Robert Kelly: 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: Vernon HillsWebsite: townshipcitizensparty.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Vernon Township Citizens PartyOffice sought: Vernon Township Supervisor Age: 58Family: I've been married for 31 years to Maureen. She has worked as an elementary teacher for 37 years, the last 31 years in Buffalo Geove. I have two sons, Bob 27 years old who is also a teacher and Mike, 23 years old who works with adults with disabilities.Occupation: Self Employed, also work as an Illinois High School OfficialEducation: BA Business/MarketingCivic involvement: -Boy Scouts of America adult leader, ---Little League team manager and League Director.-Church Usher and PADS volunteer at St Marys of Vernon-Vernon Hills High School Athletic and Band BoosterElected offices held: Vernon Township TrusteeQuestions 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.) This Board, as led by the Township Citizens Party, has operated in prior years with a balanced budget, no debt or issuance of Bonds, and our commitment is to continue to do so under our leadership. The prime objective of this Board is to champion fiscal efficiency and responsibility with regard to spending. Our hard-working taxpayers are increasingly burdened by State and local school tax increases and it should be noted that the same does not apply to Township government, which represents the lowest percentage full-time government entity tax assessed. 2.) The initial mission of townships, since inception in the 1800's and continuing through today, has been to provide assistance to those in need. Being a full-time supervisor and utilizing my professional background and experience, I commit to implement new programs benefiting youth, seniors and veterans. I want to build partnerships with non-profits, foundations and community organizations in an effort to implement new services without impacting property taxes and/or eliminating or reducing existing services. 3.) We hope to get more community members involved in the township We intend to update the web page, establish an outreach program, and develop an advisory committee to help formulate and enact new ideas and programs. We look forward to working with our community residents to ensure we are addressing their ideas and concerns, and to also ensure as many taxpayers benefit from Township services as possible.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?State law is very clear on the role and authority of township government, which mirrors municipal government powers very closely. Township government exists to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents. Township government can reduce or expand the scope of its role in relation to the activity of municipal, county and state government entities that overlap its jurisdiction. Township government serves as a much-needed safety net when other government entities fail to act. Fully consistent with our Township's charter and legal obligation as a safety net for the Township's citizens, the Vernon Township Board uses its resources to support local social service agencies such as the Riverside Foundation in Lincolnshire, a home for 95 developmentally-disabled adults.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?In our area of Lake County, there is still a need to fill the service gaps unable or unwilling to be filled by municipal, county and state government. Service and assistance to the underprivileged is increasingly important now that the State of Illinois has been unwilling to address its problems and may begin to stop paying its workers according to Attorney General Madigan.Are there any township offices that should be eliminated or consolidated?The offices are task specific and do not lend themselves to consolidation. The elected official on our team, Highway Commissioner Bryant Schroeder ,Assessor Gary Raupp, and Clerk Barbara Barnabee have all received countless awards and recognition over the years for their outstanding public service.Can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?Since a large portion of our budget goes to serving the poor, cutting back would mean taking away services from those who need them most. Bryant Schroeder is always looking for ways to be economical and efficient with the highway budget. One measure he has used is a beet juice mix on our township roads in an effort to slow down deterioration and keep roads in good shape longer. Bryant has not raised the highway tax or asked for any new monies since 2009 In fact, since 2012, Schroeder has given back $1,055,000 to the tax payers.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?We will look for ways to expand transportation services, but only after working to identify a grant or some other revenue source to offset the cost. We would like to explore increasing our cooperation with other government agencies to potentially act as a point of service for certain government services. (Birth Cert, Death cert, marriage licenses, etc.), even setting up a temporary pilot program.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I'm inspired by Senator Joseph Manchin for his willingness and determination to work across party lines in the interests of the United States of America.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?I learned to respect opinions of ALL others regardless of background and/or occupation, and treat all as my equal respecting different opinions and beliefs.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Having lost my father at a young age, I would spend more time with him if given another opportunity.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?My favorite subject was History, and the study of history instilled in me a lifelong interest in politics and government.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Find a path/job in life that you enjoy, that makes you feel like you're making a difference. Live life to the fullest.