Wheeling Township Clerk Candidate: Joanna Gauza

Patch wants to help you get to know your candidates for Wheeling Township clerk.

Joanna Gauza

 Age:          34

Family:  Married with two children

Education:  BA DePaul University, Communications

Occupation:  Currently stay at home mom.  Previously worked for Law Firm and Maine Township.

Previous elected or appointed offices: None

Position sought: Wheeling Township Clerk

Political party: Republican

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? I am running for Clerk of Wheeling Township to continue the proud Wheeling Republican tradition of low taxes and low spending while efficiently expanding services to those needing our assistance.  My dedication to our community and experience demonstrates that I will protect taxpayers and our families while continuing to serve those who need our help.  I have worked as a paralegal for a law firm and I also worked in Maine Township, including performing many of the duties of a Township Clerk office.  I left my job to start a family, but I continued to work as a volunteer in our Wheeling Township community and schools.  I am married to Tom, an Army Reserve Colonel.  When he deployed to Iraq as the Commander of a combat engineer unit, I worked with our unit’s Family Support Group to support the families of deployed soldiers.  I understand and deeply honor those who serve our nation and community.  Their families share in their sacrifice and also serve.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? I chose to run for Clerk so our Wheeling Township families continue to receive the services they deserve without raising the tax burden on our already struggling families.  I am so proud to be part of the Republicans of Wheeling Township slate.   Under Republican leadership, Wheeling Township has kept taxes at less than 1% of the property tax bill while dramatically increasing the aid to our Township families.  Just two examples demonstrate our commitment to hard working families.  Wheeling Republicans tripled the food pantry ensuring no one is ever turned away without using any taxpayer funds.  We solicited donations.  Wheeling Republicans also dramatically increased the ridership program that carries seniors to their healthcare providers to 26,000 rides last year also without raising costs.

What are the top three issues facing Wheeling Township residents? Jobs, taxes (property taxes), and economic struggles.  

What sets you apart from the other candidate?  Now our opponents, who have spent years working for, advocating for, and applauding the crushing tax increases on our middle class families, now ask you to believe that they support low taxes and fiscal restraint.  The residents of Wheeling Township heard these same Democrats, including my opponent, support the 67% increase in State income taxes on every Illinois family.  In November, the residents of Wheeling Township heard these same Democrats and my opponent support trillions in new taxes and out of control government spending.  Do not trust them.  As their history demonstrates, they will raise property taxes on middle class families to support extravagant government spending.  The Wheeling Republicans and I have opposed and will continue to oppose any tax hikes and spending increases.  

Anything else you would like to add?  I have a deep commitment to serving our community, our next generation, and expanding Township outreach to our residents.  I am a virtus trained volunteer at St. James School and help at the school as well as at the many activities my two daughters enjoy.  Because of my bilingual skills, as I have in the past, I continue to effectively reach out to some of our new residents.