Phil Collins: 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: WheelingWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: @PhilCollinsILFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/phil.collins.5876Office sought: Harper College School Board Age: 49Family: wife, NicoleOccupation: H.R. GeneralistEducation: I have a B.A. in political science from the University of Arkansas, and I'm about 3/4 finished earning a Masters in Public Administration from City University of Seattle. I graduated from Great Lakes Naval Hospital Corps School.Civic involvement: I was president of The Gathering (an independent church who worshiped in a Lombard hotel), Sept. 2012-Aug. '13.Elected offices held: I was a Libertyville Township trustee, May 2013-Jan. '16.Questions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?When I lived in Kansas, my dad was in a school board, so I decided that I'd also like to help ensure that my area had good schools. I want to help ensure that my area will have a low property tax levy.In tough economic times, many students (and working professionals) turn to a community college for its educational value. How do you ensure that a person's financial sacrifice results in an educational benefit?I'll use facebook and twitter to get suggestions from many people and ensure that we'll consider many ways to improve the college. I'll have a facebook page that will give highlights of the board meetings, right after the meetings end.From the college's point of view, what budget issues will your district have to confront and what measures do you support to address them? If you believe cuts are necessary, what programs and expenses should be reduced or eliminated? On the income side, do you support any tax or fee increases?Some employees will probably want raises, and the students want low tuition. I'll help some students find financial aid, including charities who help pay for college. I don't support any cuts, yet. If I win, I won't support increasing anyone's property tax, for the college.Community colleges provide many services to a diverse population. Is there a service your college should be providing that it is not, or reaching a segment of the population that it is not?I don't know of any service that it needs to provide. If I win, I'll try to get suggestions from many students and staff members.If you are a newcomer, what prompted you to run for the community college board? If you're an incumbent, list your accomplishments or key initiatives in which you played a leadership role.I was a township trustee, and I wanted to run for office in a larger area, to serve more people.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Candidate did not respond.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Kathleen O'Connor. She's the Libertyville Township supervisor. She usually keeps the township's tax levy low and provides good services.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?I learned much of the Bible, probably because my dad is a pastor.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?My state house campaign in 2009-'10. I didn't get enough signatures. Some people, who said they'd help me, didn't help.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. It helped me get good grades in college.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?In school, especially high school and college, study a lot and do the best that you can.