Kim Simmons: 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: Arlington Hts.Website: http://Dems4LowerTaxes.comOffice sought: Wheeling Township Board (4-year Terms)Age: 53Family: Married to John William Simmons, one child John Tyreese Hudson, Sr., one grandchild, John Tyreese Hudson, Jr.Occupation: Legal SecretaryEducation: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Election Judge for Cook County, Democratic Precinct Captain, volunteer for local campaignsElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: I was arrested in my youth for trespassing at my boyfriend's work after hours (late 70s) and for smoking on a subway train (early 80s) but both cases were thrown out of court and I was certainly never convicted of anything.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Reduce property taxes.Key Issue 2 Efficiently deliver services to taxpayers and residents which means cutting excess spending.Key Issue 3 Make Wheeling Township more responsive and transparent for the taxpayers.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. Reducing property taxes because the incumbents are overtaxing residents. The incumbents have built up excessive reserve funds for no good reason. That money should be used to responsibly reduce property taxes as efficiently as possible. The incumbents are also continuing to support the outdated Highway Commissioner position. If elected I will work to develop a sensible plan to transfer highway commission responsibilities to the township board either through a referendum or by encouraging neighboring municipalities to annex unincorporated areas. Wheeling Township only has 5.5 miles of road. Much of that area could be annexed by neighboring municipalities. Eliminating the highway commissioner position will help reduce layers of bureaucracy. And, once elected I will look at the elected officials? salaries and work to make sure they are in line with the amount of work they actually perform. 2. Efficiently deliver services to taxpayers and residents which means cutting excess spending. The Township budgets should be built around services. If it doesn't serve a purpose helping residents it shouldn't be in the budget. Once elected I will review budgets line by line and cut out unnecessary spending in order to focus on improving services for senior citizens, the disabled, those in need, veterans and job seekers. 3. Make Wheeling Township more responsive and transparent for the taxpayers. Create a Township Economic Council that helps businesses find resources and helps people find work. Make sure that information online is accurate and up to date so people know what's available and when. Use Internet apps to help residents learn about services and programs that they can use. Fix the township's office hours so it's more convenient for residents who work during the day. As it stands right now, if someone wants to donate food but they work full time they may not be able to get to the Township offices during open hours. Once elected I will do everything I can to make sure Wheeling Township is as efficient and responsible to residents as possible.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?What entity could absorb all the services currently being provided by our township government? Township government is the government closest to the people in the community. The main focus of townships should be on functions that help local residents and taxpayers. This means townships should meet those needs which are not currently served by overlapping towns or the county. But that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. After decades of being controlled by one-party rule Wheeling Township needs a fresh perspective to bring an independent look at the expenses and overhead costs. That way any savings can be re-prioritized so that the Township can focus on residents and taxpayers like veterans, the disabled, senior citizens, job seekers and others who might need a little temporary help.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Efficiently deliver vital services to seniors, veterans, disabled, people down on their luck and to property owners to meet needs which are not provided by any other government agencies. And, be advocates for residents so they can learn about resources that are already available to them but that they may not know about.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?1. Reasonable plans to get ready for eliminating the Township Highway Commission and elected Highway Commissioner position. With only 5 1/2 miles of unincorporated road Wheeling Township residents are paying one of the most expensive cost per mile rates in Cook County. Consolidating the highway functions into the Township board, as allowed by state law, will reduce layers of government. 2. Make sure the salaries and benefits of elected officials are based on the duties they perform and the hours they actually work. Reduce elected officials' pay as needed. 3. Cut expenses that aren't vital to the Township's core mission as described above, otherwise known asBudgeting for Results?. But beyond cuts I will work with my fellow Township Trustees to have Wheeling Township be a source for local residents and businesses to turn to so they can find out what tax exemptions they qualify for, what job and business opportunities are available to them and what services are open to them like the Dial a Ride program and senior driving classes.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 role as a mother has taught me patience. Managing my household budget has required me to focus on spending only what is necessary. My position as an office manager made me a good mediator. Being a legal secretary for the last 15 years has shown me how important it is to look at both sides of an issue objectively. I ask for your vote so that I can bring my lifetime of experience to make sure that Wheeling Township is representing the best interests of all the residents and taxpayers.