John Curran: 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: WoodridgeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: DuPage County board District 3 Age: 41Family: Married to my wife Sue for 14 years. We have 4 daughters.Occupation: Assistant State's AttorneyEducation: Juris Doctor-Northern Illinois University College of Law (1998); Bachelor of Science-University of Illinois (1995)Civic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers Outline two initiatives you have for the county and/or your specific district.In my time on the DuPage County Board, I have opposed all Property Tax Increases. DuPage County has 0% property tax increases for all five years I have been on the Board. I want to continue to pursue efficiencies in operations, collaboration/consolidation and strong, long-term fiscally conservation budgeting to continue our record of property tax relief for DuPage County Homeowners. My 2nd initiative is to continue our Heroin Education and Prevention Program, the DuPage Coalition Against Heroin, to combat this deadly narcotic by educating our school-aged children on its dangers and severe health risks.Do you think county board members should receive pensions? Why or why not? If elected, will you accept a pension?The State of Illinois is in need of pension reform and DuPage County, while having strong actuarial balances in its pension funds, unlike the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago, is still in need of relief to provide the necessary core services that residents depend upon. Through my efforts, DuPage County revised its employee benefits, saving over $20 million over the next 20 years by ending the practice of end-of-career salary spiking which would cause pension enhancements that are unaffordable, amongst other reforms. Strengthening these funds through reform rather than additional burden to taxpayers is a priority.What specifically should the county do to address flooding issues and how should such improvements be funded?Since its inception 25 years ago, DuPage County Stormwater Management has played a critical role in curtailing regional overbank flooding throughout the County. The County should continue to mitigate the effects of urbanization on stormwater drainage while promoting Water Quality throughout the County. Funding for DuPage County's five stormwater program areas-Watershed Management, Floodplain Mapping, Water Quality, Regulatory Services, and Operations and Management should continue through its current levy structure.What would you like to see happen to the county fairgrounds in Wheaton? Should the DuPage County Fair be moved? Why or why not?While the County Fair has a rich tradition and reminds us of our Agricultural History in this County, use of the Fairgrounds needs to be assessed to determine its best public purpose use going forward. This will likely necessitate finding a smaller parcel within DuPage County to host the annual fair, opening up the Fairgrounds to greater year-round use for the citizens of DuPage County.What should the county do to improve transportation throughout DuPage and specifically in your district?Since my election, I have advocated improvement in the County's regional roadways throughout District 3. This has resulted in the expansion of 75th Street travelling east from I-355, with major intersection improvements at Lemont Road, Cass Avenue and Plainfield Road, along with significant intersection improvements along the 55th Street corridor. Reduction of traffic congestion along with traffic light synchronization improves local residents' quality of life by reducing travel times.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I continue to pursue reductions in County spending like the Dupage County Employee Benefits Revision Plan that I helped author, producing over $20 million in savings over the next 20 years. Increased efficiency and pursuit of cost-cutting initiatives has secured a AAA-bond rating for DuPage County, a recognition of its strong fiscal stability.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Pope Francis. His humility and grace in leadership is inspiring.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Hard Work from my father and compassion from my mother.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?More time with my parents before there passing.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math, which I continue to use in daily life and elected office.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Work hard and try your best, good results will follow.