John Connolly

Demographics

Independent

51

Geneva, Illinois

Bachelor's Degree, Mechanical Engineering, Michigan Technological University

Engineer, Illinois Investment Trust

Married

Allison, 20

Andrea, 20

McKenna, 13

On the Record

What experiences do you have that make you a good candidate for office?

I’ve been a Geneva Township Trustee for four years now. Overall, the Township has improved services and held the line on costs. Being a degreed engineer, I have very good analytical skills to find solutions to problems.

What are your top three priorities if elected?

Continue to support a fiscally conservative Geneva Township. Continue to support current Geneva Township services. Be available as much as possible when needed to assist Geneva Township services outside of our meeting times.

Would you support freezing your taxing district’s levy until housing prices rebound? Why or why not?

Actually, the Geneva Township froze tax levies long before it was fashionable to do so. We froze tax levies in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2013. In 2012, we raised the levy 1.5% to deal with increased labor costs. As detailed above, the Geneva Township’s tax levy track record speaks for itself. Yes, the intention would be to continue to freeze levies whenever it is possible to do so.

What one decision by the township board do you most disagree with and why?

Since I am presently part of the Geneva Township Board, it appears this question is more directed to non-incumbents. We’ll continue to have debates such as the appropriate compensation level for the various officer positions; however, I view that as healthy process, which results in the best solution - not a disagreement.

What was the biggest accomplishment of the board in the past year?

Keeping costs down while providing the necessary support to improve services to Geneva Township residents.

Why should voters elect you to office?

I have four years experience as a Geneva Township Trustee. We have frozen tax levies four out of the past five years, kept costs down while providing sufficient support to staff such that they could improve services. My wife and I moved to Geneva 23 years ago and have raised our family (not done yet!) in this great town. I would like to continue to give some time and talent back to my community. I’m a degreed engineer and a good solution finder by training. At the end of the day, this is a public service opportunity, and that is what I would like to do.

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