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Elizabeth Tatro: Candidate Profile

DuPage County board District 4 (Republican)

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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: WheatonWebsite: www.bethtatro.comTwitter: @tatrofordupageFacebook: @TatroForDuPageOffice sought: DuPage County board District 4 Age: 36Family: Husband, Matt Tatro 3 childrenOccupation: Senior Manager, Corporate Communications with R.M. Chin AssociatesEducation: Bachelor of Arts Purdue University, M.B.A. DePaul UniversityCivic involvement: Ã#130;circ;yen; Soccer coach, Wheaton Park District Ã#130;circ;yen; Religious education teacher, St. Michael's Catholic Church Ã#130;circ;yen; Member, Women's Transportation Seminar Ã#130;circ;yen; Member, Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association Public Information Committee Ã#130;circ;yen; Member, PTA Madison Elementary Ã#130;circ;yen; Member and former Programs Chair, Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Pi Beta Phi Alumnae ClubElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions 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?Our community and our families are my top priorities, I'm running to protect them and make sure DuPage County is in a position to thrive for generations to come. As a businesswoman, I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget. As a mother, I want to keep DuPage a safe place to live and raise a family. Now is the time to invest in our county and bring more families and businesses to the area. The foundation of this county is its transportation network - investing in our county's transportation will help bring those families and businesses to DuPage. Growing up in Naperville and a career in the heavy highway industry has taught me the value of community and the importance of leadership. I'm stepping up to run for DuPage County Board to build a brighter future for our children.What is your stance on county board members' pay? Too high, too low, just right? Would you propose any changes?I believe that county board members should always be looking for ways to reduce overhead for the taxpayers, especially while Springfield continues to put a squeeze on the County's budget by reduced state funding. With these budget constraints, everything needs to be closely scrutinized Ãcirc;#144; including board member pay. We need to do everything we can to make sure we hold the line on taxes, even if that means reducing board member pay.With DuPage County's budget being squeezed by the state funding reductions, what initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?We should not be looking to taxpayers as an option to assist with budget shortfalls. Illinois families are already the highest taxed in the nation. Raising taxes on families is the wrong focus and in talking with folks on the campaign trail, no one wants to see their property taxes increased. Instead, we should look at expanding shared services and developing additional partnerships that will help us be more efficient and effective in our bottom line. I've seen firsthand the benefits of partnerships between DuPage County, the Illinois Tollway and private entities in the northern suburbs that led to job creation, economic development and improved quality of life. I am confident that these types of partnerships can benefit DuPage County 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?The Accountability, Consolidation and Transparency Initiative is what has helped make DuPage County a model for other counties throughout Illinois when it comes to saving taxpayer dollars and making government more efficient. I believe the ACT Initiative is a solid foundation for the County and is providing numerous benefits. In addition, DuPage should look to technology to improve operations and reduce their reliance on paper. There are also opportunities to share services with sister agencies that will streamline efforts and decrease costs. DuPage County needs to be the leader in streamlining and consolidating local government, but they need to continue to do it right. Consolidation can be a viable solution for the right entity, but it's up to the County and the potential consolidation to make sure it's a cost-effective and beneficial fit. Ultimately, it's our responsibility to be efficient and effective for the taxpayers.What initiatives, if any, do you have in mind for your specific county board district?Invest in Transportation. It's the foundation of the County, what makes businesses successful and allows parents to cheer on their children at their soccer games. Power of partnerships. I've seen firsthand the opportunities and economic growth that public private partnerships bring. The County needs to look at inter-agency shared services and new opportunities to work together with private industry to advance its goals. Be less reliant on Springfield. Springfield continues to ask for more and provide less for our families, leading families to leave Illinois. Therefore, we must improve the county's bottom line by streamlining and consolidating services. We need to work to keep families here and encourage businesses to take roots in DuPage.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Term limits for elected officials is something that we must fight for at every level of government. I believe that an opportunity to serve your community as an elected official is about public service rather than making it career.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Candidate did not respond.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?The Golden Rule - do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I grew up volunteering for various charities.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would spend more time with my grandfathers. God rest their souls.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Creative writing. The written word is a powerful tool in communications, relationships and negotiationsIf you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be patient - learn the right way, make wise decisions, and measure twice.