Bolingbrook Election 2013 Candidate: Alyssia Benford

Campaign information 

• E-mail address: alyssiabenford@comcast.net
• Phone:  630-699-2998
• Address:  1517 Somerfield Drive, Bolingbrook, IL 60490

Personal information 

• Age: 42
• Family (name, relationship and age): Ronald Jr., 14; Randell, 11; Riah, 22; Rita, 20
• Education (degree and school): Currently pursuing a master's degree in Governmental Accounting from Rutgers University – Anticipated Graduation is April 2014; Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Florida A&M University, April 1992
• Occupation: Certified Public Accountant, Partner in the Accounting Firm of Benford Brown & Associates
• Political party affiliation, If any: Republican
• Previous elected offices: DuPage Township Trustee

Applicable experience qualifying you for the position:

I have been a certified public accountant for twenty years. I have a vast experience in regards to budgeting and financial management. When I was appointed the position of DuPage Township Trustee in 2010, I decided to go back to college and study more about government accounting. I am currently enrolled at Rutgers University pursuing a master's degree in governmental accounting. 

I have been a Township Resident for twelve years. When I moved to Bolingbrook, I opened a local office for my accounting firm and became an active member of the community. 

During my twelve years here, I have had the opportunity to meet and worked with a lot of Township residents and make positive contributions to my community.

Candidate questions

Why are you running for this office?

I am running for office because I have a passion for working in the community in which I live. I was appointed to the position a year and a half ago and I have assisted with ensuring taxpayers are receiving quality services from the township.

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

DuPage Township has been able to provide service to the community without raising the tax levy in four years. Using less than 1 percent of resident  tax dollars we have been able to provide services to the community including mortgage assistance, utility assistance and foreclosure counseling. The food pantry has serviced more residents than any time in the history of the food pantry. This has been done by being fiscally responsible with the tax dollars we have received. I want to ensure in these tough economic times, the township remains able to provide these much needed services.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

When I was appointed the position of DuPage Township Trustee in 2010, I decided to go back to college and study more about government accounting. I am currently enrolled at Rutgers University pursuing a master's degree in governmental accounting. I have learned valuable skills while pursuing my master’s degree.

How long have you lived in your community and/or been active in local issues? 

I have lived in Bolingbrook for twelve years. When I moved to town, I became involved in the community by joining the Bolingbrook Area Chamber of Commerce. I became an active member of the Chamber and was appointed as Chairwoman of the Board.

I also joined the Rotary Club of Bolingbrook and I have served as club President.

I was appointed by the Mayor of Bolingbrook to the Bolingbrook Police Pension Board. I served as a Pension Board Trustee until I was appointed to the Township Board.

For the past eight years, I have been a member of the Programs and Allocation Committee of the United Way of Northern Will County. We are responsible for distributing United Way funds to local United Way Agency Partners.

I joined the local Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated five years ago.  I have assisted the chapter in providing community service programs and activities to Bolingbrook as well as the surrounding suburbs.  I am currently serving as the Financial Secretary.

What's your favorite thing about DuPage Township? 

I have a passion for youth and for seniors. I believe that if we invest in our youth at a young age, we can chart them on a path to success. The Township provide programs that benefit the youth in our community in positive ways. 

Seniors are often time overlooked in communities. DuPage Township offers a wide range of programs that continue to keep seniors actively engaged in the community. 

What are the biggest challenges facing DuPage Township, and how would you address them? 

DuPage Township needs to ensure they provide services for the food pantry that can meet the demands of the residents. The food pantry serves over 1000 families per month. Given the tough economic times, it is difficult for families to maintain their current standard of living. DuPage Township should continue to partner with businesses in order to serve the demands of the community.

DuPage Township should continue to provide quality programs for the youth. Due to the current economic conditions and high unemployment rates, families may not be able to afford to pay fees for extra curricular activities for their children. The township should continue to partner with local organizations that serve the youth.

DuPage Township provides services to a growing senior community. The township should continue to grow their programs and involvement with the seniors.  By fully utilizing the Levy Center, the township is able to provide alternative revenue streams that help support our senior services and also save tax dollars.