Jeff Klein For Wheatland Township Trustee: Candidate Survey

WHEATLAND TOWNSHIP, IL — Wheatland Township leadership could completely shift in the consolidated election on April 1. Four trustee seats as well as the supervisor, highway commissioner, clerk, tax collector and assessor roles are all up for grabs.

The Democratic candidates running include incumbent Michael Crowner for supervisor, Harry Benton for highway commissioner, current trustee Terry Jones for clerk and Jim Kopchok for tax collector. Margaret Tyson, Mary Frances, Matt Glowiak and Jeff Klein are running for trustee.

Wheatland United, as the Democratic party is known, is the incumbent party.

Republicans running in the race include Brian Evans for supervisor, Bruce Darata for assessor, Todd Morse for highway commissioner, Tim Willmore for tax collector and Robert Whittier for clerk. Michael Krzywinski, David Furnish, Tom Brzyski and Randall Haap are trustee candidates.

The township is made up of 37 precincts covering parts of Aurora, Bolingbrook, Plainfield and Naperville.

Patch sent surveys to Wheatland Township candidates ahead of the election. Responses will be published as they're received. Take a look at Klein's answers below:

Your name: Jeff Klein

Office sought: Wheatland Township Trustee

Campaign website: www.wheatlandunited.com

Town of residence: Plainfield

Party affiliation (if partisan race): Democrat

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: Professional Civil Engineer Graduate from Bradley University (2004) with 20 years of experience.

Previous or current elected or appointed office: N/A

The most pressing issues facing Wheatland Township are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them. Transparency/Visibility; The plan is to be available and visible to residents, so they know who to call when they have questions or concerns within the community and to be honest with solutions.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? I am excited to begin to put my enthusiasm of my community into action.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)? Simply listening to the Township Communities, it seems as though the notable presence of elected township officials was lacking. I simply plan to listen to what the communities' concerns are and work to improve what is most valuable to the residents.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. I would like to continue to build on the progress and accomplishments of what has been in motion in the past four years and if issues should arise, we can then assess them and build a plan to address them.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? My career is built on project management and conflict resolution. This includes bringing in completed projects on time and under budget for residents.

Why should voters trust you? I am honest and upfront with plans and intentions in all facets of work and life. I truly am devoted to making a difference in the lives of our communities.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success? With a background in civil engineering, I would like to focus attention on evaluating the township's infrastructure and having a plan in place for future needs and maintenance.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? I think it is of utmost importance to utilize taxpayer dollars effectively and efficiently.

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 believe active or visible communities with open lines of communication assist in naturally deterrence of enabling crime. This can be with the assistance of elected officials being out helping communities plan events and assist running successful community events.

What is your view of the village's approach to commercial and residential development? Both commercial and residential developments can be good for a city, village, or township if properly planned.

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? In order to determine what is most important to the residents it is important to start with listening to what the greatest needs are and then evaluating how to execute such plans to address these needs within budgets.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family? I have no reason or intention to not fulfill a full term of office.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I am energetic and excited about getting involved, being a voice for the residents, and giving back to the community.