Campaign Info
Position sought: DuPage County Board District 2
Political Party: Republican
Email: noonank4@aol.com
Phone: 630-656-7856
Town: Elmhurst
Campaign committee: Citizens for Sean T. Noonan
Personal Info
Family: Wife, Kristen; children, Lauren, Caroline and Kevin
Education: Two years at the College of DuPage; currently enrolled at Lewis University (on track to graduate in Spring 2013)
Occupation: Police officer
Previous Elected or Appointed Offices: None
Is there any additional experience you believe qualifies you for the position?
Public Safety consumes approximately 60 percent of the DuPage County budget. I will incorporate my experience as a police officer to make the strong moral, ethical and responsible decisions needed, knowing that the decisions we make may impact our communities for generations to come. I recognize the need for qualified and committed public servants.
Candidate Questions
What would your priorities be if elected to this office?
Job growth and job retention, public safety, fiscal responsibility and low taxes.
What sets you apart from other candidates?
I feel that my background as a police officer coupled with my commitment to serve and protect communities will be an asset to the County Board. As a Police Officer, I am constantly engaging and interacting with the community-thus recognizing the needs and the demands of the citizens. I am committed to keeping our neighborhoods and streets safe. Public Service is a calling, a serious responsibility and a duty.
What can the county do to promote job growth and draw new businesses to DuPage County?
The County Board should continue to work closely with "Choose DuPage," an organization that promotes economic development throughout the county, where their mission is to expand and diversify the DuPage County economy through actions that stimulate business investment in the communities and generate desirable job opportunities for DuPage County residents. The County should also continue to support municipal economic development initiatives. Keeping the taxes low will encourage businesses to stay in DuPage County and will attract new businesses to DuPage County. Keeping the AAA Bond rating is imperative for future economic growth.
What would you do to practice fiscal responsibility in DuPage?
I understand that in order to practice fiscal responsibility, we need to live within our means, using financial resources wisely while making financial decisions in an open and transparent way. I pledge to approve budgets that are affordable, sustainable, stable and responsible. I will promote consolidation in areas where it is feasible. The idea of doing more with less seems to be the healthy trend already occurring, however I strongly feel that in an effort to reduce costs without forcing layoffs, we must reduce first consider reducing payrolls through attrition and retirement.
What ideas do you have for improving the county's infrastructure and transportation?
I feel that the county's infrastructure and transportation issues are regional issues as well as local, however, I will work diligently to seek grants from the State and Federal Government and I will work with the surrounding municipalities to address their needs and concerns in an effort to improve infrastructure and transportation matters. As a police officer, I deal with traffic congestion almost daily. Maintaining the transportation routes is imperative to ensure optimal efficiency. Reducing traffic congestion will equate to a smoother commute. I will also promote public transportation.
In what ways can the county operate more efficiently and improve technologically?
The County Board should continue to focus on consolidation and keeping taxes low. Consolidation can promote a more efficient operation while reducing wasted spending. Low taxes will also keep families in their homes. The County should continue to invest in technology if they can show a return on investments that allows for less expenditures.
Do you support a gaming bill that would increase the number of casinos or other gambling venues in Illinois? Sould a casino be built in Chicago?
No, I do not support a gaming bill that would increase the number of casinos or other gambling venues in Illinois. The County Board passed an ordinance opposing video gambling in unincorporated establishments. Initially, gambling was considered a form of recreation, but according to recent studies, some people allow it to become their lifestyle. Studies also concluded that a person who habitually frequents a casino or gambling establishment spend less time at home, sacrificing their quality time with members of their family. I oppose a casino being built in Chicago.
What do you suggest for property tax relief?
The DuPage County Government is still only 2.8 percent of our property tax bill and there has been no property tax increases over the past five years. If elected to the County Board, I will make sure there is a 0 percent increase in property taxes for the next four years. I feel that we need to keep taxes low while other expenses are rising.
Should the state consider consolidating school districts? What would be the best way to accomplish this in your legislative district?
N/A
Should the state legalize marijuana?
No.
Are there ways to reform the legislative scholaship program, or would you support calls to eliminate the program?
N/A
Who are your political heroes and why?
Joseph Birkett (Former DuPage County State's Attorney). He has been a great example for me of how an elected public servant should serve. Birkett committed himself to serve the citizens of DuPage County as a criminal prosecutor for more than 20 years where he ultimately became the DuPage County State's Attorney. Now an Appellate Judge, Justice Birkett is still a dedicated public servant.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony, sued successfully or had a restraining order placed against you? If so, please explain.
No.
