2017 Election: Stacey Woehrle​, New Trier Township Trustee

Name: Stacey Woehrle

Age: 50

Town of residence: Wilmette

Position sought: New Trier Township Trustee

Family: Married with two school aged sons.

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

Education: BBA -The University of Michigan, CPA

Occupation: 15 years as an audit and finance professional. I have worked for Ernst & Young, Tenneco, Brunswick Corporation and Oracle Corporation. Currently, I am a stay at home mom.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Position: First time candidate

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

My biggest issue is fiscal responsibility with taxpayer dollars. As far as I can tell, The New Trier Township Trustee race has not been contested in over 100 years. I firmly believe that since the voters now have a choice in this race, the conversation has begun as to what is best for NT Township. Communication expenses are over $120,000 annually yet a very low percentage of our residents actually know what services the Township currently delivers to our community. Could we share personnel resources with other area Townships such as Northfield?

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

My professional financial experience (15 years working in auditing/finance) combined with significant social service volunteer work (currently I am the Chair for the Fitting Futures program of the Junior League of Evanston-North Shore which seeks to empower and educate low income women to help them enter or re-enter the workforce). Lastly, my diplomatic personality as I had to work with all levels of an organization professionally and as a mom you continue to have to work with all different types of personalities and do so harmoniously.

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

I would not say that the current board has failed the community. I think we (kathybobstacey) can do a better job of bringing the overhead down significantly and keeping the community informed (if they so desire) with up to date minutes, budgets and actual spending along with both checkbooks online so the Township spending can be open and available to all.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

As stated previously, overhead at 35%+ (and that's without paying rent and any property taxes) is too high for this local level of government. Less overhead means more dollars for our community social services or even a tax levy cut if possible.

Transparency of all things financial - minutes, budget and actual spending and actual checkbook information online and available in a timely manner.

Effective communication as to what the Township does for our community and how to get involved if anyone in the community so desires.

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

Reducing the overhead to a goal of 15%. Also, determining whether it makes sense to rent any unused space in the current Township location on Elm Street in Winnetka. Should the Township relocate to a less expensive area of town? These are areas I would like to explore with the new trustees and supervisor if elected. Also, a user friendly website that posts minutes, budgets and actual spending in a timely manner. Lastly, figuring out the best way to communicate with our residents and lowering the communication expenses at the same time.

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

I think the biggest lesson I have learned in life is that I can't control many things even though often times I would like to be in full control. My husband and I wanted nothing more than to have a second child but things just weren't working out. We pursued the adoption path and after an extremely long wait and many bumps along the way, we were led to our second son. It's important to pursue the right path for yourself but you need to have patience and trust that things will work out the way they are meant to.

Why should voters trust you?

I am a mom that wants to make a difference in our community. I have a unique skill set with my 15 years of professional finance experience (& CPA) along with my extensive volunteer social service experience with the Junior League of Evanston-North Shore.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

I want to lead by example as to how taxpayer dollars should be spent in a local government entity. As a friend told me, it's a drop in the ocean but it's a start. I believe fiscal responsibility can be contagious.

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

Is there a job description for each position and a review process currently in place before raises are given out?

Would job sharing with another local township government entity make sense?

Can we generate more revenue by renting unused office space or perhaps look at relocating the Township to a less expensive location?

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

I want to lead by example by being a good steward of how every single taxpayer dollar is spent.

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

My 15 years of professional financial experience and I am a CPA combined with my years of hands on volunteer experience in a variety of roles but most recently as Chair of the Fitting Futures program with the Junior League of Evanston-North Shore.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Never give up and always do your best.

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

I am a humble citizen looking to make a difference in our community by being a good steward of taxpayer dollars and bring a fresh perspective to New Trier Township. There is a lot of misinformation out in the community about PAC support and that I may have a hidden agenda and it is all false. I can not control who supports me (see my story on control above) or likes me.
I have enjoyed the many conversations I have had with friends and neighbors discussing what the Township is all about and how I can best serve our community in this role if elected.

More via Kathy Bob & Stacey's campaign website

Photo submitted by Stacey Woehrle