Elizabeth (Liz) Chaplin: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Elizabeth (Liz) Chaplin

City: Downers Grove

Website: www.lizchaplin.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LizChaplin1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizchaplinforillinois/

Party: Democrat

Office sought: DuPage County Board, District 2

Age: 53

Family: Married with three children

Occupation: Accounts Payable Windy City Wire

Civic involvement: Board Member DuPage Railroad Safety Council, Recipient of the 2014 prestigious "Lauren Elizabeth Wilson Champion Award" for commitment to the issue of railway safety. Appointed to the DuPage Water Commission in 2002, reappointed in 2004, served until 2010, Member of Downers Grove 100 Women Who Care, Served as President of Midwest Ballet Theatre, Served as Second VP of the Indian Trail PTA, Past Member of the Downers Grove Junior Women's Club, Past Religious Education Teacher at St. Joseph's Church

Elected offices held: DuPage County Board member 2012 - Current

Questions & Answers

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

Since 2001 I have been advocating on behalf of the citizens of DuPage County and I would love to continue doing so.

I have challenged sweetheart insider dealing, excessive salaries and benefits for elected officials, lucrative contracts for the associates of connected insiders, and the practice of allowing campaign contributions from vendors doing business with the County.

My philosophy is that government needs to be frugal and fiscally responsible while providing needed services which include public safety, quality infrastructure and human services. When tax dollars are spent lining the pockets of those connected with the insider elite, government cannot afford to do what needs to be done.

This is what motivates me to continue my efforts on the DuPage County Board.

2. If you are an incumbent, describe two important initiatives you've led. If you're not an incumbent, describe two ways you would contribute to the board.

After attending a Congress Knolls Community meeting a few years ago, two men approached me to discuss their concerns with the flooding on Meyers Road. Working with the residents and DuPage County staff, a $135,000 plan to alleviate flooding on Meyers Road between 16th and 18th street was developed and construction will begin this year.

In December of 2016, the EPA published a proposed rule that would ban the use of TCE under the Toxic Substance Control Act based on health risks from its commercial and consumer use as a degreaser and spot cleaner in the dry cleaning process.

According to the EPA the use of TCE in this manner causes an "unreasonable risk to human health." In December of 2017 the EPA suggested that it would overturn or delay the ban on toxic chemicals including TCE.

Once I learned of the plan to overturn the toxic chemical ban I contacted my colleague Sam Tornatore who serves as Chairman of the Legislative Committee. I explained in an email our experience and that of our neighbors with the toxic chemical TCE. I asked that DuPage County take a position and support the ban of TCE and other toxic chemicals.

I am pleased that the 2018 DuPage County Federal Legislative Priorities included Environmental Health and Water Quality Issues both of which were based on my recommendations. DuPage County urges the U.S. EPA to reconsider the delay in the implementation of the ban of TCE to protect the health and safety of our residents.

The 2018 DuPage County Federal Legislative Priorities passed unanimously.

3. Is there a specific service or amenity that is lacking in the county? If so, how do you propose to provide and fund it?

Currently 56.8 percent of the DuPage County's revenue source is sales tax, which includes the RTA sales tax that can only be utilized for transportation and/or public safety.

All of the collar counties Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will use the RTA tax for transportation, which according to the legislation is an appropriate use of the funds. None of the RTA sales tax is used for transportation in DuPage County. The RTA tax is integral to the funding of our roads and public transit.

The county needs to start using the RTA tax to fund our roads and public transit.

Without investing in our infrastructure DuPage will continue to lose businesses to more desirable communities.

4. With DuPage County's budget being squeezed by state funding cuts and other factors, what initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?

With regards to savings there are some very easy steps the board could take to reduce spending that would not impact the citizens of DuPage County. DuPage County is home to some of the highest paid elected officials in the state. Place a 10 year salary freeze on all county elected officials. Eliminate pension benefits, health insurance and eliminate stipends for all county elected officials.

The DuPage County Board's 2018 budget calls for $260,000 for lobbyists. Kane County Board acts as their own lobbyists and spends $0.00. The DuPage County Board should mirror Kane County and act as their own lobbyists.

Currently DuPage County spends over half a million dollars on individuals who are appointed to serve on part time boards and committees. Eliminate or reduce the compensation to no more than $50 per meeting.

Put in place real reform efforts by requiring all county contracts be provided to the lowest bid offer via a multiple-vendor bidding procedure.

On the revenue side DuPage County does not impose a property tax on new construction. If needed this would be an untapped source of revenue that would not impact current homeowners or businesses.

5. The county has been focused on consolidation of services and government agencies. How effective has that effort been and how could it be improved?

The ACT initiative is more about public relations, political marketing and publicity than actually saving tax dollars. While consolidation of paper districts is worthwhile it doesn't actually save ANY money despite the hype and hoopla that surrounds such efforts. In the last several years there have not been any government consolidations that actually saved a meaningful amount of money for the taxpayers.

DuPage County needs to get serious about consolidation. Over 200 individuals are appointed to serve on part time board and committees and the price tag for these appointments runs over half million dollars to the county. The DuPage County Airport Authority has 10 appointed members who each receive $10,000 a year in compensation, they meet on average 6 times a year. The DuPage County Chairman and Board Members should review each board and/or committee to determine if there is any real value to the people of DuPage County. For boards and committees receiving compensation the compensation should be eliminated or be paid no more than $50 per meeting starting with the 2019 budget.

6. What is the single most important issue facing your district and how should the county address it?

With the loss of McDonald's and the abandonment of the I-88 corridor the exodus of businesses and corporations from District 2 has been devastating.

Since I have been on the board we have only approved submitted maintenance budgets. There has been lack of leadership and investment in the county as a whole.

Without a vision for the future and the lack of investment it will be hard to retain and attract new businesses and corporations.

7. Please name one current leader who most inspires you.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, she is a trailblazer for all women. Before being appointed to the Supreme Court she advocated for women's rights and gender equality. She was very crafty and strategic and built on each success. I Admire her tenacity and spirit.

8. What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?

How to find my own voice being the middle child of five siblings.

9. If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?

There are no do-overs, you make a mistake and learn from it.

10. What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?

Music, it taught me the rewards of hard work.

11. If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?

Be true to yourself.