with the County Clerk's office will be another appropriate measure. These steps will save more tax dollars, eliminate redundancy and duplication of services, and make these autonomous bodies more accountable to the county's oversight procedures.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.I am not an incumbent. My mission will be to create awareness for more consolidation of county services and lend voicesto the county's more than 25 percent population.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?The DuPage County Fairgrounds, which consists of five buildings and huge swath of land, has an image problem. This place is and should remain the cultural center of the county. Other than hosting the famous annual fair, it is occupied throughout the year by holding seminars, all sorts of birthday, graduation and other family parties, Back to School Fair, PTA Step By Step Early Childhood Resale Event, War Collector Shows, Dance Showcases, tennis lessons, softball practices, and the list goes on. Fortunately, for the last two years, it has balanced its budget by collecting more than half a million dollars through rental fees. Because the plumbing and electrical connections are outdated and the general maintenance of the building is not spruced up, it cannot raise higher fees and bring in more dollars. Also, the agency services are not properly marketed effectively. A governmental partnership needs to be developed among the Neighboring towns like Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Warrenville, West Chicago, Carol Stream, and Lombard so these cities can organize their big events, like soccer and lacrosse matches, at the Fairgrounds. Sponsorships from DuPage-based companies need to be solicited too.What should DuPage be doing to address stormwater and flooding issues throughout the county?Although DuPage County maintains an excellent Stormwater Management Plan, which includes restricting future development in the flood plain, site run off control, preservation of wetlands and infrastructure improvements, it needs stronger interaction and coordination among the county, townships and towns on one side and Forest Preserve, schools and not for profit organizations like churches, etc. on the other side. With the impending Stormwater Fee, all the relevant governmental agencies will start levying the helpless tax payers from different corners. In the meantime, the county should disseminate information to the public about the latest technologies to alleviate flooding in their homes and opting for permeable pavers instead of traditional concrete and asphalt driveways.Finally, is there anything we haven't asked about that you feel we should know?I believe in term limits. I served only two terms on York Township as a Trustee. If elected to the county, I will serve only two terms as its board member.