Tom Rowe

On the Record

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

I have served as the Sugar Grove Township Clerk for the past 12 years. I have also worked in local government my entire career and recently retired after 36 years in the field of parks & recreation. I was employed for 30 years with the Fox Valley Park District and managed the Prisco, Eola and Vaughan Athletic Centers during my career there. Most recently I was employed for the past 6 years as the Superintendent of Recreation and Safety Coordinator for the Warrenville Park District. What makes me a good candidate for Township Supervisor is my hands-on experience working in the public sector and establishing relationships and partnerships with other governmental and non-profit agencies over the course of my career.

What are your top three priorities if elected?

1. Provide support and expand youth & senior services at the Township Senior Center and Community House through collaboration with the Sugar Grove Park District, Library, Waubonsee Community College, and other local agencies and non-profit organizations. 2. Automate township operations to make residents more accessible to information and services while improving transparency and accountability. 3. Collaborate with other Sugar Grove taxing bodies to determine interest on a joint purchase of the Prairie Glen Property as a future sports complex.

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

I would definitely support freezing the township tax levy until housing prices rebound. The one exception may be with the Mental Health Levy as services continue to be cut at the state and federal level thereby placing more importance at the local level. My philosophy would be to hold the line on expenses and look for alternative revenue sources such as rental of the new Township Senior Center and sponsorship of senior lunches and programs.

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

Although not necessarily a disagreement, I would like to make a greater effort to support and expand youth and senior services at the Township Senior Center and Community House. I feel the Township has a responsibility and obligation to serve its residents to the best of its ability, especially those who have difficulty helping themselves. The Board has also moved away from partnering on transportation services for seniors and the disabled. If elected, I would like to re-visit township participation in the “Ride in Kane” program for seniors age 63 & older and residents who are disabled.

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

I feel the biggest accomplishment of the current board was transitioning from the loss of the previous supervisor who had 38 years of township experience to a team leadership approach. Updated policies are now in place in the process of approving bills and general accounting procedures. The board also hired a new legal firm who literally wrote the Township Officials of Illinois Laws & Duties Handbook. The new firm represents numerous townships, municipalities, libraries and special taxing districts in Illinois and will be a tremendous benefit to the board as it continues to move forward.

Why should voters elect you to office?

I have served in local government for 36 years with area park districts and townships. I have held various positions at the supervisory and management level and understand how local government works. I have worked face-to-face with taxpayers, community groups and non-profit organizations. I consider myself a good listener to understand the needs and concerns of those I serve. As a recent retiree, I can also dedicate the time it takes to be the Sugar Grove Township Supervisor without the conflict of outside employment that other candidates may have.