Jim Kopchok For Wheatland Township Tax Collector: Candidate Survey

WHEATLAND TOWNSHIP, IL — Wheatland Township leadership could completely shift in April's election. 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 Michael Crowner for supervisor, Harry Benton for highway commissioner, 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 Kopchok's answers below:

Your name: Jim Kopchok

Office sought: Wheatland Township Tax Collector

Campaign website: www.wheatlandunited.com

Town of residence: Unincorporated Naperville (Wheatland Township)

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: Retired. Former CIO of a nationwide technical training company. In the computer tech industry for 40 years.

Previous or current elected or appointed office: President and member of Brooklyn Board of Education, and member of City Council in Brooklyn, Ohio, prior to moving to Illinois.

The most pressing issues facing Wheatland Township are _______, and this is what I intend to do about them. Transparency in managing government, budget management, use of inter-government agreements to increase service and reduce costs for taxpayers. The Tax Collector office will apply all these techniques when it can to manage its responsibilities. The Tax Collector is responsible for governing and oversight of the Wheatland Township Cemetary, a historic and important asset of the community. With over 800 former citizens and their families affected it is my responsibility to maintain the property with respect and care.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? As a resident of unincorporated Naperville, I understand the importance of services provided by Wheatland Township, often substituting for those provided by local municipalities. While not a direct responsibility of my office I can communicate concerns to other Wheatland Township officials. Having experience in both business and elected office gives me a head start in taking on my new job.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)? N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. The Wheatland United slate of candidates supports improved roads and infrastructure, smart fiscal management, expanded community services such as those helping senior citizens, and government efficiency.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? With experience in both business and elected office (government) I think I understand how to get things accomplished by working with others to a common objective. In business, I was recognized as a world-class technical instructor that indicates an ability to communicate clearly. As an elected official I learned to compromise and negotiate to the benefit of the entire community. Being re-elected for 14 years also demonstrated a confidence that constituents had in my work.

Why should voters trust you? Being involved locally as Treasurer of the North Wheatland Township Homeowners Association has (the oldest HOA in Naperville) has helped me create long relationships in my community. As a member of the Will County Forest Preserve Citizens Advisory Committee, mentor for Families Helping Families, and volunteer driving instructor for AARP I have demonstrated a commitment to my neighbors.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success? Maintaining the Wheatland Township Cemetary in a manner that respects those interred there, their families, and makes Wheatland Township proud of its history.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the handling of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking? Transparency, efficiency. Continue and maintain the lowest township tax rates in Will County. Our job is not only delivering high quality services but protect the values of taxpayer homes and the quality of life in our Township. Look for Grant opportunities, where they exist, to reduce reliance on property taxes.

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? Wheatland Township has no direct law enforcement arm. Services are provided by Will County Sheriff for unincorporated areas and local municipalities Police Departments for all others. Naperville is recognized as one of the safest areas in the country and our law enforcement has done a great job.

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

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? Not a role for the Wheatland Township office I am seeking. In general, I think most residents look for development that improve the quality of life and contribute to higher home values. Developments that help reduce the impact of higher property taxes.

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? It's a privilege to serve the people of Wheatland Township. I look forward to giving back to my community and the people who have given me and my family such a great place to live.