Meet Frankfort Township Trustee Candidate: Barbara Dutton

FRANKFORT, IL — Barbara Dutton is one of eight candidates running for four open positions for trustee on the Frankfort Township Board. Dutton is a retired attorney with over 30 years of experience, and previously operated her practice in Frankfort. She is also running for Frankfort Park District commissioner.

Dutton recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and her answers can be found below:

If you are a candidate for the April election, and would like to answer our Patch candidate questionnaire, please email andrea.earnest@patch.com.

Name:

Barbara J. Dutton

Age (as of Election Day):

62

Town/City of Residence:

Frankfort

Office Sought:

Township board

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race):

Democrat

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

BS Business University of IL, Urbana-Champaign (1981), JD IIT/Chicago-Kent College of Law (1984)

Occupation:

30+

Campaign website: Can be found here.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing Frankfort Township is the complete lack of fresh ideas - which has led to the inability of the board to properly serve the residents of Frankfort Township. Some of the members of the current board have been there for many election cycles and others have been there for decades. Our FRESH SLATE intends to survey the residents, explore the programming of other townships and otherwise determine how we can best serve the residents of Frankfort Township. Something that is not being done by the current board.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

To the extent that the vision of the original Black Lives Matter group is "to work for a world where black lives are no longer systematically targeted for demise," how could anyone disagree? I am not in favor of violence. There are many groups claiming to be acting on behalf of BLM and they are actually acting on their own behalf.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

I am unaware of any issues facing the board or any specific efforts taken by the board on this matter. Regardless, there is much work to be done.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

The national coronavirus response during the prior administration was poor, at best. Now that vaccines are being rolled out, medical care is improved and masks are being encouraged, we are already seeing vast improvements. Masks will be with us for quite some time. They work.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

The State of IL has done a very good job of vaccine roll-outs. Every day it gets better. I am unaware if Frankfort Township is involved. It should be.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

For many years, my husband and I ran a very busy law office in Frankfort. I think that my 30+ years of legal experience as well as my office management and time management experiences have provided me with a skill set that no one else in this race possesses.

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

The current board lacks transparency, energy and fresh ideas. For example, take a look at the township website. What does the township do with its funds? Who attends the programming? Are there any metrics available for their spending or programs? What activities do they sponsor? How did the Township adapt the programming during Covid to continue to service the residents of Frankfort Township? Does the Board do anything to encourage the use of the facilities by the residents? How many senior living apartments does the township own? Who lives there? Why does the township an entertainment center? Many questions. Few answers.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Our slate is running on the issues of transparency, accountability and community engagement. We believe very strongly that these issues should be the basis of the new and improved Frankfort Township board.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My ability to simultaneously manage my busy office, my clients, my three very active children with my volunteer and prior board work and other activities is evidence that I am ready to handle the job as Frankfort Township Trustee.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

I would love to see Frankfort Township actually serve the needs of its residents. ALL of its residents. I'd love to see an improved website, a survey of the residents to determine future needs and interests of those who live within the boundaries of Frankfort Township. Expanded programming to include families, kids and teens would be wonderful.

Why should voters trust you?

I am a very dedicated, responsible person. Having managed issues for both large and small financial clients and their confidences for many years in negotiations, and also in court matters, I have learned the importance of hard work, dedication and honesty

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

I believe that the current board is acting in a manner that is far from transparent. Once I am elected, I plan to take a closer look at the Frankfort Township finances, spending and budgets and see how it compares to other area townships of a similar population size.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Don't reinvent the wheel." This is how I have managed my life and why I try to always avail myself of information and resources.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have lived in Frankfort Township for more than 21 years. I love this community. Under state law, Township government has certain responsibilities. The purpose of the township was never to become a land baron or to service less than 10 percent of its residents. Somewhere along the way, Frankfort Township has lost its focus. We deserve to have robust, improved programming and activities provided to us by Frankfort Township that will benefit all residents of the township.