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Sean T. Noonan: 2022 candidate for DuPage County Board District 2

Bio

Party: Republican

Office sought: DuPage County Board District 2

City: Elmhurst

Age: 49

Occupation: Patrol sergeant, Bloomingdale Police Department

Previous offices held: DuPage County Board District 2 (2012-2020)

Q&A

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

A: The county does not have a spending problem and strives to be fiscally responsible. The department heads continue to work closely with the CFO and Finance committee always looking for ways to reduce unnecessary costs. Unfortunately, due to a recent error by the current county clerk, the county did not collect approximately $4 million in sales tax revenues from the marijuana dispensary sales. Rising costs and inflation are chief threats and saving money when practicable will have a lasting impact.

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

A: I believe the county offers an abundance of services for various causes and there is no lack of service. The board members have the opportunity to support and fund various services that are presented for consideration.

Q: Should the county board continue to start its regular board meetings with an invocation? Please say why or why not.

A: I strongly feel that an invocation at the beginning of county board meetings should remain because it's existed as long as county board meetings have been recorded and it's purpose is to offer a prayer or a request for the spiritual presence of God and/or spiritual guidance during the meeting. The staff has always invited representatives from various religious affiliations to lead the invocation.

Q: Does there need to be more bipartisanship and cooperation on the county board? If yes, what would you do to help make that happen?

A: I strongly agree that once elected, the board members need to work together. They are there to represent their constituents regardless of party affiliations and are not best serving the citizens if their personal interests, agendas and party interests come first. "Let's agree to disagree." Board members are there to make responsible decisions on behalf of the citizens. There is an expectation by the public to get along, work together and do the peoples work. Constant infighting is a distraction for everyone.

Q: If your political party has control of the county board after the November election, how would that benefit DuPage residents?

A: The Republican Party has been the majority for decades in DuPage and I admire and recognize the outstanding leadership this party has demonstrated throughout the years. Republicans have always been fiscally responsible and their policies have supported a high quality of life for residents in DuPage County. People choose to reside in DuPage County because of public safety, open areas, great schools, to name a few. "Good government is responsible government."

Q: The COVID pandemic put a spotlight on the need for mental health services. What role should the county play in this?

A: There has been an obvious increase in mental health patients during the COVID pandemic. In my experiences as a police officer, I've witnessed this first hand since my colleagues and I are typically the first point of contact with mental health patients. Currently, there are existing services that are specific to these needs. The sheriff's office and the courts offer services for mental health patients. If elected, I will support funding for these services.

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

A: The single most important issue facing not only District 2, but all six districts is public safety. The county should continue to fund and support law enforcement. There has been an increase in violent crimes never seen before in DuPage County during the past two years. The failed policies of the leaders in Cook County have disrupted our quality of life here in DuPage County. Car jackings, retail thefts, gun-related crimes, catalytic converter thefts and crimes against people have skyrocketed. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes and surroundings. The current Republican county board members attempted to amend provisions of the Safety Act and three times it was "tabled" by the Democrats.

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