Paula McGowen: 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: Glen EllynWebsite: paulamcgowen.orgTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: DuPage County board District 4 Age: 63Family: Married/3 childrenOccupation: Property RentalsEducation: College of DuPage (A.S. Political Science/Psychology) National Lewis University (B.A. Business/Leadership)Civic involvement: Milton Township C.E.R.T.(Community Emergency Response Team) Glen Ellyn Heights Homeowners Assoc, Board Member Forest Preserve, Historical McKee House Preservation Group, DuPage County League of Women Voters, former Diector Bloomingdale Township Women's Club, Member York Township Women's Club, Member Welcome Center Glen Ellyn, Former VolunteerElected offices held: REGIONAL BOARD of SCHOOLS, TRUSTEE MILTON TOWNSHIP COMMITTEEMANQuestions Answers Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?To fulfill a need I've always felt, to help others. I became aware of the DuPage County Heroin Epidemic over 18 years ago and had to get involved. I went before the County Board and Judicial Public Safety Committee to make them aware that the Drug Court had stopped taking new applicants. My efforts led to Drug Court becoming fully operational again and the Board Chairman appointing a sub-committee concerning the heroin epidemic with myself appointed as the only member not being a County Board Member. Unfortunately my opponent who chaired this sub-committee, had it dissolved in a short time. Thanks to The Daily Herald, they did a series called "The Hidden Scourge" uncovering the Countys heroin epidemic. In recent years The County Coroner has reported dramatic increases in overdose deaths. Naloxone (medication to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose) has been in use by emergency units throughout the County, but it's only a temporary bandage. Without treatment an addict will use again in a short time. Treatment centers/programs are needed at DuPage County close to hospitals, not in residential or congested shopping areas.What is your stance on county board members' pay? Too high, too low, just right? Would you propose any changes?I think that it is too high for a part time job.With DuPage County's budget being squeezed by the state funding reductions, what initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?I would be against any tax increases, but would look for efficient ways where possible to reduce the County budget to offset the State funding deficit.What are your thoughts about the county's Accountability, Consolidation and Transparency Initiative? What role should DuPage play in efforts to streamline and consolidate local government?I believe it's always been the County's responsibility to be accountable and transparent in its operations.The County's initiative into consolidating needs to be thoroughly studied for any meaningful cost savings to make it worthwhile within its own operations. For the County to get involved in any local government consolidation efforts it should be strictly limited to the County's assistance having to be requested by the local government.What initiatives, if any, do you have in mind for your specific county board district?To preserve the Forest Preserve, McKee House along St. Charles Rd in Churchill Woods. To be entirely funded by grants and fundraising, using no tax dollars. The house was built in 1936 of native limestone cut by hand from quarries in Naperville and funded by the WPA (Works Progress Administration) to house the Forest Preserve's first Superintendent.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Because of my concern for animals, I would work with DuPage Animal Control which is totally self funded without taxpayers money, to make sure their present and future needs were met.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.Senator John McCain from a prisoner of war to an esteemed Senator from Arizona who speaks his mind.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Going to law school.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?Political science and psychology helped in my government involvement and interacting with people.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?Be conservative, and save your money for a rainy day.