Thomas Allen: Candidate profile

Bio

Thomas (Tom) Allen

City: Lakewood

Office sought: Trustee, McHenry County College board of trustees

Age: 63

Family: Wife - Jen; Children - Craig, Lisa, Claire, Lindsey and Mackenzie

Occupation: Retired Lieutenant Firefighter/Paramedic

Education: Associate of Science in Fire Science

Civic involvement: In addition to my role of Trustee on the McHenry County College board of trustees, I am involved with several community organizations. I volunteer with the Emergency Disaster Services of the Salvation Army, and also ring the bell every holiday season. I serve as President of the Brighton Oaks Homeowners' Association and as Vice President of the Northern Illinois Beekeepers Association. I'm also a member of the alumni committee for the Friends of McHenry County College Foundation. Previously I served on Leadership Greater McHenry County's alumni committee, as President of the Harvest Run Homeowners' Association, and on the Board of A Warrior's Mind. I also volunteered as a driver for Faith in Action, as a cook at Willow Creek Community Church, and as a "Big" in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County's lunchtime program.

Previous elected offices held: Trustee, MCC

Incumbent? If yes, when were you first elected? Yes. I was appointed in January 2018

Facebook: https:/www.facebook.com/Tom-Allen-McHenry-County-College-Trustee-765347153844091/

Issue questions

Describe your vision for the primary role of a community college.

In my view, the primary role of any community college is to provide affordable and valuable learning opportunities to the residents of its district in order to drive the development of tomorrow's workforce. Whether it's to prepare a student to transfer to a four-year university, to help an individual get a promotion or a better career, or to deliver vocational training, community colleges should offer access to courses and services that provide its residents with a solid foundation that allows them to succeed in a competitive job market.

How well is your community college fulfilling that role? What changes, if any, need to be made?

I believe MCC is doing an outstanding job fulfilling the role of a community college. I don't believe any specific changes need to be made, but in this rapidly changing world the college needs to remain vigilant to ensure the courses and services it provides continue to meet the demands of a globally competitive workforce.

Are you currently employed by or retired from a school district, if so, which one? Is any member of your direct family - spouse, child or child-in-law - employed by the school district where you are seeking a school board seat?

I served as adjunct faculty at McHenry County College in the Fire Science program from 1985 to 2006.

Is a tax rate increase needed and, if so, how do you justify it?

I do not believe a tax increase is needed at this time, or in the foreseeable future. The college has been a good steward of our tax dollars and with continued prudent management I believe it can continue to grow and prosper without increasing taxes.

Community colleges provide many services to a diverse population. Is there a service your college should be providing that it is not, or reaching a segment of the population that it is not?

I think the college has done an excellent job in providing countless services to our community and in reaching all segments of the population, but more can always be done. The college has reduced some geographic and socioeconomic barriers through, for example, the addition of online courses that provide access to those who cannot attend classes on-site. It has partnered with geographically distant high schools to create programs that facilitate student attendance. Partnering with the Friends of McHenry County College, tens of thousands of dollars of scholarships are provided annually to students who may not otherwise be able to afford the cost of tuition. These are just a few of the many examples of the college's efforts to identify underserved and underrepresented segments of the population and remove obstacles to access. That said, the college should continue to explore creative and fiscally responsible ways to knock down the barriers to higher education. I want everyone in McHenry County who wishes to continue their education or develop themselves further to be able to do so through MCC, and I look forward to being a continued part of that effort if elected!