Sandra Porch: 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: Wood DaleWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Wood Dale City Treasurer (4-year Term)Age: 73Family: SingleOccupation: Retired from the University of Illinois at Chicago after 33 years working in various management positions.Education: Bachelor of Arts from Northeastern Illinois University 1985Civic involvement: Past President of Georgetown West Improvement Association, Dominion Road Association and Villas of Dominion townhome Association. Past Treasurer of Dominion Plaza1 Homeowners Association Current Treasurer of Dominion Homeowners Association and Villas of Dominion Townhome Association.Elected offices held: None.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Having acted as treasurer for several non-profit organizations as well as being the executor of a trust, has given me valuable experience in handling financial matters. As a resident of Wood Dale since 1977, I feel it is time for me to share this experience with the City of Wood Dale. My reputation for honesty, budgeting and working with others to get the most value for the dollar will be a benefit to Wood Dale if I am elected its treasurer. While keeping in mind the concerns and needs of all the residents, I feel it is vital to work as a team member with the financial staff, mayor and council members in order to maintain the City of Wood Dale's outstanding financial status.Key Issue 2 In these tough economy times, we are all concerned about the possibility of tax and fee increases. With that in mind, my primary goal will be to review spending and stay within the budget. Additionally, working to keep city services and taxes affordable for all residents and small businesses of Wood Dale will be one of my top priorities.Key Issue 3 Another significant concern is the continued growth of the $18 million police pension plan. I would make it a priority to keep a close eye on it and review the funding allocation in its various investments.Questions Answers What makes you the best candidate for the job?My experience working with nonprofit organizations, including a executor of a trust; my reputation for honesty, budgeting and working well with others obtaining the most value for the dollar. I believe these qualities make me the best candidate for Treasurer of Wood Dale.Given the delicate balance between the need for revenue and over-taxing local businesses, what is your opinion of your community's present level of local sales taxes? Is the tax just right, too low or too high? Explain.The local sales tax of the surrounding communities and Wood Dale are comparable. It is always a challenge to keep the taxes as low as possible to attract businesses. Additionally, keeping the taxes low and attracting new business will benefit all the residents. With good budgeting, we can keep our rates affordable.Talking with your friends and neighbors, what seems to be their biggest public safety concern? Explain the concern as you see it, and discuss how you think it should be addressed.Most of the safety concerns expressed is the need for more police officers. It is always a challenge to replace retired staff and hiring staff to meet the needs of Wood Dale. By keeping communication lines open between the surrounding community police departments, our community can benefit from shared information in case staffing is an issue.In these tight economic times, municipal budgets have to be prioritized. Where, if anywhere, could the current budget be trimmed, and conversely, are there areas the budget does not give enough money to?In order for the city to maintain and enhance the community, a good budget is necessary. Monitoring, evaluating and prioritizing the projects in a timely manner can help to keep within the budget. Additionally, having a well-funded reserve for those emergency expenditures is always a concern.What's one good idea you have to better the community that no one is talking about yet?The City of Wood Dale is a very friendly, will managed small community. I will do my upmost to get our residents more involved with the community through the various programs offered by the city and other agencies. Our residents are important and I will be responsive to their needs where possible.