Connie von Keudell: 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: HampshireWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Hampshire fire protectionAge: 52Family: My husband and I live in Hampshire. I have two sons serving in the Army, my daughter lives locally. attends ECC and works part time. I am new grandmother of twin girls.Occupation: Illinois Secretary of State.Education: High School, ECC.Civic involvement: VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Eagles Club-Gilberts, Kane County Republican Party, Precinct Committeewoman, Vice Chairperson of the Western Township Republican Party, and President of the Kane County Women's GOP.Elected offices held: Precinct Committeewoman-Hampshire One and current Trustee, Hampshire Fire Protection District.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 To ensure taxpayer dollars that fund the District are spent wisely and always with the public interest in mind. As elected Trustees, our fiduciary duty is to the public, not necessarily the individual employees of Fire Department. Recognizing this, it is the employees who provide the service. Understanding their needs to do an outstanding job is paramount. Key Issue 2 Continued support of improvements within the fire district, while being cognizant of the current and long term needs of the community.Key Issue 3 Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?I am a 27-year resident of Hampshire and care about our community on a personal level. My previous experience on the Fire Protection District Board of Trustees is invaluable. I understand the workings of the organization and the interplay between the employees, local, county and state government. I have been certified by the Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts and by the Attorney General's Office as our FOIA officer.Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?See foregoing.Talking with your friends and neighbors, what seems to be their biggest fire safety concern? Explain the concern as you see it, and discuss how you think it should be addressed.We haven't had large residential fire in Hampshire in over ten years. However, as the need for providing services to the north of our community increases, the need for a fire station north of the railroad tracks to assure rapid response time is a big concern.In these tight economic times, budgets have to be prioritized. Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?This is often the subject of our board meetings. The press and public are always welcome to attend to see our daily and long term prioritization of budget items.Would you support sharing/pooling resources (i.e. printing, vehicles) with other local governments (school districts, village, etc.)? If so, what areas would you consider combining or merging to save money or improve efficiencySharing/pooling resources is not a new concept to the Hampshire Fire Protection District. We have mutual aid agreements with all of the surrounding villages and communities.