Alyssia Benford: 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: BolingbrookWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: DuPage Township Board (4-year Terms)Age: 42Family: Divorced, two sons ages 14 and 11 and two daughters, 21 and 20Occupation: Certified Public Accountant licensed in Illinois for 20 years Partner with the accounting firm of Benford Brown AssociatesEducation: Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Florida AM University, 1992 Currenly pursuing a Masters in Governmental Accounting with Rutgers UniversityCivic involvement: Rotary Club of Bolingbrook, Past President Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated - Chapter Financial Secretary United Way of Northern Will County - Programns and Allocation Committee Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce - Past Chairwoman of the Board Former Bolingbrook Police Pension Board TrusteeElected offices held: DuPage Township Trustee, 2011 to presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 DuPage Township has been able to provide service to the community without raising the tax levy in four years. Using less than 1 percent of resident tax dollars we have been able to provide services to the community including mortgage assistance, utility assistance and foreclosure counseling. The food pantry has serviced more residents than any time in the history of the food pantry. This has been done by being fiscally responsible with the tax dollars we have received.Key Issue 2 As an accountant and a parent, I have provided services to youth organizations in the community. I have had the opportunity to observe the youth organizations provide positive activities for the juveniles in the community. The services offered by the youth organizations in the community have saved valuable tax dollars. DuPage Township recognizes the need to provide positive alternatives for our youth and we partner with the local youth organizations in the community.Key Issue 3 Candidate did not respond.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.Dupage Township needs to ensure they provide services for the food pantry that can meet the demands of the residents. The food pantry serves over 1000 families per month. Given the tough economic times, it is difficult for families to maintain their current standard of living. Dupage Township should continue to partner with businesses in order to serve the demands of the community. *Dupage Township should continue to provide quality programs for the youth. Due to the current economic conditions and high unemployment rates, families may not be able to afford to pay fees for extra curricular activities for their children. The township should continue to partner with local organizations that serve the youth. *Dupage Township provides services to a growing senior community. The township should continue to grow their programs and envolvment with the seniors. By fully utilizing the Levy Center, the township is able to provide alternative revenue streams that help support our senior services and also save tax dollarsIn the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?Local officials know the needs and desires of local citizens. Local officials also know the costs of providing these services. ILocal officials have the flexibility to meet those needs. Studies have shown that localities have controlled their revenue and have been the most accountable and responsive segments of the federal government.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?The primary responsibility of township government is to provide social services for the members of 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?The current township budget revenue is less than 1% of resident tax bills. If the township eliminated programs, there would be a void in the community. The township has identified alternative revenue streams and partnerships that assist us in ensuring we do not have to eliminate any programs.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 been a certified public accountant for twenty years. I have a vast experience in regards to budgeting and financial management. When I was appointed th this posiiton, I decided to go back to college and study more about government accounting. I am currently enrolled at Rutgers University pursuing a master's degree in governmental accounting. I I have been a Township Resident for twelve years. When I moved to Bolingbrook, I opened a local office for my accounting firm and became an active member of the community. During my twelve years here, I have had the opportunity to meet and worked with a lot of Township residents and make positive contributions to my community.