2017 Election Questionnaire: Larry Newton, Plainfield Trustee

Name: Larry D. Newton

Age: 52

Town of residence: Village of Plainfield

Position sought: Trustee, Village of Plainfield

Family:

wife - Kelly Jo Newton
son - John Newton
step children - Ellen, Zachary, Ben and Daniel Carlson

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: no

Education:

B.S. in Political Science from Elmhurst College, 1987
M.S. in Geography and Environmental Planning, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, 1992

Occupation: Environmental Manager, IMTT-Illinois (one year)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Commissioner, Plainfield Township Park District (2003 - present)

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

Economic development - I would like to see the Village maintain a climate that is conducive to businesses locating here. I would also like to have a serious discussion about a full-time economic development person to attract and retain businesses.

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

My experience includes being part of the budget making process for the Plainfield Park District under the tax cap in Illinois. In addition, the Park District's tax rate remains the lowest among neighboring park districts by a large margin. I believe these two factors have caused the Board and staff to be very frugal, and yet very creative, in meeting the parks and recreational needs of our community. This experience is unique in comparison to the experience of other's seeking election.

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

I don't really see the need to point out anyone else's flaws as an elected official. All the public needs to do is search the archives of the Plainfield Patch and judge for themselves.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Economic development to reduce the property tax burden on homeowners of the Village; investments in infrastructure, because they tend to bring big returns on investment when done correctly; and a commitment to transparent, open government.

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

I believe any elected official should be judged on their ability to effectively communicate, how well they handle constituent services, and demonstrate a level of humility to compromise, when called for, to ensure the entire community benefits from the outcome of a vote.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career.

I learned the importance of seeing people with good character running for elected offices at all levels. We can all take for granted that candidates are of upstanding character and seek office for the right reasons.

Why should voters trust you?

I have an extended career as an elected official. When the Park District experience chaos a few years ago, Mary Kay Ludemann and I were there to stand up for what was right.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

“When I was young I was sure of everything. In a few years, having been mistaken a thousand times, I was not half so sure of most things as I was before. At present, I am hardly sure of anything but what God has revealed to me.” - John Wesley

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?

What are you doing to ensure efficient of tax money entrusted to you and are you ensuring that all operations are performed in an ethical manner?

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

Money collected on behalf of the public to ensure delivery of governmental services should be watched like a hawk. Governments, like households, should live within their means.

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

I have been an elected official (twice re-elected) performing many of the same duties as a Village Trustee since 2003.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Be yourself

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

If you want rational, practical, diligent and ethical representation on the Board of Trustees - consider me.

More via Newton's campaign website

Photo submitted

READ: Who's Running for Plainfield Village Board?