Kontstanitnos "Gus" Leventis: 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.addisontwpgop.comOffice sought: Addison Township Board (4-year Terms)Age: 31Family: Single, never married. Son of Toni, and the late Emmanuel Leventis. Brother to Alex(wife Dina) and Eirene.Occupation: Journeyman Wireman Electrician.Education: Served my Apprentiship with IBEW Local #134/ NECA Technical Institute. Became a Construction Journeyman Wireman in 2008Civic involvement: Past President, Stratford Trails Owners Association. Past Vice President, New Samian Society. Past Politacal Action Chairman, DuPage County Young Republicans. Current Treasurer, DuPage Rupublican National Hispanic Association.Elected offices held: Addison Township Trustee, 2006-presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoneCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 To continue to enhance the services we provide to those residing in Addison Township at no additional cost to taxpayers while budgeting within Township means. I do not believe in out of control spending. At the end of the day, one of my responsibilities is to ensure that the Township'scheckbook? is balanced and that there is not a negative balance.Key Issue 2 To provide more services for our generations. As a board, we pride ourselves with the senior programs our staff work so hard to manage effectively. I would like to implement more programs to help seniors stay active and involved within the community. While the Baby Boomer generation ages towards retirement, I would like to gather information from their own thoughts and ideas of what would help improve their everyday life, in order to introduce new programs. Also, I would like to see our township host events for adults with physical and mental disabilities, as I feel that this demographic is often forgotten. I believe we could work with existing local agencies to effectively transition these individuals to a more independent living style. As for our future generations, I would like to enhance our existing Food Pantry and Clothes Closet for mothers and their children. Diapers, formula, and gently used clothing will help provide the tools necessary to nourish their family.Key Issue 3 With such advances in technology, we must adapt to the needs of the Township and provide more accessible services. We could offer to the community online versions of many of our paper forms and other aids through our existing web site.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. The current Board and I, believe in not wasting tax dollars nor the thought of raising taxes. We will continue to assess our budget in order to enhance programs that need growth, and reduce programs that are becoming obsolete. We have not raised taxes in this Township for nearly 20 years, and would like to continue that tradition for another 20 more. We believe taxpayers are fed up with out of control spending from other taxing bodies and also on spending that go unnoticed. We as a Board believe we owe it to the taxpayers to show them where their tax dollars go. Great roads, top notch services, and an open mind to enable growth within the community. 2. Educate, Educate, Educate! Township Government has many great programs that available for community members. Just about every other day, I run into someone that doesn't really know what Township Government does for them. Our senior programs and events, help bring seniors together and provides assistance in all aspects of their lives. With the help of community donations, our Clothes Closet is always in season and bringing in stylish new cloths for any event, meeting, or interview. 3. Ethics and Accountability. We as a Township Board must continue in the promises we made. We all swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America as well as the Constitution of the State of Illinois. We owe it to the men and women that elected us to office. I, just like my fellow Board Members, pledge to you that we will continue to uphold that promise we made.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 primary function of Township government is general assistance, property assessment, and road and bridge maintenance. We already provide that and much, much, more. Our senior Dial a Ride program has seen growth since many municipalities in the area cannot accommodate such a program in their budgets. Our Electronic Recycling Program has been recycling items by the semi-truck loads since municipalities will not provide this service. Our Clothes Closet has a section for perspective job applicants to choose business and/or business casual clothes for interviews. I have not yet heard of a municipality that does this in Addison Township or surronding areas. Our Senior Event and Holiday Christmas Party for families in need, provides a warm meal and caring hearts at no cost to taxpayers. All families at the Holiday Party leave with presents to place under their tree and a meal fit for a king, to cook in the comforts of their home, all thanks to donations from the community. That is why Township Government is the oldest form of government in the U.S. of A. that is closest to the people and community. We care about our community.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?According to State Statue we have three primary responsibilities: general assistance, property assessment, and road and bridge maintenance. I would like to continue being proactive with innovative new programs that our community needs. In knowing how efficiently we manage the services already available, at a cost much less than other municipalities, I believe we as a part of township government can grow with the community.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?When we do find programs that we as a Board can trim and eliminate, we do. We have already voted and eleminated the benefits to Trustees. In some Board positions, we have voted for no pay raises while other positions have even been affected by pay cuts. We urge staff to do their part in saving tax payer's dollars by reducing postage and turning off computers and lights when not at their desks. All of us on the Board are doing our part in "trimming the fat". We don't just talk about it. We do it.What specific background or experience do you bring that makes you the best qualified candidate to serve as an elected official in the township?As a local business owner, I know you have to have a balanced checkbook and not spend where there is no money. As a construction worker, I learned how hard it is to help build a strong community. As a Trustee, I will continue to incorporate those life lessons, plus many more learned to help the Township and community grow. I have been blessed and humbled with serving you for past seven years and wish to continue serving you as one of your Township Trustees.