Sean McQuade: Candidate Profile

Back to DuPage County board District 6

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: Carol StreamWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: DuPage County board District 6 Age: 52Family: I have two children. One in high school and one in middle school.Occupation: Production manager digital print companyEducation: High school graduate with some collegeCivic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Twice elected school board member. CCSD93 in BloomingdaleQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?I've always had an inclination and desire to be involved in politics. With being a twice elected school board member I feel the next logical progression would be at the county level. There is no particular issue that concerns me. I feel my time is right for this next step and that I can represent the citizens of DuPage county with passion.What is your stance on county board members' pay? Too high, too low, just right? Would you propose any changes?Since I do not know exactly how much time and effort is required to fulfill the duties of a county board I'm not sure if the pay is too high or low. I know I would work wholeheartedly to earn the current pay if elected. Once elected I would be better able to answer if it is too high or low.With DuPage County's budget being squeezed by the state funding reductions, what initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?The state funding reductions should be addressed with our senators and representatives. Are they not good enough? Have they been in office too long? Why do they not work together to fix this problem? I've learned from being on a board at the most local of levels that coming into a new position with initiatives is counter productive to achieving cohesiveness. All elected officials should work together, not alone, for all the people. I know the county is doing a great job with the handling of their budget. Some thoughts I have to save money would be to limit the districts within the county to 1 or 2 members each or eliminate their pensions.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?I believe the ACT Initiative is a wonderful idea. It appears to be well planned and successful. DuPage should play whatever role is necessary to streamline and consolidate local government.What initiatives, if any, do you have in mind for your specific county board district?l think it is counter productive to bring initiatives to the table without first learning the in and outs of how county government works. Once you understand the processes you are then in a good position to educate other members and constituents on changes that might be beneficial. I do believe that members should attend their appropriate committee meeting and board meetings regardless of their personal obligations.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I believe there should be term limits in all levels of government. No one should be in the same position for more than 8 years or 2 terms. if you change positions in government then you get an additional 8 years or 2 terms. I believe that there should not be any pensions for elected officials. Your duty as an elected official is to serve the people while in office, not prosper financially after your term is over. I believe that there are too many layers of governments. There are certainly ways to consolidate these layers to benefit the stakeholders of DuPage county. I believe the future of our county is in inspiring our youth, enabling and protecting our work force, and recognizing our seniors.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.MyselfWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?It's more the lesson I try and teach now. Play hard, play fair and don't be afraid to be great.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Finish collegeWhat was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Math was always my favorite. It helped to see the problem then solve the problem.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?The world is your playground. Go play !