Joan Solms: 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: AuroraWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Aurora Township Board (4-year Terms)Age: 74Family: 2 sons, 1 ward (male) 8 grandchildren widowed (32years)Occupation: retired homemaker; accountant Rock Islnd R.R.Education: High schoolCivic involvement: Founder and Director Family/Life League 10 yearsPolitical Activist.Elected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Fiscal responsibility Keeping taxes law or lowerKey Issue 2 Maintaining Roads, bridges and streets. Sufficient lighting for safetyKey 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.One of the economic burdens placed on homeowners since they are not allowed to burn leaves is how to dispose of them. Those who wrote the new policy did not also give the solution for the problem , One that is economically feasible for low income homeowners with one than one tree. We need to reduce the cost of leaf disposal. Nature just won't pick up the tab. The unincorporated area bear the brunt of this problem. We need a solution. Personally I would like to have a newsletter that goes out at least twice a year, reporting on our work. Encourage homeowners to come to meetings with their problems and workable solutions. I believe the Township government should operate more like the city council. Each trustee should be responsible for a section of the Township and able to disburse a portion of the money where needed in his district. Impossible? I do not think so.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?That is a debatable issue. Let's debate it.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?It is spelled out as General Assistance, maintaining roads and bridges, property assessment. We need to stay within those guidelines.In these hard economic times, can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?Not at this momentWhat specific background or experience do you bring that makes you the best qualified candidate to serve as an elected official in the township?One of the tasks of the township is General Assistance. I was a foster parent for 22 years. My kids were all LD, BD or mentally and physically challenged. I spent a great deal of time in family court. I know first hand the lay of the land. I have taken in a homeless person. Lived with me for over 20 years. Given temporary shelter to persons in need. Taken in an unwed pregnant mother. Made a home for my aged widowed mother. My ward has lived with me for 29 years. He is mentally and physically handicapped. I have 2 adopted children. Worked with Birthright as a counselor for unwed mothers. I know well the needs of the poor.