Randy Abbott: 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 Highway Commissioner (4-year Term)Age: 40Family: I am married with two children, Kiersten and James, and another on the way. My wife and I were both born and raised here in Lake Zurich. We both attended and graduated from Lake Zurich High School.Occupation: Currently in transition between streets and sanitation.Education: High School DiplomaCivic involvement: St. Peter United Church of Christ Men's Fellowship Buliding and Grounds CommitteeElected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: Yes. It was approximately 16 years ago my ex-wife and I got into an argument which led to her yelling and getting physical with me. I tried to just back away from her while she was striking me but I couldn?t. Someone in the apartment building must have heard her yelling and screaming at me and called the police. When I finally was able to get away, I immediately went to get my daughter and started to leave. When I opened the door, the police were there and asked if they could enter, and I agreed. One officer entered, and the other followed me out. I walked to my car, and the officer asked me not to leave. The next thing I knew the officer was telling me that I was under arrest based upon the statement that my wife (at the time) had given. I denied doing anything and showed to the officer all of the bruises and bite marks I had on my arms. I bailed myself out and went to stay with my parents, since I wasn't allowed back to my apartment. After I was formally charged I retained a lawyer for the case and pled not guilty to the charges. Upon advice from my lawyer, in order to avoid added expenses and possibly multiple court appearances, and after he had discussions with the Assistant States Attorney, he advised me to enter a negotiated guilty plea to battery. I was placed on one year court supervision, that ended in 1997, and paid $100 fine plus court costs. I was also sent to an anger management program that I completed without any problem. Since this happened, I have re-married, gained sole custody of my daughter, maintained employment with Ela Township for an additional 15 years, and never have had any other issues with the law.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The Budget. The current Ela Township budget has overestimated expenses by over $1 million. The outcome to this is that the Ela Township residents are overtaxed to create this surplus.Key Issue 2 Maintaining open communication. I plan to work with other governmental agencies, and build a stronger relationship with the residents of Ela Township by listening to the people. As Highway Commissioner I plan on attending regular Homeowner Association Meetings and neighboring Village's Board meetings to ensure that the needs of all Ela Township residents are being met.Key Issue 3 The Salary, the current Highway Commissioner has received a nearly 4% raise annually over these last 4 years. Considering the economic hardships our country has endured I feel that this is un-necessary and injustice to the residents of Ela Township. I plan on rescinding 12% of the Highway Commissioner's current salary.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.The 3 most important goals this board should tackle are 1.) Evaluate the current budget and utilize the money appropriately. Ela Township should not have such a significant surplus. 2) Communication and accountability to the residents of Ela Township. 3) Code of Ethics for the elected officials of Ela Township. It is important to be able to work collaboratively for the greater good of the residents of Ela Township.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?The need for Township government and its role depends on the community that it's in. Communities such as Ela Township for example, which is made up primarily of smaller villages that either do not have the personnel or resources to have their own Public Works, the Township Highway Department can serve a vital role to provide reliable service at a reduced cost in a timely manner.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?The responsibility of Township government is to provide assistance to the needy, maintenance of unincorporated roads/bridges, and assessment of property. Township government should also work with and among the people to secure the future of our community.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?I don't see any reason to trim or eliminate any programs that the Township has. The overall budget is overinflated causing a surplus of money, therefore there are multiple areas of the budget that need to be evaluated. Reducing the surplus in the budget will reduce the tax burden on everyone in the Township.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 18 years experience working for the Ela Township Highway Department. Eight of those years I was foreman, the highest non-elected position. As foreman I handled all of the Highway Commissioner's responsibilities in his absence. These responsibilities included providing accurate information for County and Township Records, determining quantity and cost of road supplies needed and coordinating with neighboring Villages and Townships (equipment and man power). I know where the Township Highway Department was when I started and I know the potential it holds in the future. I look forward to the opportunity to work with and among the people of Ela Township.