Q&A with Sheahan

1. Why are you running for this 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?

During my two terms on the board I have led the fight to reform and improve county government by making it more independent, more accountable, and more transparent.

I have consistently opposed higher sales and property taxes. I have returned over $15,000 in salary and benefits, and voted against salary increases for county board members.

In my next term on the board I will continue to be an independent thoughtful advocate for keeping county expenses and taxes as low as possible, putting more information online, improving financial management, and making law enforcement our highest priority. The county needs to redouble its efforts to arrest and prosecute Internet predators. I will also strenuously oppose Cook County-style home rule for DuPage County and continue to insist that county government live within its means.

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.

As a county board member I have been thoughtful and independent. I stood by my promises to voters and bucked county leadership when it was necessary. I have fought to make county government more accountable and transparent; opposed home-rule, and sales and property tax increases; and make law enforcement our first priority.

I proposed and won approval of historic changes to county procedures that give the county board greater checks and balances and earlier input into the budget; changes that require-for the first time-DuPage County to have a five year financial plan. I led the effort to put the county board agenda and supporting documentation on the Internet.

I fought for and won approval of innovative changes to our county stormwater guidelines that encourage the development of environmentally friendly "green" roofs and permeable parking surfaces to help reduce flooding.

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?

First, I opposed this $100 million a year sales tax on DuPage County residents and support its repeal. Regretfully, tens of millions of dollars of our DuPage County taxes will flow to the perpetually mismanaged Chicago Transit Authority at a time when we have crumbling roads and bridges right here in our own communities. Increasing sales taxes on food, gas, and medicine was an unfair and unnecessary punch in the gut for DuPage County families.

DuPage County must spend this new review only after we have done extensive long-term financial planning. It is not a windfall. Furthermore, over-reliance on the sales tax, which historically has been an uncertain source of government funding, to support growth in operating costs would be a unforgivable error. Each year DuPage County must review its priorities in light of its long-term fiscal condition, and continue to cut and streamline where it can.

4. Should candidates for county board and other elected offices accept campaign contributions from companies that do business with the county? If 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.

I support changing state law to limit, or ban, campaign contributions from government vendors to government officials. The overwhelming majority of contributions to my campaigns have come from friends and family. Less than ten percent have come from county vendors. I would encourage readers to view my campaign disclosures at www.elections.state.il.us

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?

I have strongly supported proactive efforts to make DuPage County operations more energy efficient including supporting annual energy audits that securitize the use of lighting, heating and cooling, and natural gas. The county has plans under way to replace incandescent fixtures with more efficient and longer lasting lighting. The county has also purchased hybrids as replacement vehicles within its fleet.

I have voted to protect funding for Ride DuPage, a subsidized taxi service for seniors, and have supported close cooperation with PACE to maximize the benefits of bus service within the county. Looking into the future I support continued study of a new transit line, or rapid bus service, from DuPage County to O'Hare International Airport.

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

I oppose the purchase of the EJ&E by the Canadian National Railway. While the merger will certainly have positive economic benefits for the companies, increased rail traffic in DuPage County alone will necessitate spending approximately half a billion dollars on grade separations. Any approval of the merger by federal officials must include the requirement that the companies pay for a substantial number grade separations in hard hit communities.