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Tom Rowe: Candidate Profile

Sugar Grove Township Supervisor (4-year Term) (Independent)

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: Sugar GroveWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Sugar Grove Township Supervisor (4-year Term)Age: 55Family: Wife: Sheila (Brummel) Rowe - Flight Attendant for United Airlines Son: Brett - Professional Musician currently performing on the Mary Poppins National Tour Daughter: Natalie - Emergency Room Nurse at Northwestern Hospital in ChicagoOccupation: Retired Superintendent of Recreation after 36 years in Parks Recreation. Currently Sugar Grove Township Trustee after serving as Clerk for 12 years.Education: Associate of Applied Science, Recreation Services - College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn, IL 1977 Bachelor of Science, Recreation Administration George Williams College, Downers Grove, IL 1979Civic involvement: Sugar Grove Township Clerk 2001-2012 Sugar Grove Township Trustee 2013 Illinois Park Recreation Association Certified Park Recreation Professional 1979-2013Elected offices held: Sugar Grove Township Clerk 2001-2012 Sugar Grove Township Trustee 2013Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 To improve relationships and partnerships with other governmental entities and non-profits in Sugar Grove Township such as the Village of Sugar Grove, Sugar Grove Park District, Kaneland School District, Sugar Grove Library, City of Aurora, Village of Montgomery and Waubonsee Community College.Key Issue 2 Listen to the concerns of local residents on ways to improve local township government and services and let residents know how township government can help them.Key Issue 3 To be the steward of township finances and represent the township in the community as needed.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. Provide support and expand youth senior services at the Township Senior Center and Community House through collaboration with local partners. 2. Automate township operations to make residents more accessible to information and services while improving transparency and accountability. 3. Collaborate with other Sugar Grove taxing bodies to determine interest on a joint purchase of the Prairie Glen Property as a future sports complex.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 believe townships are still needed and play an important role in delivering valuable services to its residents. This includes not only road maintenance and property assessments, but offering services to seniors and general assistance to qualified, low-income individuals for their basic needs. The township can also be a partner with other governmental entities in the purchase of affordable land for use by future generations.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?The primary responsibility of township government is to provide efficient and cost-effective services to its residents. Township government is structured to deliver these services at the local level avoiding the red tape and frustration of dealing with higher levels of government.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?Current taxes for a Sugar Grove Township taxpayer with a $250,000 home are approximately $200 per year. Residents receive many benefits for approximately .50 cents per day. Part of that tax obligation includes services for mental health which continue to be cut at the state and federal level thereby placing more importance at the local level. Perhaps some savings could be trimmed or eliminated by incorporating Community House operations with the Sugar Grove Park District.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 served in local government for 36 years with area park districts and townships. I have held various positions at the supervisory and management level and understand how local government works. I have worked face-to-face with community groups and organizations and understand their needs and concerns. As a recent retiree, I can dedicate the time it takes to be the Sugar Grove Township Supervisor without the burden of outside employment that other candidates may endure.