Lisa Rusch: 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: Lake VillaWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Twitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Avon Township Supervisor Age: 54Family: Husband Steve, Son Ryan (daughter-in-law Holly and grandson Hudson)Occupation: Avon Township SupervisorEducation: Associates in Arts Degree - Harper College - Palatine, IllinoisCivic involvement: I have been involved in Grayslake AYSO for the past 18 years. I have been a member of BEST, Round Lake Area Exchange, Grayslake Chamber, Round Lake Area Chamber, PTA/PTO/PTF for Grayslake District 46 schools, a past member of the Lake Zurich Lions Club.Elected offices held: Avon Township Clerk - 2009 - 2013Avon Township Supervisor - 2013 to presentQuestions 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.Continuing to identify and provide needed services to the residents within the limited budget. 2.Being Fiscally responsible with the Property Tax Revenue.3.Maintaining a high level of customer service and responsiveness to the community.What should be the primary responsibility of township government?Each department has its own function and is autonomous, Supervisor, Highway Commissioner, Assessor, and Clerk - but the function I will discuss is the Supervisor's office:The primary responsibility of township government is to be fiscal stewards for the poor. The Supervisor is the Chief Financial Officer of the Property Tax revenue within the township as well.In the 21st Century, with municipalities gobbling up vacant land, why are townships needed? Should they be serving a new role? If so, what?Townships are needed to be able to assist those in need. Many people say that there are plenty of organizations out there that can help, but all of those organizations send their folks to the township first. Why? Because their funds are given to them by the state, and currently the state is not in any shape to help its residents. Villages, towns and cities do not have the ability, nor do they want to add on the burden of caseworkers. A township is an area in the midst of villages that still takes in and helps the poor, or the unincorporated areas.Are there any township offices that should be eliminated or consolidated?I'm sure there are some that can be eliminated, but I only know the Avon Township Supervisor's office and know that it is necessary for the residents.Consolidation takes on a whole new problem. Who to consolidate? who takes on the debts? Do you still have satellite offices or do the residents now have to travel? There needs to be some serious research before consolidation is even considered.Can you identify some township expenses/programs that could be trimmed or eliminated to reduce the tax burden?Candidate did not respond.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Good Customer Service skills and people skills are needed to be able to communicate and listen to the residents to find out their true needs. It requires a full-time Supervisor who is dedicated to wanting to help the residents beyond their requests, and not just give and forget.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I don't rely on leaders. I rely on those around me. My father inspired me. His kind gentle words, wisdom, work ethics, love for family.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?I grew up in a household with 5 younger brothers. Sharing, listening and working it out without negativity is the biggest lesson.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Continuing my education and spending more time with family.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?English. Reading and learning about all aspects of life helped to develop who I am today.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?The same thing my parents tried to teach me, Family is important. And Sharing, listening and working it out without negativity.