Josina Morita: 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: SkokieWebsite: www.friendsofjosina.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Age: 35Family: SingleOccupation: Non-Profit ConsultantEducation: Masters in Urban Planning and Public Policy from University of Illinois at ChicagoBachelors of Arts in Sociology and International Race Relations from Pitzer CollegeCivic involvement: Plan Commission, Village of SkokieState of Illinois Racial Profiling and Data Oversight BoardState of Illinois Asian American Employment Plan CommissionBoard of the Woods Fund of ChicagoBoard of the Asian American Action Fund of Greater ChicagoElected offices held: Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers The board continues to be dominated by officials from the city as opposed to the suburbs. Do you support reforming the way the board is elected to ensure more balanced representation?As a north suburban candidate, I believe it is important to increase suburban representation on the MWRD Board so that it better reflects population shifts and needs in the region. I agree that MWRD Board members should be elected at large because we must represent the entire county and our water systems are connected as a whole. To do this, there must be board members with a suburban perspective on efficiency, infrastructure and stormwater management.The role of board members is described as part time, yet the salary associated with it is more than most people make in their full-time job. Should that salary be cut?More important than a salary cut, I think it is important for Commissioners to treat this important responsibility as their primary responsibility. If elected, I would treat this as a full time job.If you are an incumbent, what has your attendance been for board meetings? IF you are a challenger, have you attended any meetings? How many? Do you know the attendance rate of the incumbent candidates?I have not checked the attendance rate of board members. I have attended MWRD board meetings and reviewed meeting minutes, key documents and reports. I have toured MWRD facilities including the Thornton Reservoir and attended important functions throughout the county to develop a strong understanding of the issues facing the district.How do you rate the MWRD on transparency and the public's access to records? If you consider it adequate, please explain why. If you think improvements are needed, please describe them and why they are importantMetropolitan Water Reclamation District is the most important agency most people don't know exists. It is important to continue to increase transparency as well as its level of accessibility and engagement with the public. I would bring my relationships running a countywide non-profit organization to engage communities, especially young people around water management issues.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?Nominating Delegate for President Barack Obama 2012, successfulMetropolitan Water Reclamation District 2014, unsuccessful (came in 4th in a top three race)What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Working with village and township governments on increasing their education and capacity to address water issues and updating local stormwater management policies and practicesIncreasing green infrastructure investmentsChanging the state's gray water and water recycling policiesIncreasing public education, particularly with young people, around water issuesPlease name one current leader who most inspires you.Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky is my sheroWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Work hard and tell the truthIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I don't believe in regretsWhat was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?History. If you don't know where you've been, you can't know where you are going.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Work hard and tell the truth