Penny Wegman: 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: ElginWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Kane County Board District 20 Age: 39Family: SingleOccupation: Student Loan CoordinatorEducation: Missouri State University B.S. in Political ScienceCertified Illinois Assessment OfficerWorking on Masters DegreeCivic involvement: Formerly on Image Advisory Commission - City of ElginVolunteer for Cinderells' ClosetElected offices held: Kane County Regional School Board Trustee - Elected and Re-electedGail Borden Public Library DistrictTrustee - Elected and Re-electedQuestions Answers Do you believe Kane County Board/Forest Preserve District members should have continued access to per diem payments, health insurance and pension benefits?There is a sense of entitlement by public officials in Illinois. The fact that these benefits are given to elected officials serving in part-time positions is wrong and demonstrates why many citizesn are dissatisfied with their local and state government. I have served as a Trustee on the Gail Borden Library District and as a Trustee on the Regional Board of Education, neither position provides these benefits. I served on these boards because I care about my community and want to make a positive difference, not for financial benefit. I will vote to remove unnecessary perks.For decisions that specifically or mainly impact one county board district, should the rest of the board defer to the wishes of the county board member who represents the impacted district?You have to consider the issue at hand and the skill set of the board member in question. In general, board members should work together to ensure that all sides of an issue are examined. People with diverse backgrounds and talents contribute to problem-solving in order to arrive at the best solution, not only for the citizens of a specific county board district, but for the general good of all citizens of Kane County. We need to remember that our policies are funded with taxpayer dollars and we need to ensure that we prudently utilize this limited resource.Do you support the redevelopment of the former Settler's Hill landfill? What is your vision for the future use of that site?There have been several recommendations on the redevelopment of this landfill. One proposal would be to extend the current recreational activities associated with the Kane County Forest Preserve. This would provide more open space and improve the quality of life of the surrounding communities. Another proposal would be to allow some limited commercial development. This could potentially add additional sales tax and property tax revenue for local government. You need to consider desires of other stakeholders that have an interest in the development of this property. My years of elected public service will be an asset with meeting these needs.Do you support the push to keep the tax levies frozen for both the county board and forest preserve district? How long is it realistic for that freeze to remain in place?I am committed to working with the County Board and the Forest Preserve commissioners to be respectful of taxpayers. This is not a Republican or Democrat issue, this is about good government and learning to do more with less. I have a proven record of holding the line on spending. As a trustee for the Gail Borden Public Library District, I urged the board to freeze or reduce their levy.Please list any elected office you have ever run for and what the result of that election was. Have you ever been appointed to fill an unexpired term?Kane County Regional School Board -Elected, served as PresidentElgin Township Assessor - lostGail Borden Public Library Trustee - wonKane County Regional School Board -Re-Elected, Kane County Board - District 20 - lostGail Borden Public Library Trustee - wonI have never been appointed to fill an unexpected term.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Fiscal Responsibility - Transparency - I have demonstrated as Trustee for Gail Borden Public Library the need to be prudent in the spending of taxpayers' money. I also led an initiative to have the board packet and supporting documentation placed on website in an effort to keep public informed. As a result of my efforts, a modified version is on the internet.Teamwork - As Board Member/Forest Preserve Commissioner, you are one of 24 representatives. To be effective, you need to work with others. A significant advantage I have is my years of elected public service working to solve problems.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Candidate did not respond.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Candidate did not respond.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Candidate did not respond.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Candidate did not respond.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Candidate did not respond.