DuPage Township Democratic Slate Won a Historic Victory

The DuPage Township Democratic slate won a historic victory in the April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election. The results mark the first time since the township’s origin in 1850 that Democrats have been elected to all township offices.

Led by Supervisor-elect Gary Marschke, the Democrats ran a disciplined campaign involving non contact door-to-door visits with voters, mailings, telephone contacts, and online advertising.

“Our primary message was explain township government to many of the voters,” Marschke said. “The presence of municipal governments (Bolingbrook, Romeoville, Naperville) obscured the township’s role.” After explaining that the township is responsible for property valuation, general assistance, and senior services, Marschke said voters embraced the ticket. “We laid out our vision for outreach and transparency so that DuPage taxpayers would know what they’re paying for, and clearly the voters approved. We’re grateful for their confidence.”

DuPage Township includes most of Bolingbrook and parts of Naperville and Romeoville. Assessor-elect Kenneth Harris said he looks forward to raising awareness. “We want to take the mystery out of the property valuation process,” Harris said. “The property valuation determines the amount of tax paid each year to support schools and local services, and taxpayers are entitled to know how that works.”

Township Clerk-elect Barbara Parker plans to improve the operation of the clerk’s office. “Meeting notices and agendas are basic to residents’ involvement. The township offices are there to serve the residents, and their participation is so important.” Her goal is to make that information more widely available through creative use of online tools.” Collector-elect Monty Jackson is excited to be working with the other new officers. “We have a great team,” Jackson said, “and I know we can make things work better for everyone.”

After learning of their victory, the four trustees-elect shared their thoughts. “This is genuinely historic,” said Debi Savage. “We’re excited to get to work expanding senior activities and the other programs.” Added Trustee-elect Terri Ransom, “We talked personally to DuPage Township residents over the months and heard their ideas. We’re all ready to get moving.”

Reem Townsend plans to bring her business career experience to bear in her role as trustee. “There is so much potential in the township. Programs will be reviewed, and the budgets will be made clearly available to DuPage residents before any money is spent,” she said. Trustee-elect Tom Braxton added, “DuPage Township has a rich history going back 170 years. From the beginning of our campaign our goal has been to make good on that legacy and provide the services our residents deserve.”

The formal swearing-in of the new DuPage Township officers is scheduled to be held May 17, 2021.