Dirk Enger: 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: WinfieldWebsite: http://www.engercounty6.orgOffice sought: DuPage County board District 6Age: 51Family: Married to wife Trudy, we have four sons ages 10-16Occupation: Union IronworkerEducation: US Marine Corp 1983-86 Desert Shield/Desert Storm 1990-91 Nuclear and Biological certification, Quantico, VA Anti Terrorist certification, Quantico, VA Civil Distubance certification, Quantico, VACivic involvement: Knights of Columbus 4th degree- St. Johns Dupage Marine Corp League VFW member Post 1197 American Legion Cantigny Post Illinois Support our troops Co founder Midwest Shelter for homeless Veterans DuPage honor flight foundation Board member Dupage Memorial Board, Board member Volunteer SCARCE Wounded Warriors Foundation Volunteer for Catholic CharitiesElected offices held: Dupage County Board District 6 -2008-presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Job creation and job sustainability.Key Issue 2 Continue to improve county government's response to the needs of residents and municipalities.Key Issue 3 Continue to encourage that all county contracts or bids have budgets that are fiscally responsible for tax payers money.Questions Answers 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? If so, what?I'm running for re election because I firmly believe and have practiced through actions that "Government exists to serve the people." We have made huge strides these past 4 years that I have been on the board, there is still much work to be done to insure that these are not just words for the residents of DuPage County. I would like to continue working for solutions to insure a better quality of life for all.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 have shown that by working in a bi partisan way, we can accomplish a lot on the board. For 3 years we have passed a smaller, balanced budget and doubled our reserve fund. I have helped to bring millions of dollars back to District 6 in infrastructure projects and stormwater. The CDBG grant fund for District 6 has doubled since I was elected onto the committee. I was one of the only board members who led the charge to dissolve the Technology park board, thus saving millions of dollars. We increased the Human services grant in 2009 from $500,000 to $1,000,000 and have helped over 42 Dupage Charities with this grant. I helped to find funding for SCARCE organization. I helped to keep Navistar in DuPage County I helped to stop the clear cutting by ComEd of the Great Western Trail in 2010.How can the county best manage its growth, growing diversity?The County needs to listen to the residents on their needs and concerns and work closely with all mucnicipalities and chamber of commerces. The economic development committee continues to upgrade the county's strategic growth initiative plan quarterly. I make sure the development doesn't affect the quality of life of existing residents just for growth. We have improved and ammended numerous ordinances and ZBA guidelines.If incumbent, are you satisied your attendance at county board/committee meetings has been adequate? Describe the rough percentage of meetings you've attended. If non-incumbent, are you aware of the incumbent's attandance record and is it adequate?Yes, According to the most recent Better Government Association report, I have the highest attendance rate of all board members,at 94.7%. I will continue to work to improve that.What is your stance on county board members' pay? Too high, too low, just right? Would you propose any changes? Do you think county board members should receive pensions? If not, would be willing to pledge not to take one?After taking a 6 1/2% pay cut, the salary seems fair for now, but I am open to cutting it if needed. Board members should keep a written log of meetings outside of the county board building to justify their hours. I feel that all board members should attend at least 6 townhall meetings per month in their District. There needs to be a stronger ethics policy for County Board elected officials. The pension I have never taken since being on the board and I plan to keep my campaign promise to never take a pension on this board. I do not feel that pensions should be offered to county board members.