Election 2013: Harold Lonks

Harold Lonks is one of nine candidates running for the Community Unit School District 200 Board of Education in the 2013 election. Lonks, 53, is a self-employed accountant and has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from the University of Dayton. He lives in Winfield with his wife, Maria, and two 10-year-old daughters, Emily and Julia.

Name: Harold Lonks

Position sought: District 200 Board of Education

Campaign contact information:

• Website: www.haroldlonks.com
• E-mail address: Harold@haroldlonks.com
• Phone: 630-384-9201
• Address: 26w274 Pinehurst Drive, Winfield, IL  60190

Age: 53

Family (name, relationship and age): Wife, Maria; daughters, Emily and Julia, 10

Education (degree and school): 

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance, University of Dayton

Occupation: Self-employed Accountant/Consultant

Political party affiliation, if any:

Previous elected offices: None

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:

I have attended at least 90 percent of the regular school board meetings and also attended most of the board committee meetings over the last 3 years.  I do have a good understanding of the problems and issues facing the district and would use my financial background and knowledge to be an asset to the school board.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I am running for School Board because I currently have 2 daughters in the school system and see the issues facing students, parents, teachers, administrators and taxpayers. The current fiscal situation will start affecting everyone mentioned above, especially the students.  As a board member, I will make sure the revenue monies are being well spent by the administration in the classroom so our students can have an excellent education.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

The most important priority has to be the financial crisis happening around us, local government units, State of Illinois and Federal government. This financial crisis will impact the quality of education throughout the schools.  The board must be financial prudent so the District is better prepared for the possible loss of revenues and increasing expenditures. The state and teacher pension problems will be impacting the district’s budget and in-turn, impact our student’s education.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Besides the incumbents, I have attended over 90 percent of the school board meeting and most of the board committee meetings in the past 3 years. I am active with multiple PTA units in our district and see the issues facing individual schools and the district. None of the incumbents have children in district schools. My daughters along with the other 13,000 students deserve the best education possible to succeed in life. 

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How long have you lived in District 200? If applicable, how long have you been involved with Wheaton?

I have lived in Winfield for over 3 years and choose the location due to the reputation of the District 200 schools. I have been involved with Wheaton and Winfield since moving into the District.

What's your favorite thing about Wheaton?

What is the biggest problem in Wheaton?

What is your stance on Jefferson Early Childhood Center referendum?

My stance on the referendum is not related to why I am running for school board or how I feel about Jefferson. The current school board approved the bond referendum so now the voters decide whether to borrow $17.6m or not.  Jefferson was not built or updated for 3 to 5 year old students and especially those with special needs. I am for a new Jefferson but not for spending $24 million on a $17.6 million referendum. 

Related:

• Election Central: District 200
• Election 2013: Joann Coghill
• Election 2013: Bruce Fogerty
• Election 2013: Barbara Intihar
• Election 2013: Ken Knicker
• Election 2013: Jim Mathieson
• Election 2013: Kyle Nenninger
• Election 2013: Brad Paulsen
• Election 2013: Jan Shaw
• Election Central Wheaton: 2013 Elections