Scott Kegarise: 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: SCHAUMBURGWebsite: http://www.republicanteam.org/Office sought: Schaumburg Township Highway Commissioner (4-year Term)Age: 62Family: Married 42 years, three sons, one grandchildOccupation: Business owner, Petroleum laboratory and chemical analysis. Railroad supplier.Education: United States Air Force Jet Engine School, University Puget Sound, Spokane Falls,Monmouth,Harper,PSCivic involvement: Thirty years involvemnet SAA, executive leadership schaumburg athletic association-president (8),vice president(2),head commissioner recreational soccer (8),head commsissioner travel soccer (4),coach (20), 21st President Schaumburg Jaycees, Vice president Young Sportsman Soccer league 1991-present,PTA, Illinois Youth Soccer referee instructor, Assesor, Referee.Elected offices held: Schaumburg Township Trustee 2005-presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Striving for a continuation of services to township residents while dealing with a reduction of revenue, while continuing to look for ways to reduce taxes.Key Issue 2 The Highway Commissioner should establish better day to day communications with unincorporated residents to address their concerns.Key Issue 3 We should look at the way services are delivered and search out potential savings where possible, either through better technology or methodology. The toll authority wishes the township to assume responsibiltiy for frontage road maintenance south of the Elgin Ohare. We will have to work closely with the Toll authority regarding this issue.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.Continued service to township constituents with reduced availabile revenue. Work closely with IDOT, and toll authority on issues involving the township with regard to the Elgin Ohare Exp expansion. Develop four year plan.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?Neither the county nor municipalities wish to make infastructure investment into the unincorporated areas to bring roadways up to State standards, nor install sewer and water systems. The counties solution is to try and get municipalities to annex these areas and have them foot the bill. Until such time as there are no unincorporated areas in this urban setting townships are necessary to provide necessary services to the residents of the township. Township government is the most efficient form of government in the State of Illinois. We opperate debt free and with balanced budgets. Perhaps instead of faulting Township government the County and State should learn a few lessons in how to effectively govern within their means!What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Efficient delivery of services to the residents of the township which are not provided to them by the county or municipalities.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?During the previous eight years the township board has implemented changes which have reduced staff,the levy, and maintain a balanced budget. If returned to office the hunt for efficiency and reduced cost will continue.What specific background or experience do you bring that makes you the best qualified candidate to serve as an elected official in the township?Being in business since 1985 making payroll, paying taxes, one becomes very cognizant of living within ones means. Government is a delicate balance of providing service to those in need while not taxing constituents out of their homes nor business' out of business. Township government gives the taxpayer the biggest bang for their buck. While being a small portion of your tax bill, it delivers the highest per capita "return on tax dollars" in comparison to the other taxing authorities.