Marc Adelman: 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 HeightsWebsite: http://Dems4LowerTaxes.comOffice sought: Wheeling Township Clerk (4-year Term)Age: 48Family: Married for over 20 years, one daughter attends South Middle SchoolOccupation: Assistant Vice President, Refugee Social Services, Planning and Allocations Jewish Federation of Metropolitan ChicagoEducation: Bachelor of Arts Politcal Science, UIC, 2000Civic involvement: Westgate Neighborhood organizer post-flood Volunteer at Arlington Heights Memorial LibraryElected 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 Promote knowledge and increase awareness of services the township has to offer its residentsKey Issue 2 Move from paper to electronic format in as many ways as possible and keep residents up to date on Township services available to them.Key Issue 3 Promote coordination between Township offices and the municipalities within them and assist all Township elected officials coordinate their efforts to streamline as much as possible.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.See top 3 campaign issues above. The Township Clerk's role can be one of an ombudsman helping township officials and residents connect with each other in the most efficient manner 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?I think there is a continuing need for township government. Many residents depend on the services provided and if township govenment went away they would not be able to access those services (veterans support, transportation for seniors, food pantry). The real question is how can the services provided benefit the maximum number of residents and that is where I will help the Township supervisor and trustees become more efficient and accountable for the residents.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Delivery of social services, protecting the vulnerable and needy and doing so transparently and efficiently.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?The township is hoarding cash rather than increasing services in a time of rising need for assistance. Institute a review of grant recipients to ensure the dollars are being awarded to organizations that will provide the best bang for the buck, not those that don't spend down their awards or who have high administrative expenses.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 worked within the non profit sector for over 20 years, primarily extending assistance to the needy and vulnerable via social services. I am also a small business owner. This background enables me to understand both the public and private sector and how to promote partnership between the two in order to achive the best outcomes for the residents of Wheeling Township.