Jean Kelly: Candidate For DuPage Township Assessor

WILL COUNTY, IL — The consolidated election, which features several local races, will be held on April 1, with early voting already started 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 are races for positions in DuPage Township government, including Township Clerk, Assessor, Collector and Trustee.

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

Your name:

Jean Kelly

Campaign Website/Facebook:

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

Office sought:

Dupage Township Assessor

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.

No

Occupation. Please include years of experience.

Deputy Assessor, 12 years hands-on experience

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

I was the past DuPage Township Assessor for 6 years, Currently I am a Bolingbrook Village Trustee

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

I think the most pressing issues are that a full-time Assessor should be in the office full-time hours and that new construction gets added to the tax roles.

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

I would like to add evening or weekend hours for residents that can't come in during the day. I would make sure that the new construction is assessed in a timely fashion, so parcels aren't missed on the tax roles and most importantly, the Township Assessor position is a full-time position. I plan to be in the office every day, as I was previously as the Assessor.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

DuPage Township is one of the most complex townships in Will County. I understand exactly what it takes to ensure fair and accurate assessments. What makes it so complex is that the Township includes a refinery, buildings along the canal, working quarries, cold storage facilities, the promenade mall and a good mix of commercial, industrial and residential properties.

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

When I was the Assessor, I implemented an "Assessment Review" program, allowing homeowners to review their assessments year-round at no cost. This helped educate residents on how we came to their value, reduced the number of appeals, and ultimately saved the taxpayers' money. I also cut spending in the Assessor's office while ensuring top-tier service to the residents.

Why should voters trust you?

I hope that my dedication, experience and commitment to fair assessments and resident support have earned your trust.

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

I believe a positive office environment with happy employees who greet the public with a smile and do everything they can to help the residents fill out their forms and go above and beyond for the taxpayers would be a success. As well as making sure all parcels are assessed in a timely manner at a fair and equitable assessment.

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

With over 3 billion dollars in assessed value, mistakes aren't just numbers, they impact YOUR tax bill. That's why I was committed to fair and equitable assessments during my time as the Assessor.

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?

I feel safe living in the Township

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

The commercial/industrial properties help offset the property tax burden on the residential properties.

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?

I feel the residents want an experienced Assessor who is in the office every day and available to them when they have questions. I will be a full-time Assessor and make sure the properties are assessed equitably by doing studies on all the different property types; hotels, gas stations, big boxes, etc., to make sure they are equitable and will review every year to maintain that the assessments are correct with the changing market conditions.

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

No reason

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

I moved to Bolingbrook in 1991 and have 3 grown children. I am expecting my first grandchild in July! I received my Certified Illinois Assessing Officer certification in 2012. I've also had a Real Estate License for over 20 years. You can see I've spent most of my life valuing Real Estate! I believe that my long history of involvement in the community and the 12 years of hands-on experience in an Assessor's office are significant assets that will improve the accuracy of the assessments in the Township Assessor office.

(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:

Supervisor

• Gary Marschke (incumbent). Marschke died earlier this month.
• 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