Diane Kloepfer: Candidate For DuPage Township Clerk

WILL COUNTY, IL — The consolidated election, which features several local races, will be held on April 1, with early voting starting on March 17. As a way to help keep voters informed, Patch offers candidate questionnaires for all candidates in local races.

Some of the races in the Bolingbrook and Romeoville is the race for positions in DuPage Township government, including Township Supervisor, Clerk, Assessor, Collector and Trustee.

Diane Kloepfer is one of the candidates running for Township Clerk. Kloepfer recently filled out the Patch candidate questionnaire, and her answers can be found below:

Your name:

Diane Kloepfer

Campaign Website/Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/profi...

Office sought:

DuPage Township Clerk

Town/City of Residence:

Bolingbrook

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you're running for.

I do- I am a Police Records Clerk at the Bolingbrook Police Department, Village of Bolingbrook.

Occupation. Please include years of experience:

Police Records Clerk - 10 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

none

The most pressing issues facing our (board, district, etc.) are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them.

The overspending of taxpayer dollars without adding services.

If you are a challenger, what would you bring to the board or plan to change?

I would bring clear information and communication to the office of Township Clerk. I intend to post bills and invoices, not just a list of issued checks. I would also like to add weekend and evening hours, so taxpayers can access the Clerk's office and the services provided there.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

• The existing food pantry should be improved and modernized, keeping taxpayer burden in mind.
• Report food pantry use accurately.
• Open Door policy for all Township Residents.
• Align costs to be within the range of Townships across the state. This includes personnel and benefit costs.
• Communicate clearly and effectively using all available outlets.
• Utilize existing resources to benefit Township residents.
• Engage with Community Groups to provide facilities and resources.
• Post all Freedom of Information requests online and modernize the process

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have coordinated thousands of volunteers to be compliant with required training. I am highly organized and efficient and know the rules and regulations for the State of Illinois regarding document retention and destruction. I am a Notary Public and hold Freedom of Information Officer training from the Attorney General's Office.

Why should voters trust you?

I have a budget I have to stick to, so should our governmental bodies. I firmly believe this. Services should be accessible to all residents.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

Modernizing the records keeping process at the DuPage Township Clerk's Office.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

Taxpayer dollars should be used carefully, keeping the bottom line in mind. Taxpayers should not bear the burden of any vanity project or overspending for decades to come. A clear spending policy needs to be in place.

What are your thoughts on the crime rate in your community, and what more can be done to combat crime — especially violent crime — in town?

DuPage Township overs parts of multiple towns, I believe their Police Departments and Elected Officials are far more competent to address this question.

What is your view of the city's/village's approach to commercial and residential development? *

Land is zoned the way it is for a reason and the overall benefit of all in the towns in DuPage Township.

When it comes to development, what are some key areas for improvement or additions you feel are most wanted by residents? What will need to be done to make this happen?

DuPage Township is not in the business of land development or zoning.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I think there is a lack of Mental Health Access points in DuPage Township, as well as a lack of resources for people experiencing homelessness. I would like to work hard to change this.

(If you are a candidate in the upcoming April 1 election, please email andrea.earnest@patch.com for a candidate questionnaire to share your positions with readers)

Bolingbrook Election Guide: What’s On The Ballot, What To Know

Here's a look at candidates for DuPage Township:

DuPage Township

• Supervisor
  • Gary Marschke (incumbent)
  • James Grzenia
• Clerk
  • Barbara Ann Parker (incumbent)
  • Diane Kloepfer
• Assessor
  • Kenneth Harris (incumbent)
  • Jean Kelly
• Collector (vote for one)
  • James Bastounes
  • Sally "Clemens" Guilbo
• Trustee (vote for four)
  • Thomas Braxton (incumbent)
  • Terri Ransom (incumbent)
  • Monty Jackson
  • Daryl Parks
  • Manny Brambila
  • Linda Ellis
  • Traci Cosgrove Falese
  • Cecilia "Cecy" Loeza