Susan VanWeelden: Candidate Profile

Back to Elgin Township Board

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: ElginWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Susan Van Weelden for Elgin TownshipOffice sought: Elgin Township Board Age: 68Family: Husband, 2 children, 3 stepchildren, 11 grandchildrenOccupation: Retired Community College Dean DirectorEducation: Masters, and bachelors degrees in education, NIU, DeKalbCivic involvement: River Valley Workforce Invvestment Board - 7 years; South Elgin Economic Development Assoc.- 7 years; Literacy Connection Board Member - 1 year; Elected Precinct Committeewoman - 4 years; Kane County Deputy Voter Registrar - 1 yearElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers Name the three most important goals or objectives this board should tackle in the coming term. Prioritize them, and briefly discuss why you believe each to be critical, and how the board should go about addressing them.Increase Township accessability and maximize resources for residents through full transparency and fiscal responsibility.Search out private grants and apply for additional federal grants to help local citizens without tax increases.Streamline budgets, grant approvals and procedures to get the most value for taxpayer dollars.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?The primary responsibility of the township government should be to serve both rural and urban residents.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?Townships are needed to close the gaps in funding and services that are not addressed by the county or municipalities.Are there any township offices that should be eliminated or consolidated?It is possible that the responsibilities of the road district could be transferred to other governmental bodies.Can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?We need a common sense review of Road District expenses and Township employee salaries and benefits.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?The application and award process for non-profits and social service agencies is in need of improvement.Building partnerships with other organizations will allow the township to increase resources for residents.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.US Senator Tammy DuckworthWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Work as a teamIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?To travel and learn moreWhat was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History and government. I became a teacher and shared my passion for this country.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be true to themselves and their abilities.