DuPage County Board Chairman Cronin: Candidate Profile

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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:BioQA Bio City: LombardWebsite: www.dupagechairman.comOffice sought: DuPage County Board Chairman Age: 54Family: Wife: Juli Four Children: Elizabeth, Sarah, Grace, DannyOccupation: Elected public servant attorneyEducation: Fenwick High School; Northwestern University, BA; Loyola University School of Law, JDCivic involvement: Immaculate Conception parish; Fenwick H.S.; Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities; Dominican University; College of DuPageElected offices held: State Representative, 1991-93; State Senator, 1993-2010, DuPage County Board Chairman, 2010-presentHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noQuestions Answers Why are you running for county board chairman? What two specific initiatives do you want to lead to improve the county?I enjoy public service, and believe in the potential of good, responsible government. In my role as County Board Chairman, I have made it my mission to make DuPage County a model for the rest of the state by reducing the size, scope, and cost of local government. I will continue to lead and support the DuPage ACT Initiative. The ACT Initiative is the guiding force behind the ever-evolving effort to make DuPage County government run as efficiently, transparently and effectively as possible. I will also continue my work as an advocate, and supporter of the Elgin-Oâ#128;™Hare Western Access Project.What is the role of the county board chairman and how does that match your skill set?The role of the board chairman is to act as â#128;œthe chief executive officer of the County Board, supervising the implementation of the Board's policies and programs.â#128;ť The chairman must be a leader with a vision and the ability to carry forth that vision. I have led a consolidation effort that has saved taxpayers a projected $80 million without sacrificing resident services. I have led comprehensive ethics reform that has strengthened and standardized the Countyâ#128;™s Ethics Ordinance, and have led the effort to align the ethics ordinances of 24 county-appointed taxpayer-funded agencies with that of the County.How far should the county carry its efforts to consolidate local units of government? What specifically will you do about it?My office spent nearly two years evaluating county agencies, and it became clear that many of these agencies were superfluous- their services were redundant or had been transferred to a different agency. I believe the work to consolidate local units of government should continue until all redundancies and overlaps have been eliminated. Doing so will allow the county to function efficiently, offer the best in resident services, and save the taxpayers money. In pursuit of that goal, I will continue to thoughtfully and strategically lead the countyâ#128;™s consolidation effort through the DuPage ACT Initiative.In 2013, state lawmakers gave DuPage the ability to impose a countywide stormwater utility fee. Should the county enact the fee to pay for efforts to reduce flooding? Why or why not?I view this relatively new law as a tool that we in DuPage County may or may not choose to use. I am personally not planning on promoting it, however, I believe the issue is worth discussing and the new law offers an option with merit worth exploring. The real question here is: do we continue to fund stormwater management through a property tax, or do we replace that system with a â#128;œuser feeâ#128;ť funded system. I believe it is vitally important that taxpayers are given the opportunity to express their opinions on this issue.Describe your position regarding the balance between county spending and revenues as it exists today and describe the chief threats you see looming and how the county should deal with them.Continuing our work to reduce superfluous units of government throughout the county will continue to save taxpayers money; while ensuring DuPage families receive the vital services they need. Outside of that, we must focus our attention on economic development and creating a strong county economy. A large part of growing a strong DuPage economy means having the infrastructure - good roads, reliable broadband internet, public safety professionals, storm water management, low taxes, highly educated work force, etc., in place to support business and the good paying jobs they will bring to DuPage County families.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I have been deeply moved by the tragic losses suffered as a result of the heroin epidemic that affects our entire nation, including DuPage County. It is crucial that we continue to educate parents, youth and the DuPage community about heroin. The County is leading a comprehensive strategy to reduce both the supply of and demand for the drug. We are working closely with law enforcement and our Stateâ#128;™s Attorneyâ#128;™s office to find and prosecute dealers. Our countywide preventative education effort will teach students how heroin impacts their ability to learn, thrive and lead a productive life.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I am inspired by Alan Mulally, the former CEO of Ford, because of his self-reliant, disciplined approach to business while leading Ford Motor Companyâ#128;™s comeback.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Treat people with respect and dignity regardless of disagreements. And, kiss your family goodnight every evening, and tell them that you love them every day.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I would use my do-over to relive my wedding or the day my children were born - some of the happiest days of my life.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Speech class: it was interesting, fun, and my teacher, Mr. Arelano taught me how to organize thoughts and speak with confidence, courage and enthusiasm.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Never be rude to service staff or mean to animals.