James Healy: Candidate Profile

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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:BioQA Bio City: NapervilleWebsite: electhealy.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: DuPage County Board District 5 Age: 59Family: Wife - Beverly (nee Long)David (23), Eric (18), Alayna (14)Occupation: AttorneyEducation: Juris Doctor (1993)John Marshall Law SchoolCum LaudeBachelors Degree (1982)Urban Planning - Political ScienceElmhurst CollegeIntn'l City Manager's Assoc. (1982)Certificate of City ManagementElmhurst CollegeCivic involvement: DuPage Co. Board Northeast Illinois Planning CommissionCo. Forest Preserve Commissioner Alderman - Des Plaines, Illinois Aurora Econ. Development CommissionAdjunct Faculty - Elmhurst CollegeBoy/Cub Scouts Naper Settlement BoardHomeowners Confederation Municipal League - Illinois Counties Association (Sec/Treasurer)NACOTransportation Chair Aviation ChairHighway ChairReauthorization Task Force Large Urban County CaucusGreen County Task Force International Economic Task Force National Association of Regional Councils - Board Naperville Development Partnership Chamber of Commerce (Aurora Naperville)Naper DaysVeterans FoundationExchange Club Parks Foundation (President)Seize the Future Devel. F'ndation Save our Doughboy CommitteeChildren's Center BoardElected offices held: DuPage County Board - District 5(1996 - Present)DuPage County Forest Preserve(1998 - 2000)Alderman - City of DesPlaines(1987 - 1993)(Many other non-elected positions.)Questions Answers What is your stance on county board members' pay? Is it too high, too low, or just right? Would you propose any changes?Being a County Board Member requires a time commitment of over 1,000 hours per year, with the majority of time spent weekdays from 8am to 6pm. My average yearly time commitment has exceeded 1,200 hours per year, and my salary at my regular employment is reduced proportionately. Accordingly, the salary for County Board Member is commensurate with the commitment required for the position. During trying economic times I worked to push through changes, reducing the salary of Board Members by over 8%. The 2% pay increase scheduled for 2017, is the first increase in over 10 years.Do you think county board members should receive pensions? Why or why not? If not, would you be willing to pledge not to take one?This issue has already been addressed by the State Legislature this last session, eliminating pensions for new County Board Members. However, because of typical Springfield politics, the new law only affects County Board members, while other part time elected officials, such as the State Legislators themselves, and municipal, township and park district elected officials are still able to sign up for a pension. The new law requires anyone eligible for a pension document they are working over 1,000 hours per year, or loose eligibility. I support going back to Springfield, and making ALL elected officials subject to this law.With DuPage County's budget being squeezed by state funding cuts and other factors, what initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?We can continue reducing our costs through efficiencies from "shared services" with others, technology advances and planning. As Chairman of Public Works, I pushed our new "Vactor Station" saving the County, and local communities, several hundred thousand dollars in just 2 years; and our installation of new technologies and buying procedures reduced utility costs by $5 million in 10 years, and our carbon footprint by over 30%. As Vice Chairmen of Transportation, we pushed through joint buying contracts for road salt, street lighting and other items, saving millions of dollars for the County and others over the last 5 years.What are your thoughts about the county's Accountability, Consolidation and Transparency Initiative? What role should DuPage play in efforts to streamline and consolidate local government?The ACT initiative was a long time coming, but worth the wait. We worked with a "lighting district" and absorbed their functions; the County now provides better service at a lower cost. In Public Works, I'm working with several sanitary districts to determine if it makes sense to fold them into the County system. The key to our success has been to work "with" others. I am confident if we continue working "with" other entities we will make great strides in reducing the layers of government, and provide County taxpayers with better services at a greatly reduced cost.What initiatives, if any, do you have in mind for your specific county board district?Maintaining, improving and expanding our transportation network will continue being a top priority. Reducing traffic congestion, installing more right and left turn lanes, expanding access to commuter rail and a viable bus rapid transit system are all part of this plan. Continuing my efforts on railroad safety on both the local and national level will continue to occupy my time. Continuing efforts to prevent flooding, and expanding our open lands are two concerns that run hand in hand. Continuing efforts to create a positive economic environment to bring more companies to DuPage, further expanding the job opportunities here.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Continue my efforts to expand the County's trails system. I proposed the Southern DuPage Regional Trail, and it has been rewarding to see how the trail has provided area residents with access to other regional trails, schools, parks, forest preserves, businesses and commuter rail centers. I would like to complete this trail's connects into the Prairie Path, Gilmore Trail in Aurora and locations in Cook and Will County. I would like to continue our efforts to make the majority of our fleet of cars a "Green Fleet", similar to what I accomplished when I was on the Forest Preserve.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Hon. Judge William Bauer, 7th Circuit Court of AppealsWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Any job that is worth doing, is worth doing right. So roll up your sleeves and get going.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Never to think about "do overs" in my life. Look forward and not at what could have been.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Urban Planning in College. It has given me a very practical bases for my views and approach to government.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Don't run for elected office unless you are prepared to put in the time and tell people the truth - which makes some people unhappy.