Kristy Grau: 2021 candidate for Lisle village clerk
Bio
City: Lisle
Age: 43
Occupation: Former researcher and criminal intelligence analyst, current stay-at-home mom
Civic involvement: Member of the Flood Information Committee in Lisle since 2015; volunteer at The Eyes to the Skies Festival; chair of Candy Bar Bingo through the LEHSO; volunteer at the LEHSO and LJHSO; former coordinator of the Lights of Lisle luminaria distribution throughout Downtown Lisle
Q&A
Q. Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is it?
A. I am running for Village Clerk as an Independent Candidate because I believe that the role of the Village Clerk should be nonpartisan and independent of a political party. One of the main duties of the Village Clerk is to keep records of Board Meetings and Executive Sessions, and this role must remain independent and unbiased. I hope to serve on a board where Elected Officials and Community Members are encouraged to be a part of the political process and are free to discuss issues that are important to them in an environment that fosters a community based outcome.
Q. Some communities have contracted out for certain services, such as snowplowing, to save money. What innovative methods would you propose to reduce your office's budget? Explain your answer.
A. The role of the Village Clerk is to be the keeper of the records. The Village Clerk does not vote on budgeting issues.
Q. The state's revised Freedom of Information Act guidelines renewed focus on open government. Name one specific step you would take if elected to increase government transparency in your office.
A. I would encourage exploring the use of a communication system that uses electronic communication devices to provide public services and information to the community. This would allow residents to access resources at any time from anywhere through an interactive app.
Q. What steps would you take as village clerk to improve and increase the flow of information to residents?
A. The flow of information from a governing body should be accessible and discoverable in real time to its residents. Information could be disseminated to the public through an interactive app as well as through social media sites. Village Board agenda as well as video recordings of various committee meetings could be posted and viewable as they are occurring. Residents should be able to make public comments or participate in meetings electronically as well. No residents should be excluded from participating in their local government because of lack of mobility or other circumstances. The village should do everything in its power to ensure that residents can participate.