Grant Eckhoff: 2022 candidate for DuPage County Board District 4
Bio
Party: Republican
Office sought: DuPage County Board District 4
City: Wheaton
Age: 63
Occupation: Attorney, Eckhoff & Massarelli, P.C.
Previous offices held: DuPage County Board member since 2002; Wheaton City Council, 1989-2002
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: Very simply spending should not exceed revenue and we should always maintain our reserves in case of a downturn in the economy such as occurred during COVID-19 or a recession.
Because we created very strong reserves in the past and due to funding from other sources we are able to take on a number of construction projects at this time. However, we need to maintain focus so that any changes to the economy require us to do the construction projects over a longer period of time.
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: We need to increase our mental health services in conjunction with the 708 boards that are being established through the townships. Mental health is the major health issue that will face us for years to come.
Q: Should the county board continue to start its regular board meetings with an invocation? Please say why or why not.
A: Yes. There is not a conflict between church and state in having an invocation. The county board has had an invocation for years and I think it is expected of us and other governmental units. The Democrats moved to eliminate the invocation two years ago when they were in the minority but have not taken action since they became the majority for the last two years.
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: Yes. The Republicans have worked with a number of the Democrats on issues such as the Fine Arts Festival, setting priorities for spending the emergency funds that were turned over to the county, preventing the immediate revisions to the precinct maps and rejecting the County Clerk's proposed budget.
Everyone needs to keep an open mind and listen for good ideas regardless of the source.
Q: If your political party has control of the county board after the November election, how would that benefit DuPage residents?
A: Under Republican leadership we have had a long history of fiscal responsibility. The Republican majorities created the strong reserves that saved the county during COVID-19 and which will move the county forward while keeping an eye on our fiscal policies.
In addition, the Republicans we support law enforcement and support the repeal of the Safe-T bill which is anything but safe. The Republicans unanimously supported a resolution to urge the governor to veto the bill but the Democrats unanimously supported tabling a vote on the issue so our voices could not be heard in Springfield.
Q: The COVID pandemic put a spotlight on the need for mental health services. What role should the county play in this?
A: See the answer to #2 above.
Q: What is the single most important issue facing your district and how should the county address it?
A: Public safety/crime prevention. The increase in crime as a result of the policies in Cook County and from Springfield are spreading across the collar counties. We continue to support law enforcement and the state's attorneys who face this issue everyday.
The Republicans were against the SAFE-T bill and know that the penalty of jail time is a deterrent for those who continue to violate the law. We strongly urge the other party to join us in these efforts.