Claire Goldenberg: Candidate Profile

Back to DuPage County board District 2

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: LisleWebsite: www.ClaireForDuPage.comTwitter: ClaireForDuPageFacebook: Vote Claire For DuPageOffice sought: DuPage County board District 2 Age: 56Family: Married 35 years, no children of our own, but we took our 17 year old nephew into our home in 2009. I come from a family of 5 siblings my oldest brother died 2 years ago.Occupation: Merger Acquisition SalesEducation: Licensed Customs Broker 1991 Certified Customs Specialist Certified Export Specialist State University of NY at BuffaloCivic involvement: Volunteer for A.R.F. Animal Rescue Foundation www.arf-il.org Volunteer for DuPage Democrats and several candidatesElected 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?I am running, as a first-time candidate, because I believe in open, honest and transparent government. I feel it is important to stand up and fight for people whose voices are not being heard. I want to make certain social services are available to DuPage resident in need. We need to protect the safety nets in place that help women, seniors and families. I will work towards a fair and balanced Board that represents and protects the rights of all the people of DuPage. I will ensure our tax dollars are paying for services that enhance the whole county not just a select few. I believe we need initiatives that will attract and keep businesses and families for DuPage to continue to lead the state as the best place to live and work.What is your stance on county board members' pay? Too high, too low, just right? Would you propose any changes?I feel that the pay is too high for the number hours it is estimated a Board Member will need to contribute. Currently the pay is listed to be $52,102. A board member should expect to put in approximately 1000 hours per year, which works out to over $50 per hour. As someone who views this work as contributing to my community, I believe that is an exorbitant hourly rate. On the subject of pension and healthcare, I don't believe county board members should collect these benefits. I would be happy to pledge to forgo these benefits. These positions are designed to be temporary and our government works best when we have new people in place with innovative ideas and high energy.With DuPage County's budget being squeezed by the state funding reductions, what initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?I believe the role of a DuPage County board member is to be the watchdog for our residents, ensuring their tax dollars are paying for services that enhance the whole county not just a select few. I will commit to looking at every dollar that is approved by the board. I will work with other counties in Illinois to create best practices that will save money. I am confident we can maintain and improve services with our current revenue base. I will protect the safety nets in place that help our residents.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 Chairman's stated ACT initiative is exactly how the government should be run. However, in practice, the board falls short of these goals. The citizens have lost their trust in the government to implement consolidation fairly. Our citizen's fears appear to be well justified , based upon the current Board's voting record. The Board must reflect the voters not the corporate money that buys elections. I plan to work diligently to ensure the county does not operate in the shadows. The will of the people, not corporations should be our mandate.What initiatives, if any, do you have in mind for your specific county board district?In order to promote Transparency, I am excited to promote a Participatory program. I will work to create a communication system where the residents of DuPage can utilize technology and surveys to inform us about what is important to them and their well-being. When matters come up for discussion, votes, public comment, we can push this information to those residents, who can weigh in and make their voice and opinion heard BEFORE the Board votes something into the record. As a person who is politically motivated, I wish I had more time to research everything, however, like many others I am busy working and taking care of my family. I want to make it easy and streamlined for our residents to participate when something is vital to them and their families Ãcirc;#144; they will know about it and can have the chance to effect change that matters to them.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I am concerned about DuPage's ability to attract businesses and families to locate here. I would like to start an initiative to promote the benefits of being in DuPage County over other neighboring communities. I am concerned about our ability to keep our property taxes where they are now, and if possible, look at a reduction. However, in order to do this we need to ensure we receive revenue in other ways, such as attracting business' to DuPage County. Additionally, I would promote programs that make it easier for families to become home owners over renters. This will help them become more financial stability AND provide DuPage with more revenue. I also want to do my part to help make DuPage a kinder, happier place. I encourage everyone to commit to doing small acts of kindness for others each day. This can be as simple as providing the small change for the lady in front of you who doesn't want to break another bill to offering to take someone's grocery cart back to the store in this terrible weather. Just try to remember that we all have our struggles, but an act of kindness and a smile for a neighbor can go a very long way in making a positive impact on someone's life.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Trump! Has inspired activists all over the world. I am compelled to step up and do my part to save democracy starting in my backyard.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?When you see something that is not right say something and advocate for others. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I have been so fortunate in my life and I have no regrets.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I loved sciences and it has helped me have a greater understanding of cause and effect.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be observant, give back to your community, and enjoy life.