Bertino-Tarrant, Will Co. Executive Candidate: 2020 Election

Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant is running against Nick Palmer in the March 17 Democratic primary to become the next Will County Executive. Four-term Democrat Larry Walsh Sr. announced last year that he would not be seeking a fifth term of office because of health concerns.

Here are Bertino-Tarrant's answers to a questionnaire that Patch submitted to her.

Age: 50

Town/City of Residence: Shorewood

Office Sought: County office

Party Affiliation: Democratic

Family: 2 children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Education: Doctor of Education (Loyola University), Master of Science (University of St. Francis), Bachelor of Science (IL State Univ)

Occupation: Current: State Senator - 49th District.

Previous: Regional Superintendent of Schools, school principal, teacher

Campaign website jenniferforwillcounty.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Current State Senator 49th District- elected in 2012 Will County Regional Superintendent of Schools from 2006 to 2012

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

In short, new growth and development in Will County. Our county is growing, but we need to make sure that growth is responsibly managed. That includes focusing on stabilizing the regional economy and providing new opportunities for residents and businesses. This requires a focused effort on maintaining strong communication and interaction with other local officials.

During my time as State Senator, I made sure the entire Will County region was a priority in Springfield by working with community leaders and across party lines. We have received the lion share of the capital grant program, as well as millions of dollars more in education funding.

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

The key difference is my experience and leadership. As the only person elected to office in this race, I understand the importance of accountability to the people who have elected me. My positions have demanded vision, responsibility, and innovation.

As a State Senator, I have to address the concerns and remain accountable to the citizens of my district, while also maintaining relationships with legislators of both parties who represent the diversity of this State. I’ve accomplished this while working to get millions more in state funding to our schools, raising the minimum wage and ensuring equal pay for equal work, so that all citizens can earn a living wage, and passing stronger remedies to fight sexual harassment and discrimination.

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

Not applicable.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Foster economic expansion; focus on infrastructure.

We need to invest in our critical infrastructure like roads, highways, bridges, railways, community colleges, and public universities in order to foster economic expansion and create jobs in Will County. I have fought to secure funding to improve our infrastructure and to lower and eliminate burdensome fees to encourage entrepreneurs to make Will County their home.

Smarter, more transparent government.
Our county government needs to be smarter when it comes to utilizing technology. Doing so will allow us to make government more transparent, save taxpayer dollars, and ultimately make county services more accessible and affordable. In the Senate, I championed laws to eliminate duplicative units of government and stop misleading accounting practices that obfuscate how money is spent. I want to ensure Will County government can live within these standards in order to better serve our residents.

Expanding county services through collaboration.

Will County is one of the fastest growing counties in Illinois, and government services need to keep pace with growth in our communities. Our public safety complex is a great example of
how government collaboration can work, if operated efficiently. We need focused coordination to address numerous issues amongst our communities, including health services, public safety, and workforce investment.

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

I have the privilege of advocating on the behalf of Will County as State Senator. In that time, I pushed for a comprehensive reform of Illinois’ 20-year-old school funding formula, which in result ensures Will County schools will receive millions more each year to fund our children’s education. I fought to secure funding for projects across Will County to improve our roads, highways and bridges. I worked to protect our seniors from scammers, made hearing aids more affordable, and cut red tape for seniors applying for property tax exemptions. Furthermore, I championed legislation that allows veterans, minorities, women and the disabled the assistance needed in securing loans to start a new business.

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

My term in office would be a success if residents across our entire diverse county felt represented by our county government. For too long, too many parts of this county have been ignored when it comes to representation. I’m running for Will County Executive because I believe that we need a new set of eyes to look at the issues this county faces, and I’ll ensure that county government reflects the diversity and values of all people in Will County.

Why should voters trust you?

Voters can trust me because I’m proud to stand behind my record, and I’m accountable for the votes that I’ve taken. My constituents know that I have always been approachable and honestly address their questions and concerns.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

As Will County Executive, it would be my job to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and efficiently, so that we can do a better job of providing necessary services to residents all across the county.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No, I look forward to serving the full term as Will County Executive.