Donald Puchalski: 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: AddisonWebsite: http://www.donpuchalski.comOffice sought: DuPage County board District 1Age: 58Family: Wife - Ginny Puchalski 2 daughters - Katie and Jill PuchalskiOccupation: Attorney DuPage County Board CommissionerEducation: DePaul University - Bachelor of Arts John Marshall Law School - Juris DoctorateCivic involvement: National Advocates Society Illinois Bar Association Chicago Bar Association DuPage Bar Association Shriner/Mason Kiwanis ClubElected offices held: DuPage County Board Commissioner (2005 to present) Addison School Board District 4 (1998 to October 2005) Addison Police Pension Board (2002 to 2010) Addison Township Trustee (2005)Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Taxes and spending Reduce spending and reduce the tax burden during these tough times.Key Issue 2 Balanced budget; no deficit spendingKey Issue 3 Transparency - put all bids, contracts, and payments online.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 want to keep DuPage fiscally conservative and reduce spending. Reduce the use of "exempt" professional services and open up this process by reverse bidding.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?Review of all contracts after 5 years. Open the process for professional or exempt services.How can the county best manage its growth, growing diversity?By keeping its financial house in order, reduce spending, and taxes.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, I attended 85% of all meetings. Those missed were due to illness or vacation.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?The pay has been reduced and frozen for several years. I have returned part of my salary to the County and provided some to DuPage charities.