John Valle: 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: Oakbrook TerraceWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: York Township Supervisor (4-year Term)Age: 61Family: Married to Mariann 33 years 2 Children Jess 30, Angela 23 2 GrandchildrenOccupation: York Township SupervisorEducation: Lake Park High School, College of DuPage, Township Officials of Illinois General Assistance Training Institute, State of Illinois Government Leadership Training, F.E.M.A. Emergency Management InstituteCivic involvement: Oakbrook Terrace Lions Club, Past-President and 3 times Lion of the Year; Chairman Emeritus, DuPage County Crimestoppers; Board Member, Illinois State Crime Commission/Police Athletic League; Member, Elmhurst Elks Lodge #1531 and American Legion Post #187; Elmhurst Masonic Lodge #941; Medinah Shriners; Illinois Department of Human Services Advisory Board; DuPage County Young Republicans Past Member; Former Board Member of High School District 88 Advisory Board.Elected offices held: York Township Trustee (2004-2005); President, Oakbrook Terrace Fire Protection District (2001-2004); Alderman, City of Oakbrook Terrace (1989-2001); York Township Republican Committeemen Precinct #19 (1990-Present)Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: Candidate did not respond.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Meeting the needs of our community during the present economic downturn.Key Issue 2 Maintaining and improving existing programs and services in a cost effective manner.Key Issue 3 Continuation of long range planning and capital improvement programs.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.1. Public Service-we must continue to expand and enhance social services because the need is greater than ever for these programs and we can do so by continuing our efforts we have put forth during the last 8 years. 2. Fiscal Responsibility-during these uncertain economic times it is imperative that we continue to balance the budget by effectively controlling expenditures. Our record shows we can accomplish this objective. 3. Capital Improvement-even though it is difficult during this current economic climate we will continue to improve Township property and facilities. We have shown our ability to achieve the goals we have set for the Township.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 need for Township government has never been greater. In the current economic climate the need for the services we provide is expanding and evolving to include not only low-income families but our ever growing senior citizen population as well.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Townships in Illinois have three mandated functions: 1. General Assistance for the indigent, 2. Assessment of property, and 3. Maintenance of Roads and Bridges outside federal, state and other jurisdiction. We also perform additional services including but not limited to senior citizen programs, youth programs, disabled assistance and health services.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?In these hard economic times it is more important than ever to expand and enhance township programs and services to meet the needs of the community. In order to do so without raising taxes we must develop new revenue streams to help fund those programs and services. To that end we have formed Friends of York Township a 501c3 not-for profit organization to raise funds and community awareness so that we may improve the qulaity of life of senior citizens, low income families and at risk youth in York Township. Additionally, our community outreach public relations program has allowed us to continue to operate our food pantry solely on private contributions and in kind donations by individuals, organizations and corporations. We continue to economize by cross-training employees to multi-task thereby expanding their job descriptions and accomplishing more work with less people. We have also expanded our use of volunteeers to help keep up with the increased demand for programs and services.What specific background or experience do you bring that makes you the best qualified candidate to serve as an elected official in the township?My 25 years of proven experience as an active leader in our community including the last eight years as Supervisor during which time I have cut the budget, controlled spending and improved Township finances to a more sound and stable position with a fiscally responsible cash reserve. I am dedicated to making government work honestly and responsibly for all the residents of York Township.