Regina Brent: 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: AuroraWebsite: www.citizensforreginabrent.comOffice sought: DuPage County board District 5 Age: 60Family: I am the ninth child of 16 siblings. Zebedee D. Brent,deceased father; Drucilla Brent, Mother aged 92yrs old. Dad was a college graduate who worked for the City of Chicago as a Watchman/Bridge Attendant and my mom was a stay at home housewife. Our family consists of Veterans, U.S. Postal workers, Lawyers, Doctors, Construction workers, Policemen, Firemen, Vice Presidents of Corporations and Teachers many of whom including myself were raised under humble beginnings in life but persevered and became successful. Our dad left us with constructive advice; never grow up to be sorry; live, love and learn.Occupation: Retired Advocate and Lead Person II from the Illinois Attorney Generals OfficeEducation: DuSable High School graduate College of DuPage General Studies DegreeCivic involvement: Member of NTDO; Precinct Committeewoman; We Care Role Model Program; Mentored at risk teens; Chicago Rush Hospital - Volunteer; Elderly and Children's Ward; EmBrace Me'Foundation; Sponsored Highschool graduates for proms; Visited senior buildings and facilitated meetings regarding awareness of consumer fraud, preditory lending, scams and safety measures. Food Pantries; Volunteered to work several food pantries within my community and DuPage A.M.E. church as a member. Community activist: Crime,Human Civil Rights ERA Member DuPage County Diversity OrganizationElected offices held: 44th Precinct Committeewoman Naperville TownshipQuestions Answers Outline two initiatives you have for the county and/or your specific district.A. I would develop community advisory committees especially for seniors, veterans and the disabled in my district. B. Establish partnerships with businesses in order to create jobs and opportunity for the citizens of DuPage County.Do you think county board members should receive pensions? Why or why not? If elected, will you accept a pension?No. I am currently receiving a pension and do not think my years of service with the county as a part-time employee would entitle me to collect another pension. When I become a board member, it will be my civic duty to serve and give back to the community and not to provide an income for my future.What specifically should the county do to address flooding issues and how should such improvements be funded?The stormwater division is underfunded. However, the board is working with the federal government to assist with flood relief funding and to provide affordable housing which will mitigate the situation. If elected, I would follow up with these provisions to make sure homeowners who qualify receive assistance. To impose or subject any kind of special tax or fee on a homeowner due to a history of flooding, would be adding insult to injury. I would work to increase grants and greater community awareness for all parties concerned.What would you like to see happen to the county fairgrounds in Wheaton? Should the DuPage County Fair be moved? Why or why not?I am concerned about the fairground issues and its present state of existence. While canvassing the area many community leaders voiced their opinion in favor of keeping the grounds. If elected, I would take a closer look at both sides and try to determine what would better serve the interest of the community and the board's cost effectiveness.What should the county do to improve transportation throughout DuPage and specifically in your district?We need more efficient transportation to O'Hare and Midway Airports. We need more pace bus transportation to transfer commuters from the train stations and to neighboring cities. The disabled commuters need more assistance in accessing public transportation to their ultimate destination. Also, disabled commuters need to spend less time waiting for connecting bus lines. DuPage has a growing population in district 5, we need more parking space at train stations. We need a more comprehensive study to look at highway transportation within the county. When I am elected, I will work diligently with the transportation department to reach these goals.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Currently, the DuPage County Board consists of one race and single party control. We need a more balanced government. I believe in transparency, inclusiveness, and the diversity of gender, race, age and party. The DuPage County Board needs to reflect the community of the 21st Century. Help to create more affordable housing; Drug abuse is a county-wide problem and it need to be dealt with by investing in prevention, treatment and educational programs at every level. Heroin has no boundaries; it can start at the medicine cabinet and end at the morgue. Our young people need help right now.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.President Barack O'BamaWhat's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My father taught me independence, how to show compassion to others and have integrity in everything you do.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would pursue education to the fulliest. I did not have that luxury as a child because I had to grow up fast. It's ok.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. Many African Americans and others paved the way for me to be where I am today. I am living the reality of their legacy.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Treat others the way you would like to be treated and be truthful not only to others but most of all be truthful to yourself.