Elizabeth Chaplin: 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: Downers GroveWebsite: http://lizchaplin1.blogspot.comOffice sought: DuPage County board District 2Age: 47Family: Married, three children ages 16, 14 and 12Occupation: Accounts PayableEducation: High School GraduateCivic involvement: In 2001, I was a strong champion for Downers Grove families facing with a public health crisis due to polluted well water. I worked tirelessly with DuPage County, the Village of Downers Grove, the Illinois EPA ,and the DuPage Water Commission to find a workable solution to this complex problem. As a result of my involvement, DuPage County Board Chairman Robert J. Schillerstrom appointed me to the DuPage Water Commission in 2002 and again in 2004. I was one of the first Water Commission member?s to sound the alarm on the commission?s financial mismanagement. Later, a forensic audit confirmed my warnings and praised me for my efforts. More recently I worked to defend the integrity of the Downers Grove Gardens neighborhood against a proposed commercial intrusion that would have lowered property values, increased traffic and compromised the safety of neighborhood streets. Following months of organized protests by citizens who had shared concerns, the petitioners pulled their plans, recognizing the legitimacy of many of the concerns we raised. I served as Second VP of the Indian Trail PTA. Past member of the Downers Grove Junior Women?s Club. Past Religious Education Teacher at St. Joseph?s Church. Past President of the Midwest Ballet Theatre.Elected offices held: Appointed DuPage Water Commissioner.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Trim the costs of County Government. End pensions and health benefits for County Board members. Work to cut the County Board member salaries in half. Eliminate perks and hidden benefits for connected insiders.Key Issue 2 Enact tough County ethics reforms. End the practice of single bid contracts. Introduce a Responsible Bidder Program. Enhance transparency for all County Government and require any entity that receives subsidies from DuPage County to post their budgets online and abide by the Freedom of Information Act.Key Issue 3 Enforce strict fiscal discipline necessary to accomplish the County's core mission. Protect the safety, health, welfare and property values of DuPage County citizens. Provide costs effective and compassionate social services. Promote economic development serving the best interest of all citizens.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?My entry into DuPage County politics has evolved as a result of concern not design. I believe that we need leaders that are going to work for the citizens not for themselves and not for connected insiders.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?Although not an elected official I was an appointed official for 8 years. I have a proven record of leadership. My success in working with prominent people, office holders and organizations at the local, county and state levels provides an established network necessary to continue my efforts for the citizens of District 2 and the entire county.How can the county best manage its growth, growing diversity?The DuPage County Board itself is lacking diversity. I believe one of the best ways to manage growing diversity is have a diverse board.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?I am aware of the attendance of the county board members. I do believe that the majority of the members attendance records are poor. While serving on the DuPage Water Commission I had a 90% attendance record. Please keep in mind that I received 600.00 per year for serving as a DuPage Water Commissioner.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?As noted above I believe the salaries are too high. I would purpose a reduction by half of the current salary. I will not accept a pension or health benefits. I will also work to eliminate pensions and benefits for part time DuPage County elected officials.