Leah Philpot For Oswego Township Trustee: Patch Candidate Profile

Name: Leah Philpot

Age: 35

Position Sought: Oswego Township Trustee

Family: 2 daughters

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? n/a

Education: B.A. Bradley University, Magna Cum Laude Honors

Occupation: Abbott Labs, Business Analyst and Field Representative, 3 years; Home School Teacher, 6 years

Why are you running?

I have spent the last two years researching the finances and business practices of Oswego Township. I have personally investigated many opportunities to improve services provided by Oswego Township while reducing the budget and lowering the tax levy. It was a result of my analysis and FOIA requests that instances of bid stringing were uncovered. It was my research that identified serious deficits of employee and public safety that have since improved. Because of my diligence and attention to detail, public information such as employee compensation and meeting minutes are now openly available to the public. However, improvements must continue and I have shown the time and dedication this position requires in order to run the Township in the most efficient manner possible, something I commit to if elected.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: n/a

Campaign Website: www.PhilpotForTrustee.com

What do you hope to accomplish in office?

If elected, I believe a time clock at the Road District is an absolute necessity. If private businesses operated themselves without a time clock, they would not be in business. Employee compensation is the number expenditure for the Township and it needs to be managed as accurately as possible in order to avoid being taken advantage of. Secondly, I would ensure that large contracts go to public bid. Allowing private companies to charge the taxpayers any amount they see fit is a poor use of finances and will absolutely stop under my leadership. Oswego Township owns the entire unit at 84 Templeton Dr. Two units remain vacant. I would solicit businesses to occupy those units, something the current leadership has done ineffectively. The Township also owns its old office building off of Rt. 71. I would immediately sell that building, something the current board of trustees refused to do for more than a year. Leasing the vacant units and selling the old building will add to the budget and keep taxes down.

How would you hold local government employees accountable?

As mentioned earlier, installing a time clock at the Road District is critical to managing the Township's expenditures. If spending remains hidden or is difficult to acquire, the public will be taken advantage of. Posting any expenditure and bill on the Township's website in real time will allow for greater transparency and give voice regarding expenditures back to the taxpayers. If elected, I will ensure every meeting agenda and all minutes be uploaded to the Township's website.

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

Reducing spending lowers property taxes, makes government more efficient and keeps residents in their houses longer. Longer standing residents take pride in their homes and their communities, improving the quality of education and services provided within the community as well. Trustees are custodians of the taxpayer's dollars. As a local resident, it is also in my own best interest to ensure money is spent in accordance with local and state laws and to the best of its ability so residents that came to Oswego remain in Oswego.

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

In the last two years, I have analyzed and researched the Township's General Ledgers, their Annual Audits, billing and timekeeping procedures and all invoices. I have a better understanding of the workings of Oswego Township's finances than the current board members who act simply as a rubber stamp to approve bills and money spent by the Road District. There are many simple and effective changes, like time clocks and public bidding, that can reduce taxes for the residents. Those are things I'm vested in and can provide if elected.

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

I have raised my two girls here in Oswego. This is the only town they know and remember. The reason I took an interest in Oswego Township's Board is because I want my girls to be raised in a community where elected officials listen to the public, manage their finances, and use common sense when governing. This has not yet happened in the two years I have taken an active interest as an advocate for the us taxpayers. Property taxes here push families out of their homes and cause high turnover in the local housing market. Lower taxes gives families back what they worked hard to earn and puts more money into the local economy, If elected as Township Trustee, I ensure that lower taxes will not be an insolvent phantom of tomorrow. They are something we can all see today.

Photo provided by Leah Philpot