Paul Jankowski: 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: Lake ZurichWebsite: http://www.ElaReform.orgOffice sought: Ela Township Clerk (4-year Term)Age: 65Family: Married for 41 years 3 children; 2 graduated from St. Viator---1 graduated from Carmel 5 grandchildrenOccupation: Retired---Operations Executive Former Vice President of Residential Operations with Reedy Industries Regional Service Director with Kinetic Concepts Inc. Customer Service Manager with Graymills Corp.Education: BA----Canisius College------------Buffalo NY MBA---Roosevelt University--------Chicago ILCivic involvement: Manager, Coach, League Director with the Buffalo Grove Recreational Assoc. Volunteer-St. Francis De La Sales Food PantryElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Greater Transparency with the citizens of the township and inclusion of those groups currently not being served by Township government. Regarding Transparency, I intend to improve the speed at which Township Government information is posted. (Currently, notes from monthly Government Board meetings can take as long as 6 to 7 months to be posted,) Regarding inclusion, presently there is not enough attention devoted to services for segments of the population such as shut-ins, disabled, and youth services.Key Issue 2 Producing a township budget that does not contain over-budgeted operating costs and discretionary expenditures intended to create year end surpluses. In the past, these surpluses have been used for large capital expenditures including the township hall. Expenditures of this amount should be approved by the voters rather than by town officials unto themselves.Key Issue 3 Allow citizens access to public records to the greatest extent possible and as quickly as possible. As Clerk of Ela township, I would be especially sensitive to processing all requests for records for information made through the Freedom of Information Act (FIOA) or by other means as quickly and expeditiously as possible. Citizens who require township information or records should not be made to wait until the expiration of an arbitrary deadline if the records are readily available.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. Creating and approving a more realistic budget that is not focused on creating surpluses, but accurately reflects the needs of the community. 2. Finding solutions to address the needs of those individuals currently not being served by government such as the disabled, indigent, and the elderly who require assistance. 3. Operate more efficiently by eliminating duplication and/or unneeded programsIn the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?As the oldest form of government in our country, township government has value provided it is managed according to the responsibilities chartered by state law. Having the Assessor locally is convenient to the property owner and hopefully is more representative of true property value provided the office is run without the appearance of impropriety. Roads in unincorporated areas must be maintained, paved and plowed. It should represent those who often are neglected like the disabled and shut-in. When the township fails or cannot provide for those areas for which it was intended, then its existence in terms of value to the citizen should be reviewed.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?The degree of involvement of government in our lives is probably the most hotly contested political debate today. The primary responsibilities of township government as mandated by state law are as follows: property assessment, maintenance of roads and bridges, and aid to the needy. Beyond these roles, any additional roles of township government should be performed at the will and with the support of the majority of the township voters.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?The 2012 Operating Budget lists $2.5 million in future improvements. ($100K for Cemeteries, $1 million for Future Building Improvements, $500K for Future Paving and Equipment, $500K Future Cap Improvements under Park Maintenance.) These discretionary items need to be reviewed prior to any approved expenditure. Presently, the township is obligated to the YMCA lease for several rooms at the YMCA at a cost of 1.5 million dollars. With the purchase in 2011 of the old post office, the YMCA lease should be reviewed and terminated if possible.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'm a 35 year Sr. Manager with a distinguished career building organizations, developing management teams and significantly improving operational performance. I'm skilled in managing the efforts and activities of people, capital, and equipment resources to reduce costs, improve productivity, and enhance operating efficiencies. Though the years I've developed exceptional leadership abilities with the capacity to build, train and mentor. Through my experience, I developed and strengthened required competencies such as strategic vision, leadership, communication and organizational skills, which have proven to be critical assets in developing a positive work environment, managing people, and exceeding team goals.