January, 2012
I just completed my response to the Rockford Register Star Candidates Voter Guide questions. Here's what I said:

Q: Why are you running for office?

A: Times are hard, despite what the national "media" says, and I believe we need to accept that if things are going to get better for any of us, it will take all of us working together, and that starts at home, on the local level. We need to be fiscally conservative, and we need to build ourselves up.

I'm running for re-election because I believe in basic common sense, and in being fiscally conservative. You could rightfully say I'm "cheap". We, as individuals, have learned to make do with less, and local government has to do the same. It may mean longer lines at the County Clerk's office, or slower response to inquiries about permits, but we cannot spend any more than we do now. We're at our limit. The County Board has cut the budget to the bone, and we'll probably have to reduce or eliminate some services in '12 and '13, but we all know we have to do what it takes to get through tough times. Raising taxes just isn't an option for me or for Boone County taxpayers.

Q: What’s the most important issue in your race and what would you do about it if elected?

A: This community has a 11.8% unemployement in December, 2011 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This community has a large percentage of senior citizens living on fixed incomes. Boone County taxpayers cannot afford higher taxes, plain and simple. After talking to hundreds of people during my campaign, I know that citizens in Boone County are not just willing and able to tighten their own belts and cut back on their own personal expenses - they are already doing it. And I know that they expect, even demand that local governments do the same.

The State of Illinois is about 6 months behind in paying this county what it is owed. I'm not holding my breath waiting for them to catch up, and neither should you. We're on our own. This means serious cuts in spending will be required until things improve. There will be a decline in some services, at least for a while. But I believe it is better to work harder, suffer a little discomfort with longer lines, or slower paperwork than to lay more financial burden the people of Boone County.

Q: Why should voters choose you?

A: I believe it is my job as a member of the County Board to bring the ongoing economic struggle of Boone County's people to the forefront of our important issues. I believe we can find solutions that will enable us to bring in jobs, maintain services, and enhance our economy without creating additional hardship for taxpayers. In short, I don't believe in raising taxes when our people are struggling just to get by. I believe government can, and must look for more efficient, economical ways to provide services without raising taxes, and I believe local government has a duty to help our people find work. I can and will make the hard decisions, and I'll use common sense when making them. We can't give in, we must get going. This county has been stagnant for too long. We have ideas and stratagies that can make things better. We ARE working on things that I believe will help all of Boone County. I need YOUR help. I need your vote!

Here are some of my other views, that the Rockford Register Star didn't ask me about, but that you might find of interest:

I operate on the premise that every board member was elected by the constituents in his district, and therefore deserves the respect and courtesy of all other members. I give that respect, and I expect it in return. Each has earned their position, and each brings unique knowledge, experience and views to the table. I also believe that the board MUST operate as a team, review information, discuss options and finally come to a consensus. I believe successful government relies on the opinions and knowledge of all its members, not just a few. Finally, I can tell you from over 14 years of on the job experience, that this job is NOT easy. It requires time, commitment, willingness to listen and learn, and sometimes, a very thick skin and the guts to stand up for what you believe is best for the people of Boone County. I believe in doing my homework, and not merely relying on other's knowledge and opinions when making my decisions. I think for myself, but I listen. And, after listening carefully to others views, researching and weighing the facts for myself, I make my decisions based on what I believe is in the best interests of all the people of Boone County who are depending on me, whether they voted for me or not. I listen to others because they might just know something, or teach me something that makes a difference in my vote. The botton line is ... I don't want to be wrong. I want to do what is right. I want to do the job well, that's all. That's my agenda, and it is NOT hidden.

Would you cut spending or raise taxes to provide the county with a balanced budget? How?
(they cut this one short, but here is everything I wanted to say!)

I will not vote to raise taxes, period. This community has a 11.8% unemployement in December, 2011 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This community has a large percentage of senior citizens living on fixed incomes. Boone County taxpayers cannot afford higher taxes, plain and simple. After talking to hundreds of people during my campaign, I know that citizens in Boone County are not just willing and able to tighten their own belts and cut back on their own personal expenses - they are already doing it. And I know that they expect, even demand that local governments do the same.

It will require cuts in spending on insurance, in wages and maybe benefits, in perks like take-home squad cars, and probably require some layoffs, until things improve. There will probably be a decline in some services, at least for a while. But I believe it is better to work harder, suffer a little discomfort with longer lines, or slower handling of paperwork than to add more financial burdens to our people. We need to do what we can to help our people - not add to their problems. We must prioritize, evaluate what is most important, and then cut what we "want", and streamline those things we "need". I don't like it anymore than anyone else, but it is what it is, and Boone County is in trouble, serious financial trouble. There is no point in sugar coating it.

On a personal note, my husband and I have a construction company, and during 2008 we had to lay off ALL of our employees - that was 20 families, over 100 people who depended on our company for their livelihood. It was one of the hardest things my husband and I ever had to do, but it was the right decision. We had no work coming in, and no choice but to lay them off. By 2009, we were not only able to bring them all back on, but in 2010 we have hired more people. In 2011, things got harder and we had to lay off a couple of people again. But if we had not made the difficult decision to do layoffs, we would not have a company for them to come back to. We've all suffered during that last few years, but we've made it so far, and our company is now more cost efficient, more productive, and back into growth mode.

Balanced Budgets are a GOOD Thing!
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Taxpayers Have The Right To Expect Professionalism From Their County Board Members.
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Cut Costs and Improve Employee Efficiency in All Departments through Cross Training and New Skills Training.
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Balanced Budgets are a GOOD Thing!

I am well versed on the issues facing Boone County government . . . budgets, union negotiations, plans for economic development and much more. In addition, I've served as Vice Chair on the Boone County Board of Review since 1999, and know firsthand, through face to face contact with taxpayers, how difficult the current economic climate is in Belvidere and Boone County. Unemployment in Boone County as of December, 2011 was 11.8% and that State of Illinois is 6 months behind in paying their obligations to Boone County. Things are NOT getting better quickly. As the song says, "Brother, we got trouble!"

Our staggering unemployment, and declining property values have created unprecedented strain on our schools, law enforcement and local government agencies. My hope is to bring the ongoing economic struggle of Boone County's people to the forefront of our important issues. I believe there are workable solutions available that will enable us to bring jobs, maintain services, and enhance our economy without creating additional hardship for taxpayers. In short, I don't believe in raising taxes when our people are struggling just to get by. I believe government can, and must look for more efficient, economical ways to provide services without raising taxes. I believe local government should be working to help our people find good jobs! We need to use a little common sense!

Cut Costs and Improve Employee Efficiency in All Departments through Cross Training and New Skills Training.

One way to cut costs, is to improve the efficiency and knowledge of County employees so they are more productive. Under the current system, most employees throughout the various departments under County Board control are responsible for very specific particular aspects of the operations of their department. They are not trained to work in other areas within their own departments, and are incapable of transferring to other departments when openings arise. As a result, difficulties - and overtime costs - arise if a particular employee is unavailabe through illness, vacation time or other reasons. I sugggest that a slow, but concerted effort to cross-train employees to handle responsibilities in multiple areas would benefit the efficiency of our departments, ensure that there is no unneccesary "downtime", and would increase the productivity of the employees of the County. This is common practice in the business world, but not employed by our local government, even though it is common sense!

Support Please help me in my journey to restore common sense and fiscal responsibility to the Boone County Boardroom. I can't afford to spend money on a campaign, and neither can you! I DON"T WANT YOUR MONEY, DON"T SEND ME MONEY! What I DO need, and can certainly use is volunteer help to get the word out. If you feel you'd like to support me as a volunteer, I'd love your help! If you could help me with finding and confirming yard sign locations, talking to your friends, family and neighbors in District 2, organizing "meet and greets" for me in your neighborhood, I'd be very grateful!

Volunteer There are many opportunities throughout our community for people to volunteer to help. Whether it's your church, school, local food pantry or any other agency, you can make a difference in the lives of people in Boone County. Look around, ask questions, and find out where your special talents can do the most good!

Vote in the General Election! I know times are tough, and everyone is busy. But there is one way everyone can help - PLEASE VOTE! - that will be the greatest help of all! Please, please don't ignore this critically important Election - Make your voice heard!