Ruth O'Connell: 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: Arlington HeightsWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Wheeling Township Board (4-year Terms)Age: 71Family: Married to Frank 47 years; two sons one daughter; 12 grandchildrenOccupation: Homemaker and Wheeling Township TrusteeEducation: NIU AlumnaCivic involvement: Republican Committeeman of Wheeling Twp. GOP Precinct Captain Volunteer in church nursery Extensive volunteer work in community before attaining officeElected offices held: Wheeling Twp. Trustee, 2001- Republican Committeeman, 2006-Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Running on my record of providing the best services at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers. I have been in the forefront of trimming the township budget to prevent tax increases and achieve proper stewardship of tax dollars.Key Issue 2 See #1Key Issue 3 Taxpayers come first for me.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.Balance the budget. Involve more volunteers. Ensure that senior citizens, who have paid taxes all their lives and invested in making this community desirable to young families, are provided cost-effective services they need.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?None of the municipalities have exhibited interest in further annexations over the past few years. Township government provides to all the residents in the township services which the municipalities do not want to take over.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Our responsibilities are established by state law. I would prefer that the General Assembly return to us the functions of tax assessment and collection and expand the services of the township clerk, so our residents could depend less on Cook County, but that is not up to me.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?l. Township officials have refused any proposal to raise our pay. 2. Examine social service agencies to be sure they are delivering actual service to actual township residents in the proportion of their funding by Wheeling Township. 3. Examine the potential for foundation grants.What specific background or experience do you bring that makes you the best qualified candidate to serve as an elected official in the township?My focus on lowest possible cost in serving taxpayers and my proven ability to work with elected officials throughout the township and the northest suburbs.