Tim Elliott: Candidate Profile

Back to DuPage County Board District 4

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: Glen EllynWebsite: www.timelliottforcountyboard4.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: DuPage County Board District 4 Age: 45Family: My wife, Anne, and I are proud parents of four children: Robert (age 8); Avery (6); Harrison (4); and Grant (2). We also have Lucy, our adopted Great Dane.Occupation: AttorneyEducation: Miami University, BA in history and political science (Dec. 1992) magna cum laudeHarvard Law School, JD (June 1996) cum laudeCivic involvement: DuPage County Historical Museum Foundation President (2010-2014)Metropolitan Family Services of DuPage, Board Member (2011-present)Elected offices held: Glen Ellyn Village Board (2013-present)Glen Ellyn Plan Commission (2012-2013)DuPage Stormwater Commission (2013-present)DuPage Water Commission (2008-2010)Questions Answers What is your stance on county board members' pay? Is it too high, too low, or just right? Would you propose any changes?It is too high, particularly when the health benefits and other perks are factored in. This is a part-time public service position. While it does require significant time beyond County Board and committee meetings, the compensation has risen more dramatically than a public service position should. If I win this election, I will certainly support changes (including the elimination of health benefits) to bring compensation in line with similar positions in the private sector.Do you think county board members should receive pensions? Why or why not? If not, would you be willing to pledge not to take one?I do not believe County Board members should receive pensions. Due to a new change in state law, I will not be eligible for a pension, and that is just fine with me. I would not have accepted one anyway. Our constituents who work in the private sector typically do not receive benefits or pensions for part-time positions. It is not fair to ask those very same constituents to fund such benefits for elected officials. As elected officials, we should lead by example, and not ask taxpayers to fund perks for us.With DuPage County's budget being squeezed by state funding cuts and other factors, what initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?Increasing revenue is not the answer. Our taxpayers are already overburdened, and creating "hidden" taxes such as user fees, or shifting cost burdens to other taxing bodies is not the answer. We must find ways to provide services more cost effectively. We must explore new technology, use purchasing cooperatives (as we do with road salt), and ensure our existing facilities are fully utilized. Everything must be on the table, and we cannot permit wasteful practices simply because "we've always done it that way." We must also work with municipalities to explore ways to reduce their tax levies as well.What are your thoughts about the county's Accountability, Consolidation and Transparency Initiative? What role should DuPage play in efforts to streamline and consolidate local government?ACT is a laudable initiative, and the "consolidation" part of ACT has received a lot of attention. I fully support consolidation when it results in actual taxpayer savings. I hope the County will be a leader in this area by examining its own operations to identify and shed functions that can be provided more effectively by other units of government. However, we must not overlook "accountability" and "transparency." Consolidation will not, by itself, create enough cost savings to unburden our taxpayers. DuPage County must continue to monitor its operations to eliminate wasteful spending and improve cost controls.What initiatives, if any, do you have in mind for your specific county board district?During the primary, I was repeatedly asked about the County Fairgrounds. We must ensure that the Fairgrounds are improved in a way that will provide for a profitable rate of return. The Fairgrounds should be able to house events on a year-round, full-time basis, including the County Fair. I also want to ensure that residents in unincorporated areas receive high quality stormwater and public safety services. As a current member of the stormwater commission, I am particularly sensitive to the need to take action to ensure that areas vulnerable to flooding are adequately protected.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?It seems clear that our taxpayers cannot continue to fund government at its current levels. Thus, we must reduce our costs. The recent downgrading of DuPage County's bond rating should come as a warning on this issue. In addition, I am concerned about the County's transportation infrastructure. In the next 20 years, significant changes are expected in transportation practices in metropolitan areas. If DuPage County is to remain an attractive home for families and businesses, we must ensure the County is taking all possible steps to improve its mass transit and transportation infrastructure.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.JR McBride. He was a dedicated public servant and a strong advocate for District 4.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Strong communities don't just happen. The come about because people of integrity devote their time and energy to public service.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would have spent more time listening to my parents when I was younger. They were remarkable people and role models in our community.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. It provides us with a roadmap for solving even the most "modern" of our problems.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?The same advice my father gave me: treat others with respect, fairness and integrity.