Betty Zirk: 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: HuntleyWebsite: NoneOffice sought: Grafton Township Board (4-year Terms)Age: 87Family: My husband passed away 9 years ago. We have a son, three daughters, 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildrenOccupation: Retired bookkeeperEducation: 2 years collegeCivic involvement: I am currently a volunteer treasurer for Trinity Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Preschool, Huntley American Legion, and Grafton Food Pantry. Not only treasurer but active in each. Also, an election judge.Elected offices held: Grafton Township trustee for 14 yearsHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The financial status of the township. Eliminate deficit spending and return the township to a surplus position without increasing taxes.Key Issue 2 Stop all legal suits. Eliminate unnecessary legal costs.Key Issue 3 After the deficit spending has been eliminated, concentrate on expanding services that will benefit the taxpayers of Grafton Township.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.Finances: I believe that it will take the next four years to get the township back on track. Stop all legal suits. These costs have created the shortage of funds. Services to the people of the township. Expand and hopefully add services.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 road districts will probably change to collecting (drop-off) obsolete electronic equipment, paint, batteries, etc. Some of the suburban townships are already doing this.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Assessing properties. Maintaining roads. Aiding the needy.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?No legal suits. If everyone on the board does their job properly, there will be no need for lawsuits or legal costs.What specific background or experience do you bring that makes you the best qualified candidate to serve as an elected official in the township?For many years, I was a bookkeeper for private business. With this experience, I can and have been assisting in the finances of the township levies, budgets and internal audits. Except these last four years, the supervisor does not allow the trustee to the records.