Donald E. Puchalski: 2022 candidate for DuPage County Board District 1
Bio
Party: Republican
Office sought: DuPage County Board District 1
City: Addison
Age: 68
Occupation: Attorney
Previous offices held: Addison School District 4 board member
Q&A
Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?
I am running for re election. The issue in DuPage County is quality of life. Residents want good schools and save neighborhoods. This election is about public safety. A right to safe and peaceful living in DuPage. I have the support of our tough on crime states attorney and sheriff. DuPage is tough on crime and that must continue. Criminals should be prosecuted and serious offenses do not deserve I bonds. We will have a new Chairman. I am chairman of transportation, collective bargaining, impact fee and vice chair of judicial public safety. Our new chairman will need those with experience.
If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?
I work well with both Republicans and Democrats. I am for public safety and making DuPage a very safe place to live, work and shop. I did not support the drastic criminal rights laws from Springfield. On three occasions I supported action for the Governor to repeal HB3653. This will cost DuPage residents millions in unfunded mandates and makes DuPage less safe. These laws are soft on crime, limit the ability of our sheriff and states attorney to fight serious crime.
Describe your position regarding the balance between county spending and revenues as it exists today, then describe the chief threats you see looming and how the county should deal with them.
DuPage County lives within its means and balances its budget. Sales tax is up significantly due to inflation. We need to maintain a strong cash reserve. I oppose raising property taxes. Like a family must live within their means so must DuPage County. We have to be ready for any COVID related issues and a drop in sales tax.
How do you rate the county government on transparency and the public's access to records? If it's adequate, explain why. If you think improvements are needed, delineate them.
I believe DuPage is very transparent. Our check book is online. I support all meetings being online. All budgets and expenses are online. I want to put everything online so FOIAs are not necessary. Full disclosure is good government
What, if anything, should be done to improve automation and customer service in county offices? What steps should be taken to make that happen?
Public access should be easy. All public documents and records should be able to be printed out at no fee or cost.