Theresa Cockrell: 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: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Downers Grove Township Assessor (4-year Term)Age: 59Family: Candidate did not respond.Occupation: Downers Grove Township AssessorEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Candidate did not respond.Elected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 To provide good and friendly service to the citizens of the Township, to educate taxpayers about the assessment process and how they can to continue to improve the automation of the assessment process and resources available.Key Issue 2 Candidate did not respond.Key Issue 3 Candidate did not respond.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.Candidate did not respond.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?A Township is responsible for the entire assessment process, the unincorporated roadways and short-term relief for those in need. There are several other social services that no other government provides. Some township programs are taught at our local school, such as anti-drug and anti-bullying, while others are offered to senior citizens in the Township. Since it has been proven Township government is very cost-effective, possibly Township government should oversee some municipal and county responsibilities for greater continuity.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?The responsibility of a Township should be as provided in statute and allowed by the State.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?In Downers Grove Township, we have worked as a team to keep costs down. I commend the Supervisor and Trustee Board for trimming the budget while keeping the Township viable.What specific background or experience do you bring that makes you the best qualified candidate to serve as an elected official in the township?I have 38 years of experience in the Assessor's Office and have served as Assessor since 1983. During these years, I have attended over 500 class hours in assessing and am a Licensed Appraiser in Illinois as well.