Pamela Miles: 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: Downers GrovesWebsite: www.PamelaMilesforDuPageCountyBoard3.comOffice sought: DuPage County board District 3 Age: 66Family: I am proud mother of two adult sons,both of whom live and work in DuPage County. Five grandchildren and a new addition to the family, little Angelo, a great grandson. My grandchildren include two Downers Grove South graduates, one senior and another at O'Neil Middle School also in Downers Grove and one preparing to enter College of DuPage.Occupation: Retired Broadcast Journalist and former Director of Community Based Corrections facility.Education: Graduate of Sharon Broadcast School of Journalism. Certification from Ohio Peace Officer Academy. Labor Negotiator course, at George Meany Labor School in Washington D.C. Numerous certificates and diplomas for Cognitive Behavioral courses including Drug/alcohol education.Civic involvement: - Read for Blind radio reading service. - Host of Children's Miracle Network with Marie Osmond. -AIDS Task Force. -Past president of Mental Health Board. - Former Arthritis Association Events Coordinator. -National Safety Council Instructor for 4,6,and 8 remedial driving course. -Vice President of National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians. -Served on Congressional committee to evaluate candidates for appointment to United States military academies. -Worked with Gang Awareness program dealing gang related issues throughout the country.Elected offices held: Democrat Precinct CommitteemanQuestions Answers Outline two initiatives you have for the county and/or your specific district.Fine tuning the county's accountability and transparency, promoting citizen involvement by coming from behind the desk and getting out into the public. Being more accessible to voters, and possibly having regularly scheduled sounding board sessions in my district 3. I would also put together a plan to identify and address what I call the " silent pain" in DuPage County. Utilizing my education, training and experience I would work with existing programs and assist in coordinating and developing others to deal with drugs/crime, domestic abuse, senior issues, affordable housing and poverty. All threats to the livelihood of DuPage Citizens.Do you think county board members should receive pensions? Why or why not? If elected, will you accept a pension?I believe pensions should be decided on an individual basis. Some board members have non political (main stream)careers, while others have made the board their primary focus and source of income. Which is my intention. As a county board member in district 3 I intend to make my position a fulltime priority giving 40 plus hours working throughout the community, and if at some point I become eligible, I would accept a pension.What specifically should the county do to address flooding issues and how should such improvements be funded?Again I turned to voters. DuPage Buyout program is somewhat effective but a short term remedy. 40 houses thus far? Voters are not interested in rain fee and I would look for other options(or tax))to re-appropriate toward solution. I would like to work directly with Storm water committee and still researching and learning all I can. I would continue to evaluate and monitor effectiveness of storm water management plan. Continue to educate and train residents on water proofing individual property and maintain and pursue preventive measures when constructing new dwellings. . Actively lobby for financial assistance for DuPage County.What would you like to see happen to the county fairgrounds in Wheaton? Should the DuPage County Fair be moved? Why or why not?Now that I have had time to research the subject and talk with voters in DuPage County, I believe the fairgrounds should remain at its current location. Tradition, tourist revenue for merchants in the Wheaton area generated by the fair, and cost to relocate are all factors in my decision. It is my opinion that it would be more financially feasible to upgrade, and refurbish existing structures and buildings, and blend the county fair atmosphere of the past with modernized family attractions and events. At what point do you stop sacrificing traditions and values for capital gain.What should the county do to improve transportation throughout DuPage and specifically in your district?Space limited, for so many issues involving transportation. We need better Western access to airports. Pace routes need reevaluation and schedules corrected with down time in between stops. Lower income family housing areas have inadequate service. Backed up parking areas. Need more shelters.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Our Board does not reflect the diverse population it represents, and the members in my district have not provided an adequate agenda.. The needs and concerns attached to this reality are overdue for a devised plan. A leadership example, embraces the concerns of women ,as well as other sub cultures, beliefs and traditions. . Awareness and common sense approach are vital as well as well welcoming and educational programs. I would maintain empathetic maturity and leadership skills to promote unity and to make transitions to DuPage County uneventful. All stakeholders deserve safe and healthy environment to live and work.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Former President Nelson Mandela. In spite of his trials and tribulations he was not bitter or vindictive. He remained focused on the cause and people.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?You appreciate it more, when you work for what you want.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would not, because every error and success have made me the person I am today.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Reading. It opened the door to my imagination , and adventures. It also came in handy when I became a news anchor.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?There are consequences for your actions, so tread wisely.