Charles Lutzow: Candidate Profile

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:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: Crystal LakeWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Algonquin Township Clerk (4-year Term)Age: 50Family: Married, three childrenOccupation: President CEO of CAL Financial Group Inc. and CAL Financial Inc. CAL Financial Group specializes in Mergers Acquisitions. CAL Financial Inc. is an insurance and investments firm.Education: Bachelor of Arts degree from Loyola University of Chicago. Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) from the American College. Certified Funds Specialist (CFS) from the Institute of Business Finance. .Civic involvement: Algonquin Township Republican Committeeman, Midwest Business Brokers Association, Crystal Lake Wizards Wrestling (Volunteer Coach), Cary Defenders Soccer Club (Coach).Elected offices held: Former Alderman City of Prospect Heights, Former Algonquin Township TrusteeHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 As Clerk I would prioritize educating the voters on the process of voter registration and participation.Key Issue 2 I would make sure the public is aware of the dates, times, and locations of of Township meetings, as well as ensuring the agenda of each meeting is descriptive so the public is aware of what is being discussed.Key Issue 3 I would word along with the Supervisor and the Board to highlight Senior Citizen Programs, Veterans Programs, and Promoting Economic Development throughout the Township.Questions Answers Name the three most important goals or objectives this board should tackle in the coming term. Prioritize them, and briefly discuss why you believe each to be critical, and how the board should go about addressing them.1. Using taxpayer funds prudently and judiciously. This is critical to lower the tax burden of Township government, and the Board plays a critical role in setting the annual budget. 2. Provide employment assistance to the over 7,500 unemployed in the Township. This is essential for the overall economic health of those individual families and the Township as a whole. 3. Enhance intergovernmental cooperation. This is essential because if the Township and municipalities provide redundant services, that is a waste of taxpayer money as well as other valuable resources.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?Illinois has more forms of government than any other state in the nation. All forms of government need to be evaluated on its merits. Our citizens are being taxed at record levels and Illinois is losing the best and brightest to other states. Township government serves the niche roles of serving the needy but it must not duplicate services provided by other governmental agencies.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Temporary financial assistance for Township residents and maintenance of unincorporated roads, particularly during harsh winters.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?I think that all programs need to be under review. The main goal of the board should doing everything it can to lower the tax levy while maintaining essential services.What specific background or experience do you bring that makes you the best qualified candidate to serve as an elected official in the township?I have years of municipal and township experience as an elected official. My business is located within the Township. Understanding the needs and struggles of a business owner makes me uniquely qualified for this position.