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Manhattan Township Clerk candidates  Share
Name: Valerie Cooper Vorreyer Address: 245 East Prairie Street, PO Box 167, Manhattan Community Involvement: I am a life long member of the Manhattan United Methodist Church. I also am an avid supporter of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and Children's Memorial Hospital. Professional Background: I worked for several multi-million dollar law firms in Chicago as a paralegal until 2008. After having my first child, I decided that I would like to work locally. I am employed as a Pharmacy Technician at Doc's Drugs in Wilmington and will transfer to the Doc's Drugs in Manhattan when it opens in April. Education: I received a B.S. in Community Health Education from Southern Illinois University and my Paralegal Certificate from Roosevelt University.
Family: I have been married to Robert Vorreyer since 2006. We had our first son, Robert Cooper Vorreyer, in August 2008. My father and step-mother, Edwin and Sandy Cooper, have lived here my entire life. And my mother, Sue Cooper, has been a teacher at the Manhattan grade school for almost 35 years. Why did you decide to run for this position? What do you hope to accomplish? I am the township clerk and I am running for re-election. I am running for re-election so I can continue to serve my community. As the township clerk, I initiated bringing in a $20,000 grant from the state. I want to continue searching for such opportunities for the township. What do you see as the most important issues in the near future? What are the most important issues in your campaign for office? I will continue to search for grants and additional services to provide to the residents of Manhattan Township. Specifically, one of my ideas is to have a shred day for the residents of the township. Identity theft is an issue for everyone, and I would like to help the citizens by bringing in a mobile industrial shredder at least once a year. How do you see this particular governmental body weathering the present economic conditions? Although I am not a voting member of the township board, I believe that the township board is fiscally responsible and spends its tax dollars wisely. I personally declined a raise for my position so if I am re-elected I will be working for the same rate as in the current term. How can the governmental body you're running for maintain or improve the quality of the services it offers? Identify strong points and /or weak points in its services? The township provides general assistance to families in need, houses the food pantry, and supports the Senior Services Center of Will County. The township plans on providing more services to the senior citizens in the future. Most recently, the township has become a local electronic recycling drop off point. Name: Eileen Fitzer Address: 12715 w. Bruns Rd., Manhattan Community Involvement: Volunteer with: Wilson Creek Elementary School, Manhattan Park District and Manhattan Meadows Horse Farm, and worked BINGO for Manhattan Fun Days (2008). Professional Background: Bachelor's and master's degrees, plus 45 additional credits, Chicago School teacher for more than 31 years (retired), Golden Apple nominee, held local school council secretary position, and several Homeowner Association positions. Education: Bachelor's and master's degrees and an additional 45 credit hours in various genres. Family: Son, Guy, and daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and grandchildren, Haley (7), Guy Jr. (5), and Brooke, (6 mos.) Why did you decide to run for this position? What do you hope to accomplish? I have decided to run for township clerk to better serve the people of Manhattan. I feel the community needs more information on the activities and status of the township. Throughout my career, I have been involved on many committees and councils. I feel now that I am retired I will have more time to dedicate to this position and better serve the Manhattan Township as clerk. A township clerk has many duties and responsibilities. There are some things I would like to change and initiate. The following are just some ideas: set up a clerk's Web site to enhance communication, establish programs for children; initiate programs that model area townships; and while actively pursues state and local grants to enhance funding for these programs. What do you see as the most important issues in the near future? What are the most important issues in your campaign for office? During this stressful economic period, funding is going to be an issue for everyone. I feel I am prepared to be dedicated to keeping accurate and current records for the township to stay on top of current issues. Enhancing communication between township trustees and the community is my top priority. As these economic times improve, we will surely see growth in our township. The town people need and expect us to keep them informed about township issues. I will also actively pursue grants and research state and federally funded programs to boost programs for Manhattan. For instance, I would like to research how to start a medication depository for unused medications to prevent contamination of our water supply. I will keep in touch with local state and congressional representatives concerning funding and programming for the community. How do you see this particular governmental body weathering the present economic conditions? I feel the governmental body is doing an excellent job with the funds allocated and will continue to work for the betterment of the Township. How can the governmental body you're running for maintain or improve the quality of the services it offers? Identify strong points and/or weak points in its service. The governmental body must continue to work together in a cohesive manner to initiate and improve programs, and budget wisely. Strong points include cohesiveness of board members, open to new programs, respond to inquiries in a timely manner. Weak points include no web site, lack of grants, lack of communication between the board and community. Russell Publications publishes several community newspapers each week, serving Will, Kankakee, and Cook counties.
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