Rosemary Spann: 2022 candidate for DuPage County Board District 3
Bio
Party: Democratic
Office sought: DuPage County Board District 3
City: Naperville
Age: Not given
Occupation: small business owner, The Spann Group, Inc.
Previous offices held: Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors
Q&A
Q: Describe your position regarding the balance between county spending and revenues as it exists today, then describe the chief threats you see looming in the future and how the county should deal with them.
A: The county is expected to have a $40 million surplus by year end and that demonstrates the board has been fiscally responsible with the budget to date.
Chief threats: natural disasters that threaten life safety, property safety, infrastructure, etc. My home and other homes in my community in Naperville were hit by the tornado in June.
The county is addressing the issue with the DPC Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan. Another threat is stormwater/flooding and its impact on our water quality, streams and property from sediment and erosion.
Q: Is there a specific service or amenity that is lacking in the county? If so, how do you propose to provide and fund it?
A: Mental health awareness and services and funding provided by the $40 million surplus.
Q: Should the county board continue to start its regular board meetings with an invocation? Please say why or why not.
A: The county board's strategic plan includes an imperative to Diversity and Inclusion. I am a Christian and faith is personal matter. To be respectful of everyone on the board, the board should not have invocation at the beginning of the regular meetings.
Q: Does there need to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board? If yes, what would you do to help make that happen?
A: Yes. If elected to the board, I pledge to represent all the people in my district regardless of race, gender, sexual identification, and political affiliation. I have no hidden agenda; I will work with everyone.
Q: If your political party has control of the county board after the November election, how would that benefit DuPage residents?
A: My commitment will be to the needs and priorities of all the people in my district, not just the people who voted for me.
Q: The COVID pandemic put a spotlight on the need for mental health services. What role should the county play in this?
A: I stated previously, mental health services is lacking in the county. With COVID, we have all been through collective trauma. The county should play a key role in marketing, educating and providing mental health awareness and services.
Q: What is the single most important issue facing your district and how should the county address it?
A: Infrastructure: transportation - maintain and improve our streets, roads and highways; water - replace or repair our aged water mains; and stormwater flooding preparedness - mentioned previously.