Jan Alexander For Oswego Township Trustee: Patch Candidate Profile

Name: Jan Alexander

Age: 68

Position Sought: Oswego Township Trustee

Family: I have 2 adult children and 6 grand children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? I have no family members working in the local government or politics.

Education: I studied labor law at University of Illinois, attended Grand Rapids Business School (Michigan)

I continue to attend classes as time permits as I believe we never should stop learning.

Occupation:

I worked in the rail industry for over 26 years. I was elected and re-elected Chairman of Brotherhood of Railroad and Airline Clerks Local Union which is now known as T.C.I.U. I owned and operated a restaurant and also ran a small decorating service company. I am retired now but continue to work in volunteer service. You may see my list of volunteer
service at : www.facebook.com/janalexandero..

Why are you running?

I am running for office of Township Trustee to correct financial deficiencies as described in the last 4 annual audits, and to update and upgrade the website and bring back confidence and trust in our township government. We need to better utilize our road district employees by not farming out work that used to be done in-house by those employees. I hope to stop the nepotism and other unfair employment practices and eliminate what appears to be bid-stringing.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

I have never ran for a government office before, but I was appointed by the Mayor to the Planning Commission in Itasca Illinois.

Campaign Website: : www.facebook.com/janalexandero...

What do you hope to accomplish in office?

I would work to restore confidence, pride and trust in our township government by working with my fellow board members to find the most cost effective manner to operate and improve services to the community.
Trustees need to take the advise of our auditors and attorneys, and exercise more financial involvement. There seems to be no financial check and balance now by the trustees and that needs immediate attention.
I hope to get our old township building on route 71 sold. That building has been vacant for about 2 years now.
I would work to rent out the 2 units at 84 Templeton. Those units have never been rented. Also since the township salaries have been reduced by $65,000. annually, I would like to see that money used to improve township services and infrastructure

How would you hold local government employees accountable?

Employees must be held to the standards outlined in work rules and policies. As a Trustee I would support these rules and policies fully. For example, I have already drafted and submitted a suggested policy on hiring practices. I believe the Board should take action when rules and policies are being violated and if necessary the employee would be dismissed and his/her position be declared vacant

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

I believe we should always work to get the best value for our tax dollars. Currently, we are being overcharged for work projects. That would have to end immediately. Bills would be checked for accuracy well in advance of the monthly meetings. The trustees must check the bank deposits
and withdrawals on a regular basis.

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

In the past I have owned and operated businesses. I have never gone into bankruptcy. I was in charge of bank accounts as financial-secretary treasurer of a labor union for many years. I handled thousands of dollars daily as a ticket agent at one of Metra’s busiest stations and my accounts always balanced with the bank.

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

I was successful in real estate and that allowed for my early retirement. I am fully retired and can dedicate my time serving the community as Oswego Township Trustee.

Photo provided by Jan Alexander