Maryann Vazquez: 2022 candidate for DuPage County Board, District 2

Bio

Party:

Office sought:

City: Downers Grove

Age: 65

Occupation: Retired

Previous offices held:

Q&A

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?

I'm running for county board because the stress of the last few years has further exposed inequities in how local government supports the communities it serves, and after talking with friends and fellow community members the three most pressing issues they faced were access to affordable public transit within the suburbs, access to comprehensive and affordable elder care for their loved ones, and reliable mental health and substance abuse treatment.

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?

I would like to bring a more balanced perspective to the county board. As a former salesperson, I know how to work with all types of small and large businesses. I have a broad range of experience working with people from all backgrounds on large projects, and as a board member I'll continue to work with my fellow members to find creative solutions to get the work done.

Describe your position regarding the balance between county spending and revenues as it exists today, then describe the chief threats you see looming and how the county should deal with them.

I appreciate that the County Board was conservative with their budget proposal for 2022. I'm glad they were contentious of how to appropriately manage COVID-19 relief funds for the county. Looking forward, the county should be prepared for future public health crises, and continue to maintain a fiscally responsible budget to keep DuPage affordable for working families.

How do you rate the county government on transparency and the public's access to records? If it's adequate, explain why. If you think improvements are needed, delineate them.

The county needs to improve their online services with a more user-friendly website so residents can more easily access the public records and services they needs.

What, if anything, should be done to improve automation and customer service in county offices? What steps should be taken to make that happen?

As previously stated, DuPage County needs to update its use of technology and online resources to be more accessible and up to date with the needs of the residents of DuPage County. County offices should be better utilizing tech resources to ensure easy and satisfactory customer service.