Tonia Khouri: 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: ToniaKhouri.comOffice sought: DuPage County board District 5 Age: 44Family: Married to Joe for 22 years. We have 3 children: Stephanie, 18; Tony, 15; Paul 8Occupation: DuPage County Board Member, Owner of Green T ServicesEducation: Harvard Kennedy School of Government 2013 B.S. Public Relations, Southern Illinois Universityâ#8364;#8220;Carbondale, 1991Civic involvement: Board of Directors, Choose DuPage Board of Directors, DuPage Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, DuPage Workforce Board The Rotary Club of Naperville Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Aurora Chamber of Commerce Naperville Woman's Club Naperville 100 Women Who Care Naperville Heritage Society Naperville Township Committeeman Naperville Area Republican Women Daughters of the American RevolutionElected offices held: DuPage County Board - District 5 Chairman, Economic Development Chairman, Mass Transit Finance Committee Legislative Committee Health and Human Services Committee Judicial Public Safety Committee Environmental CommitteeQuestions Answers Outline two initiatives you have for the county and/or your specific district.As Chairman of Economic Development, I am directly involved with retaining businesses and attracting new businesses. Our Q2 Economic Indicators show a significant drop in unemployment, an increase in sales tax receipts, as well as low vacancy rates. My focus is and will be to help small businesses thrive and help people find employment. My committee launched a new initiative that helps unemployed and displaced workers train and obtain jobs in manufacturing. This helps small businesses grow and expand and helps people find jobs. I want to continue to help DuPage residents have the quality of life they desire.Do you think county board members should receive pensions? Why or why not? If elected, will you accept a pension?I do not think part-time county board members should receive a pension. I refused a pension and will continue to refuse a pension for being a county board member.What specifically should the county do to address flooding issues and how should such improvements be funded?Residents in District 5 were especially burdened by the latest flooding. A bill was passed by the legislature to institute a user fee based funding structure to address flooding issues. I believe such a significant change to our tax bill should be put as a referendum to let the voters decide.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 glad to see that an advisory group is assessing if the DuPage County Fairgrounds is being used in the most productive manner. The DuPage County Fair as a valuable tradition here in DuPage County; however, with drops in funding and falling attendance, the responsible thing to do is to see if there are alternative ways of putting on this special event. Perhaps a DuPage/Kane County Fair would be a viable option. Moving to a new venue could inspire innovative ideas and a renewed energy into this beloved annual event, leading to an increase in ticket sales.What should the county do to improve transportation throughout DuPage and specifically in your district?District 5 has the two busiest Metra Stations. As Chairman of Mass Transit, I have been advocating on behalf of DuPage County to the Legislature and the Northeastern IL Public Transit Task Force for fair representation on service boards and fair allocation of funding for DuPage County. If we receive our fair share of funding, we can institute policies and practices that will improve service and timeliness of Metra. We are fortunate that major construction is underway to improve Rt 59. When completed, this will alleviate congestion and residents' frustration! The County is also doing several improvements to 75th Street.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I have worked very hard for the people of DuPage and District 5 and I am proud of what we have accomplished. We decreased our budget by $1.3M, we have a AAA bond rating, and our unemployment is just 6%. I believe my job is fighting for the DuPage County taxpayer and to help provide the quality of life that we desire. I fulfilled my promise to serve with honesty, integrity, and prudence to keep DuPage County, your home, one of the best places to live in Illinois." I humbly ask to have the opportunity to continue to do that.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.The members of congress who belong to the Congressional Future Caucus, a group of bipartisan legislators dedicated to pragmatic, innovative leadership to solve current challenges.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My father, a former marine, taught me to be honest, have integrity, and always do my best. Always. I still carry these values with me.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would do it the exact same way. The love I've shared and the lessons I've learned have made me who I am today.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. If we know our history, we glean insight into our future.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?I try and teach them my personal life mission statement: To serve God and ALL his children with compassion and integrity.