Wheeling Township Clerk Candidate: Marc Adelman

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

Marc Adelman

Age: 48

Family: Married for over 20 years, one daughter attends South Middle School

Education: Bachelor of Arts Political Science, UIC

Occupation: Assistant Vice President, Refugee Social Services, Planning and Allocations Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago

Previous elected or appointed offices: N/A

Position sought: Wheeling Township Clerk

Political party: Democrat

Campaign E-mail address: wheelingtwpinfo@gmail.com

Campaign Website: http://Dems4LowerTaxes.com

Campaign Facebook: Wheeling Twp Info

Campaign Twitter: @WheelingTwpInfo

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? I think there is a continuing need for township government. The Township Clerk's role can be one of an ombudsman helping township officials and residents connect with each other in the most efficient manner possible. Many residents depend on the services provided and if township government went away they would not be able to access those services (veterans support, transportation for seniors, food pantry). The real question is how can the services provided benefit the maximum number of residents. That is where I will help the Township supervisor and trustees become more efficient and accountable for the residents.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? Promote knowledge and increase awareness of the services the township has to offer its residents so that taxpayers are able to maximize their tax dollars. That includes making sure there is open transparency, easy access to services, and an efficiently run office.

What are the top three issues facing Wheeling Township residents? Jobs, economic security and cost of living (including property taxes).

What sets you apart from the other candidate? I am very involved in our community as a Westgate neighborhood organizer trying to work with the village to remediate homeowner issues related to the 2011 flood in our part of town. I also routinely volunteer at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library and own and operate my own Internet-based small business. Overall, our Democratic Team’s plans will result in smarter, more efficient Township government that is accountable to residents by reducing taxes, cutting elected officials’ salaries to reflect the actual work performed, trimming layers of government and boosting help for local businesses, job-seekers and taxpayers.

Anything else you would like to add? I have worked within the non-profit sector for over 20 years, primarily extending assistance to the needy and vulnerable via social services. As stated above, I am also a small business owner. This background enables me to understand both the public and private sector and how to promote partnership between the two in order to achieve the best outcomes for the residents of Wheeling Township.