Campaign info
Position sought: DuPage County Board, District 6
Political party: Democrat
Website: www.engercounty6.com
E-mail address: vets4dem@comcast.net
Address: P.O. Box 593, Winfield, IL, 60190
Phone: 630-588-0344
Campaign committee:
Personal info
Age: 51
Family: Wife, Trudy; Four sons, Mike, 16, Sean, 14, Tommy, 12 and Patrick, 10
Education: USMC 1983-86; USMC, Desert Shield/Desert Storm 1990-91; Anti Terrorist training and certification; Biological and Chemical Warfare certification
Occupation: Ironworker
Political Party: Democrat
Previous Elected or Appointed Offices: DuPage County Board, District 6
Is there any additional experience you believe qualifies you for the position?
I have the experience of being on the board for the last four years and then prior to that I was board member for a non for profit organization. I have the proven experience in strategic planning and budgetary processes and implementation. I have always worked in a bi partisan way both on the board and lobbying for the non for profit organizations. I have always had an open door policy and will continue to meet with my constituents and fight for their needs in this county.
Candidate Questions
What would your priorities be if elected to this office?
1.More job creation and sustainability of good paying jobs with benefits.
2. Insure the needs and concerns of my constituents are heard and acted upon on a daily basis.
3. Insure the county continues to have a fiscally responsible budget, while continuing to provide the services promised to the taxpayers, without having to raise taxes.
4. Continue to work in a bi partisan manner to produce solutions and not more problems.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I have the highest attendance rate of board meetings of All Dupage County Board members (BGA report)
I have the highest attendance rate of All Dist. #6 reps. at townhall, school board, township and neighborhood meetings.
I have a proven record on the board. I have kept all of my promises that I made when I ran for office. I continue to initiate and implement sound fiscal and transparent changes in county government.
One example of my hands on approach was shown in the last disaster (July 1st storm) I worked with the city and county ground crews cleaning up the streets, coordinating electrical power services and repairs throughout district 6. Results of the storm report that I gave to OEM(Office of Emergency Management)has helped to improve the procedures for response when these storms hit our county
Official campaign name
Citizens for Enger
What can the county do to promote job growth and draw new business to DuPage County?
Work actively with small businesses and Chamber of Commerces to entice new businesses and jobs. The Economic Development Committee and Choose Dupage need to continue improving marketing strategies year round.
The Business Park on Fabyan Parkway needs to be developed and marketed to a variety of businesses.
Dupage County has a strong infrastructure and it shows in its 7.1% unemployment rate and continued job growth these past 4 years
What would you do to practice fiscal responsibility in DuPage?
Continue to NOT take a pension from the County Board.
I am the only board member to vote NO for lobbyists and will continue to vote NO for lobbyists.
I have and will continue to work in a bi partisan manner.
I will continue to take into consideration all of the public input I receive before drafting a budget.
I will continue true transparency in the budget process and will continue to post this on the county website.
One of my top goals is to make sure that ALL county contracts go through a bidding process. No more No-bid contracts. Taxpayers deserve more accountability in this area.
What ides do you have for improving the county's infrastructure and transportation?
Work in a bi partisan manner to insure state and federal grants and funding for infrastructure improvements. As the chairman of Public Transit, I will work to improve and provide additional bus routes and build more bus shelters in our county. We need to expand the "Call for Ride" programs for Senior Citizens and handicapped riders. It is also my hope to create the first North - South bus route connector in the county.
In what ways can the county operate more efficiently and improve technologically?
We need to continue as we have to upgrade and protect our technology systems. Work closely with municipalities and townships to implement compatible systems to better communicate with each other. The county's website has received the Sunshine award which is given out for transparency and full disclosure of the county's budget on their website.
Do you support a gaming bill that would increase the number of casinos or other gambling venues in Illinois? Should a casino be built in Chicago?
NO.
I feel this is not and never should be considered a revenue source. It creates and fuels more problems, such as addiction, crime and abuse. This is not worth the minimal monetary return we would receive.
What do you suggest for property tax relief?
Make the state fund education like the other 49 states do. 70% of our property taxes go towards education.
Should the state consider consolidating school districts? What would be the best way to accomplish this in your legislative district?
A meeting needs to be set up with school boards and superintendents in all of the districts to weigh the pros and cons of consolidating. This should be done before pushing for legislative change. There may be some school districts that benefit from this. In the end, the decision should be made after careful consideration of what would be the best thing for our children. They are our future.
Should the state legalize marijuana?
No
Are there ways to reform the legislative scholarship program, or would you support calls to eliminate the program?
NO, Because of the lack of funding, transparency and accountability, this program should be eliminated.
Who are your political heroes and why?
John F. Kennedy for his strong and unwaivering leadership during the Cuban Missle crisis preventing war with Russia and possibly WW3.
Bill Clinton for his economic policies for the middle class and his BALANCED BUDGET and surplus that he left the nation when leaving office.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony, sued successfully or had a restraining order placed against you? If so, please explain.
No
