Jeralyn Atleson: 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: MundeleinWebsite: www.Jeri4District10.comTwitter: twitter.com/jeri4district.comFacebook: facebook.com/jeri4district10Office sought: Lake County board District 10 Age: 41Family: Married, Mother of 2 daughtersOccupation: CPA, Fremont Township TrusteeEducation: CPA, Bachelor's Degree in Business, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Minor in SpanishCivic involvement: Fremont Township Trustee Board Member, Congregation Or Shalom Vice-Chairman, Midwest Region, B'nai B'rith International Volunteer, D75 Schools Republican Precinct CommitteemanElected offices held: Current Fremont Township Trustee Former Fremont Township Public Library Board Current Membership Chair, Congregation Or Shalom Current Vice-Chair, Midwest Region, B'nai B'rith InternationalQuestions Answers If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of any important initiatives you've led. If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board and what would your priority be?Lake County has a AAA bond rating. My priority will be to maintain and grow the fiscal health of Lake County. With my experience as a CPA and as a Fremont Township Trustee, I will bring the necessary skills to help bring that about, especially with the reduced funding from the State. I have gained both knowledge and experience doing hours of ride-a-longs with the Highway Commissioner to better understand road projects and the costs associated with them. I will bring the same active representation to the Lake County Board.Regardless of whether this is a current problem, what can the board do to reduce harassment, especially sexual harassment against women, in the county or forest district offices? If there have been complaints of harassment, have they been investigated properly? Are new policies needed?Lake County has a long, proud history of diversity and respect. Lake County has long maintained a professional environment that has exceeded standards. Lake County should continue working and striving to stay ahead of the curve for all residents and employees. Any complaints should be treated in an appropriate manner and resolved in an appropriate manner.The county board sets salaries for its members, as well as the countywide elected officials. Do you believe these various salaries are at the right level now? Are raises or pay cuts needed?The Lake County Board is made of citizen legislators and should not be made a career. The countywide elected officials, such as the County Clerk, which serves as the election authority should be a capable, ethical person that runs fair and open elections. The salaries of such elected officials should reflect those more time intensive roles.The forest district still has a lot of undeveloped preserves. Name one such preserve you'd like to see get amenities, and tell me what you'd like to see built there.One of the things I like best about Lake County is its Forest Preserves. Before any further amenities are built, however, as both a County Board and a Forest Preserve Member, there should be an overall assessment as to the very vast and diverse needs of the County, how to integrate those needs into the County's Strategic Plan, and how our precious tax dollars are to be spent.What is your position on government consolidation? Are there areas of government in Lake County that strike you as prime candidates for such consideration?Lake County is already ahead of the curve on this issue, with a study moving forward on how to consolidate within County government. Just last week, a committee was formed to further scrutinize this issue. I believe we should let this committee continue with this important work.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Integrity, Honesty, and improving the quality of life for the residents of District 10 and all of Lake County.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.UN Ambassador Nikki Haley Governor, Daughter of Immigrants, Woman, Mother, Fearless, Strong Role ModelWhat is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Work Hard, Be Honest, Always Help Others, Have IntegrityIf life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I try to learn from my experiences and move forward.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Accounting and Spanish-Numbers don't lie. Accounting and Spanish have given me so many more opportunities to get to know the people of Lake County.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Dream Big, Work Hard, Have Integrity.