Q&A with Eckhoff

1. Why are you running for office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is that? What will be your main priority in office?

I am running because I know I can continue to make a positive impact on DuPage County. I will also continue to work to ensure that the County delivers essential county services at the lowest possible tax rate.

Now that we are in the 21st century I think it is imperative that we examine whether 19th century delivery methods for governmental services equal the best system for DuPage County. I think it is time for the County Board, with input and support from the DuPage County Mayors & Managers organization, to determine if the services we receive from all forms of government can be delivered in a more cost effective manner, thereby lowering taxes for all of us.

Lower taxes, more responsive and accountable government and fewer layers of government bureaucracy should all be goals of the DuPage County Board. There is no reason that over time we cannot institute such a program for our citizens.

We in DuPage County continue to believe that we are government leaders. If we are truly going to exhibit leadership we need to examine the antiquated manner in which we deliver governmental services with at least thirteen separate taxing districts on our property tax bills. A consolidation of governmental agencies would help deliver the goals I set forth above.

2. For incumbents and non-incumbents:

If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.

Because of my municipal background, I have made important contributions regarding zoning issues (voting against major variance requests) and transportation issues (encouraging the expansion of Jewel Road). The main initiative that I have led is to prepare the County for the opportunity to install "Red Light Cameras". These cameras take pictures of drivers that violate a red light and if approved by the Sheriff a ticket is issued to the violator. The State legislature recently gave collar counties the authority to install the cameras so that we can work to save lives at intersections.

I remain very interested in the expansion of O'Hare Airport so the County can work with local leaders to take advantage of development opportunities, which will lead to more good jobs and an increase in the tax base. I also want to work to keep the DuPage County Museum operational.

3. What are your thoughts on how to best make use of revenue from the county sales tax increase approved by the state legislature? What should be done with any surplus from the sales tax increase?

The first thing we should do is ensure that we are funding all essential County departments, especially public safety to adequate levels. I think there will be excess sales tax revenue in which case we should reduce property taxes and restore funding to deserving programs and departments that have demonstrated, through outcomes, that they warrant additional funding.

4. Should candidates for county board and other elected offices accept campaign contributions from companies that do business with the county? Is so, why? If not, why not, and how should this be addressed? If you have accepted campaign contributions from county vendors, please list them by name and amount.

Voters need to understand my largest contributor to my campaigns has been my wife and me. Counting all my campaigns I have loaned over $65,000 to my campaign fund and I will probably loan it another $15,000 for this election.

Voters also need to understand that there is no "Pay to Play" policy in DuPage County as has been alleged in the management of the State through the Governor's office. DuPage County has both an Ethics Policy and a Procurement Policy that prohibit board members from interfering with the staff's review of vendors that submit bids for work at the County. The staff is to select the "Lowest Responsible Bid" meaning that the lowest bid from a vendor qualified to do the work is to be awarded the contract.

In answer to your question, accepting such contributions is legal and until everyone either agrees that it should not be or is prohibited from accepting such contributions I think it is acceptable to do so. Personally I did not knowingly solicit contributions directly from County vendors but over time some have contributed and now they are on the mailing list for each fundraiser. Please view my list of contributors by examining my electronically filed campaign disclosures at http://www.elections.illinois.gov/.

5. With the high price of gasoline, what should the county board be doing to improve energy efficiency in government operations? What if anything should the county board be doing to encourage expanded mass transit options in the county?

During my six years on the board we have consistently examined this issue and when necessary made changes such as restricting the use of air travel. As a result, the County has endeavored and succeeded in being energy efficient. We have taken advantage of energy efficient opportunities when they present themselves. For example is the recent purchase of five hybrid cars, which through my experience is a good investment. (My wife and I have each driven a Prius since 2004). Another policy decision has allowed the County to install energy efficient windows at some County buildings. Similarly the County also installed LED lights in 105 traffic signals throughout the County, which use 85% electricity compared to the previous lights.

The county also continues to plan for the management of hazardous waste collection as well as assisting in environmental education through the SCARCE program. The County will continue to review its use of energy in order to continue to be as efficient as possible, with our energy use.

The county will also continue to encourage the use and when warranted the expansion of mass transit.

6. What are your thoughts on the Canadian National Railway's proposal to purchase the Elgin, Joliet and Easter Railway Co. in order to re-route some freight train traffic from lines in Chicago and inner suburbs?

I am opposed to the purchase based on the fact that there is not a viable plan to alleviate the excessive noise, traffic congestion and reduction in safety at grade level crossing that would be created as a result of the purchase. Much of this problem could be alleviated if the railway committed their financial resources, instead of the taxpayers, to reduce the number of grade crossings in the area. Already there are too many trains that disrupt traffic and create safety issues at grade level. Without a plan to eliminate these types of grade level crossings we would be in for years of an increase instead of a decrease of these problems.